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Is Beijing’s Educational Diplomacy Turning the Dial on Central Asian Public Opinion?

OSH, KYRGYZSTAN – On the eastern bank of the Ak-Buura River, a mini-Chinatown is developing. At Osh’s old bus station, buses and taxis hawk their services to Kashgar, 300 kilometers away over the Pamir Mountains in China’s Xinjiang Province. Blue-plated SUVs stand by the roadside, sporting the 新 character that also symbolizes their origin in Xinjiang. At the Kelechek Bazaar, hordes of money changers shout the best rates for Dollars, Uzbek Som, and Chinese Yuan. Tucked away from the mêlée behind the Peking Hotel is the five-story Confucius Institute. “The Chinese language is in huge demand right now,” said Ali, a student who has moved to Osh from nearby Uzbekistan to study here. He believes the move will be good for his career. “It’s the best opportunity for anyone in this region,” he told The Times of Central Asia, before enthusing about his plans to study in China next year. [caption id="attachment_30054" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] The Confucius Institute in Osh, Kyrgyzstan; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] “There’s a strong possibility that the younger generation will have a more positive view towards China,” Yunis Sharifli, a non-resident fellow at the China Global South Project told TCA. “This is good for China-Central Asia relations because we know that in the past, anti-China sentiments have hindered cooperation.” Chinese diplomats often refer to win-win diplomacy, where engagement between states can lead to positive outcomes for both sides. This is viewed with understandable cynicism by those who see Beijing’s diplomacy as entirely self-interested, but when it comes to education, even if we avoid the term win-win, the opportunities that it offers young Central Asians are hard to deny. In return, China hopes to create a network of influence and goodwill from people like Ali. Nevertheless, the jury is out on whether it is working. [caption id="attachment_30053" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] China-plated cars are an increasingly common sight in Kyrgyzstan; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] Swelling numbers Given that numerous questions have been asked about the accuracy of China’s own population data, monitoring the number of foreign students in the country can be a fiendish task. The consensus is that the numbers are increasing. Chinese state media outlet Xinhua claimed that student numbers grew from 11,930 to 29,885 between 2010 and 2018, and have recovered since the pandemic. One recent report put the number of Kazakh students alone at “approaching 20,000”. These numbers are unlikely to dethrone Russia as the top destination for Central Asian students any time soon. Moscow claimed in 2023 that 168,000 Central Asians were studying in the country, with around a third of them being funded by the Russian government. However, Sharifli believes that Russia’s luster is beginning to wane. “Moscow State University has historically been very attractive for Central Asian people, particularly in the social science or the technical fields,” said Sharifli. “But since the war [in Ukraine] began there has been a lot of discrimination against Central Asians in Russia.” This was demonstrated in a recent account given to The Times of Central Asia by...

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How Nauryz Became a National Celebration in Kazakhstan: A History in Archival Photographs

