Life & Culture - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 1504

Tourism Industry

Kyrgyzstan Earned Almost $1.1 Billion from Tourism in 2025

Kyrgyzstan’s tourism industry continued to expand in 2025, remaining an important contributor to the country’s economic growth. According to the National Statistical Committee, revenue from foreign visitors reached $1.098 billion in 2025, up from $1.016 billion in 2024. Tourism accounted for 3.8% of GDP, compared to 3.6% the previous year. At the same time, Kyrgyz citizens spent $564 million on travel abroad. As of January 1, 2026, the country had 148,100 registered tourism-related businesses. Revenue from passenger transportation serving tourists across all modes of transport totaled nearly 17.3 billion soms (approximately $197 million), compared to 16.9 billion soms in 2024. Kyrgyzstan’s main tourist attractions include Lake Issyk-Kul and its mountain ski resorts, with the largest and most popular located in Karakol. In recent years, more than 95% of foreign tourists have come from neighboring Central Asian countries and Russia. According to the Tourism Development Fund, most visitors arrive from Uzbekistan, followed by Kazakhstan and Russia. At the same time, the number of tourists from Arab and European countries, as well as from China, India, and the United States, has been steadily increasing.

Football

Uzbekistan´s Footballers Prep for World Cup with Friendlies at Home

Uzbekistan's national football team will play friendly matches against Gabon and Venezuela in the coming days as part of its preparation for this year’s FIFA World Cup. First up for Uzbekistan is Gabon on Friday at Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent, followed by a matchup with Venezuela on Monday, March 30 at the same location. Trinidad and Tobago is also participating in the round of friendly matches, and will face Venezuela and Gabon at Pakhtakor Stadium, which is also in the Uzbek capital. Uzbekistan will compete in the World Cup for the first time and faces some tough contenders in the four-member group K. Its first match is against Colombia in Mexico City on June 17. The Uzbek national team then heads to the United States to play Portugal in Houston on June 23. The fourth member of group K is yet to be determined, pending the outcome of play-off matches. Uzbekistan will play that final group match in Atlanta on June 27. Uzbekistan’s team is led by coach Fabio Cannavaro, a former defender who was captain of Italy’s winning team in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Emergency Response

Mosques in Uzbekistan Begin Broadcasting Emergency Alerts in New Warning System

Uzbekistan has introduced a new system for warning citizens about emergencies using mosque loudspeakers, significantly expanding the reach of early warning messages across the country. The initiative was reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. According to a UNDP report, the project provides a technical solution aimed at strengthening Uzbekistan’s multi-hazard early warning system. As part of the pilot phase, special alert broadcasting devices have been installed in 272 mosques across seven regions: Fergana, Jizzakh, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Samarkand, Syrdarya and Tashkent. These devices enable authorities to transmit emergency messages through mosque loudspeakers. UNDP noted that mosques were selected because of their established role in local communities, and their wide geographic distribution. Most are equipped with powerful external loudspeakers capable of covering distances of between 500 and 2,000 meters. Since announcements are broadcast outdoors, residents within range can receive alerts regardless of whether they are inside the mosque. Project estimates cited by UNDP suggest that the system could reach around 6.5 million people, including vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Another advantage highlighted in the report is its potential reliability during disruptions to mobile networks or electricity supply, when conventional communication channels may be unavailable. UNDP also stated that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise Uzbekistan’s early warning capabilities in response to growing climate-related risks. Alongside mosque-based alerts, 28 large outdoor screens have been installed along major highways in densely populated areas to provide emergency information. The wider project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented jointly by UNDP, the Ministry of Emergency Situations and Uzhydromet, focuses on improving preparedness for hazards such as floods, landslides, avalanches, mudflows and drought, particularly in Uzbekistan’s eastern mountainous regions.

Public Art

Monument to Human Chain Rescue Unveiled in Almaty

In 2016, residents of Almaty formed a human chain to rescue a dog and its owner who had become trapped in a river. Ten years later, in March 2026, an art installation commemorating the dramatic rescue was unveiled on the Ulken River, which flows into the Sairan Reservoir, one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. The sculpture stands near the site of the incident. The dog had fallen into the water and was unable to climb out because of the steep riverbanks. Its owner climbed down in an attempt to help but also became stranded. Witnesses then joined forces to pull them to safety. A video of the rescue quickly went viral, reportedly attracting about 15 million views on the Daily Mail’s Facebook page and a further 6.5 million views across other social media platforms. International television networks also covered the story. The installation depicts a chain of people holding onto one another, symbolizing solidarity and mutual assistance. The hand of the final figure extends beyond the fence, allowing visitors to grasp it and symbolically take part in the rescue. City officials said the sculpture was funded by private donations. According to media reports, the identities of the individuals who took part in the rescue remain unknown. “The concept of the installation is based on the ideas of mutual aid, solidarity, and unity. The composition shows figures linked in a chain, symbolizing support and collective action in overcoming difficulties. It is inspired by an image that resonated widely with the public and reflects values close to every resident,” an official statement said. [caption id="attachment_45900" align="aligncenter" width="286"] Still from the 2016 rescue video[/caption] The installation was created by Yerbosyn Meldibekov, a prominent contemporary artist from Kazakhstan whose works are held in museum collections in Antwerp, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other cities. This is not the first time that acts of animal rescue in Kazakhstan have inspired artistic tributes. In 2019 in Almaty and in 2020 in Karaganda, murals were painted on residential buildings in memory of forestry inspector Yerlan Nurgaliyev, who was killed by poachers. The murals depict him holding a rescued saiga calf and are based on a photograph that went viral after his death. The incident took place in January 2019 in the Karaganda Region. Game wardens Pyotr Nitsik and Yerlan Nurgaliyev were pursuing poachers illegally hunting saiga antelopes when they were attacked. Nurgaliyev was killed, while his colleague survived with serious injuries. The perpetrators were later detained. Nurgaliyev was posthumously awarded the Order of Barys for bravery and self-sacrifice in the line of duty, and Nitsik also received a state award.

Podcast

Pannier and Hillard’s Spotlight on Central Asia: New Episode Out Now

As Managing Editor of The Times of Central Asia, I’m delighted that, in partnership with the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, from October 19, we are the home of the Spotlight on Central Asia podcast. Chaired by seasoned broadcasters Bruce Pannier of RFE/RL’s long-running Majlis podcast and Michael Hillard of The Red Line, each fortnightly instalment will take you on a deep dive into the latest news, developments, security issues, and social trends across an increasingly pivotal region. This week, the team examine a series of major developments across Central Asia, from the results of Kazakhstan's constitutional referendum to the announcement of new Chinese-funded border outposts and fortifications along Tajikistan's frontier. We also look at the continuing fallout from the security shake-up in Kyrgyzstan, with further arrests and resignations, as well as the increasingly strange foreign movements of Turkmenistan's senior leadership while war continues to rage just across the border in Iran, alongside Tehran's threats to strike Turkmen infrastructure. The episode then turns to the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of the heaviest fighting in months is raising fresh questions about border stability, regional security, and the risk of wider spillover. Finally, for our main story, we bring on a panel of experts to discuss the growing issues surrounding the Rogun Dam and its resettlement project, and how both are likely to affect the states downstream. On the show this week: - Eugene Simonov (Rivers Without Boundaries Coalition) - Mark Fodor (Coalition for Human Rights in Development)

TCA Interviews

Why More Students in Kazakhstan Choose to Study Abroad

An increasing number of students in Kazakhstan are considering education abroad. For some, it offers access to high-quality academic programs; for others, it provides opportunities to gain international experience, learn new languages, and improve career prospects. Interest in foreign universities is growing among school graduates and their parents, who increasingly view overseas education as an investment in their children’s future. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, 678,100 students were enrolled in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. At the same time, data from the International Trade Administration indicate that more than 90,000 Kazakhstani citizens are currently studying abroad. Sanzhar Uvashev, an employee of InterPress Abroad, a company that assists applicants seeking admission to foreign universities, spoke about the factors influencing students’ choices and the opportunities offered by international education. TCA: Tell us about your work. What does your organization do? Uvashev: Our company helps students apply to universities abroad. We support applicants in selecting academic programs, preparing documents, and navigating the entire admissions process. One of our distinguishing features is that we are not limited to a specific list of partner institutions or countries. We can assist students in applying to a wide range of universities, depending on their individual preferences. TCA: Which countries are currently the most popular destinations? Uvashev: We work with a broad range of destinations, particularly the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, as well as countries across Europe and Asia. Recently, students have shown greater interest in exploring multiple options rather than focusing on a single country. Some prioritize studying in an English-speaking environment, others seek more affordable tuition, while some focus on scholarship opportunities and employment prospects after graduation. TCA: What opportunities exist today for students from Central Asia to study abroad? Uvashev: Opportunities are expanding. Many universities are paying closer attention to applicants from Central Asia, as international students contribute to a more diverse academic environment. As a result, institutions are offering scholarships, tuition discounts, and preparatory programs. Awareness of the region is growing, and with it the range of options available to students. TCA: Why do students continue to choose the U.S. and other destinations? Uvashev: The U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations because of its strong universities and perceived career opportunities. At the same time, countries such as Italy, Austria, and China are also attracting interest. Italy and Austria appeal to students because public universities there can offer relatively affordable, and in some cases almost free, education. China has gained popularity due to the quality of its universities, their rising positions in global rankings, and the availability of scholarships for international students. TCA: Are there programs that allow students to study free of charge? Uvashev: Yes. Students often inquire about scholarship schemes that significantly reduce tuition fees or cover them entirely. Examples include the Bolashak international scholarship program, Stipendium Hungaricum, and Erasmus Mundus. These initiatives provide talented applicants with real opportunities to obtain an education abroad, provided they are well...