Spring solstice as an astronomical phenomenon was noticed by man in ancient times. It became associated with the rebirth of nature, the arrival of a new cycle. This cosmic phenomenon was especially honored in the cults of Indo-European tribes, ancient Slavs, and Celtic tribes. The holiday has taken its rightful place in the cultures of Central Asia - since ancient times it has been celebrated by Iranians, Afghans, Tajiks, Azerbaijanis, Uzbeks, Uighurs, Kyrgyz, and Kazakhs. It is worth noting that even Muslims in the region recognize the significance of the ancient holiday. Restoration of traditions With the advent of Soviet power, Nauryz was recognized as a relic of tribal rituals and banned. According to official sources, the ban was in effect from 1926 to 1987. In 1987, in the territory of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, which was part of the USSR, the holiday was resumed, albeit informally. This is evidenced by photos of springtime Almaty (then called Alma-Ata, the capital of the Union Republic). [caption id="attachment_30001" align="aligncenter" width="582"] The first celebration of Nauryz in Alma-Ata. Students of the Alma-Ata Zooveterinary Institute – participants of the theatrical performance. Alma-Ata 1987[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30002" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Horse racing at the Nauryz festival in the village of Narynkol. Alma-Ata region, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30003" align="aligncenter" width="538"] Participants and guests of the Nauryz holiday playing the Kazakh national game “Togyzkumalak”. Alma-Ata 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30004" align="aligncenter" width="537"] A participant in an archery competition during the Nauryz holiday. Alma-Ata 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30005" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Participants of the republican aitys dedicated to the celebration of the national holiday, Nauryz. Alma-Ata, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30006" align="aligncenter" width="428"] At the opening of the national holiday Nauryz. Alma-Ata, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30007" align="aligncenter" width="430"] "Altybakan" - national swing, installed by students of the Alma-Ata Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages for the Nauryz holiday. Alma-Ata, 1989[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30008" align="aligncenter" width="446"] People's Artist of the USSR Roza Baglanova (center foreground) with war veterans during the celebration of Nauryz. Alma-Ata region, Kegen district, 1989[/caption] Years of Independence In 1991 Nauryz in Kazakhstan gained official recognition. By the decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the day of the vernal equinox - March 22 - was declared the day of the national spring holiday “Nauryz meiramy”. Ten years later - in 2001 - Nauryz became a public holiday and was included in the list of national holidays. Since 2009, three days have been set aside for its celebration in Kazakhstan, which were declared non-working days. This status has been maintained to this day. [caption id="attachment_30010" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Students performing national dances during the celebration of Nauryz at the Almaty branch of the St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. Almaty, 2014[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30011" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Theatrical performance during the celebration of Nauryz. Almaty, 2018[/caption]

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Cardiff University to Open New Campus in Kazakhstan

Cardiff University in Wales has announced plans to open a new campus in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, later this year. The move represents a major step in the university’s global expansion and underscores its commitment to providing world-class education in Central Asia. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Cardiff University Kazakhstan will begin offering programs in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Business in 2025, with undergraduate programs to follow in 2026. The Astana campus is being developed in partnership with the not-for-profit Public Foundation “Qualified Centre of Education” (QCEF). To ensure broad access, the Kazakh government has pledged to provide up to 500 fully funded scholarships over the first three years of the campus's operation. The initiative aims to make high-quality education accessible to talented students across Kazakhstan. Once fully operational, the campus is expected to accommodate more than 2,500 students annually, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce and supporting economic growth in the region. Cardiff University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, said: “We are excited about the opportunities that the Cardiff University Kazakhstan campus will create. It is clear from our extensive discussions with the Kazakh government, investors, and other stakeholders that this initiative will be truly reciprocal and mutually beneficial.”

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Tajik Entrepreneurs Return to Kyrgyz Markets

Following the reopening of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, Tajik entrepreneurs have resumed visits to markets in Batken Oblast, Kyrgyzstan. Local media report that residents are welcoming the return of their southern neighbors. Once a week, the market in Ak-Turpak village becomes a hub of activity, drawing sellers and buyers from across the region and neighboring countries. A major draw is Batken rice, which resellers purchase in bulk for export to Uzbekistan and Russia. According to local vendors, the market can sell up to 200 tons of rice on a busy day. Rice is cultivated across 3,000 hectares in this border region and remains a vital source of income for many farmers. With the border now open and economic ties restored, buyers from Isfara, Tajikistan, have begun frequenting the Ak-Turpak market, offering a welcome boost to Kyrgyz vendors. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, residents of Batken’s border districts also benefit from cross-border trade, often finding it more economical to purchase certain fruits and vegetables in Tajikistan than in Kyrgyzstan’s oblast centers. On March 13, 2025, following the signing of bilateral agreements, the Kairagach and Kyzyl-Bel border checkpoints in Batken Oblast officially reopened. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Border Guard Service, approximately 5,000 people crossed the Kyrgyz-Tajik border between March 13 and 17. An additional 500 individuals crossed by air. Prior to the agreement, all crossings had remained closed since 2021.

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Urban Legends of Central Asia: The Global Allure of Supernatural Tales

Supernatural TV series coming out of the U.S. have captivated audiences with their blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy. Shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Stranger Things explore themes of good versus evil, the unknown, and human resilience in the face of extraordinary threats. Their storytelling and relatable characters have created devoted fan bases and influenced pop culture. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Supernatural, the television series that evolved into a global cult phenomenon over its 15-season run and was a hit in Kazakhstan. The show followed the Winchester brothers as they hunted ghosts, demons, and other preternatural beings, drawing on local legends and folklore. But tales of the uncanny are not exclusive to the American Midwest. Central Asia - and Almaty in particular - offers a rich tapestry of urban myths that could easily serve as material for a local paranormal series. Recent years have seen an explosion in the horror/paranormal genre across Central Asia, with domestic productions now outperforming foreign blockbusters at the box office in Kazakhstan, something which was unthinkable just a decade ago. The Hitchhiking Ghosts of Almaty One of the earliest episodes of Supernatural features a ghostly hitchhiker, an image that Almaty residents might find eerily familiar. “I often drive the Kapchagay highway past midnight,” said Vadim, a resident of a village north of Almaty. “A couple of times I’ve seen a figure in white, just like the one my grandfather used to talk about, the ghost of a girl thumbing for a ride. If you stop, she asks you to call her parents and gives you a city phone number. But it’s an old Soviet six-digit number. When people called, someone on the other end would say their daughter had died long ago.” In another variation, the phantom begins to flirt with the driver, until he looks down and sees that instead of feet, she has hooves. There are multiple versions of this legend. Another ghostly hitchhiker is said to haunt Zhandosov Street near a former fruit and vegetable factory, reportedly foretelling fatal accidents. A third ghost is rumored to dwell in a bank building at the intersection of Seyfullin and Shevchenko streets, which is allegedly constructed upon the grave of a woman who was murdered. This last tale, however, doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The building once housed a design institute and later a high-end nightclub, hardly the kind of place a malevolent spirit would haunt. Local students and clubgoers have reported no paranormal activity. The Martyr of Baum Grove Baum Grove in Almaty has long been the subject of ghost stories, many centered on a buried treasure and the murder of an Orthodox bishop during the Russian Civil War. While the Soviet authorities never investigated the legend, literature offers a clue. In his 1925 novel Mutiny, Bolshevik writer Dmitry Furmanov recounted the extrajudicial killing of a bishop outside the city by drunken Red Army soldiers. Historical records confirm that on September 16, 1918, troops from Ivan Mamontov’s punitive detachment abducted Bishop...

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Celebrating Nauryz: A Timeless Tradition of Unity, Renewal, and Heritage in Central Asia

Nauryz is more than just a holiday - it is a symbol of spring renewal, harmony, and unity that has been celebrated by the peoples of Central Asia for centuries. Marking the arrival of the spring equinox, Turkic communities welcome the New Year with purification rituals, festive gatherings, and traditional games. While the holiday shares common roots across the region, each country celebrates it uniquely, reflecting its distinct cultural heritage. Nauryz has survived through the centuries, and despite the evolution of the celebration in the modern era, it continues to unite people through traditions. Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is celebrated on a large scale, transforming cities and villages into festival grounds filled with folk rituals, sporting events, and cultural performances. The holiday begins with blessings from elders and family visits. At the heart of the festive table is Nauryz-kozhe, a traditional soup made from seven ingredients, each symbolizing key values in life. “Nauryz without Nauryz-kozhe is not Nauryz," Daniyar, 29, from Almaty, told The Times of Central Asia. "When I was a child, my grandmother told me that eating it would bring luck for the year. That’s why the whole family gathers around the table.” Beyond feasting, Nauryz is a time for competitions. Among the most popular are kokpar, an equestrian contest where riders traditionally competed for a goat carcass - now often replaced with a dummy version (serke), asyk atu, a traditional game of precision using sheep bones, and kazaksha kures, a national wrestling competition. “As a child, I always looked forward to this day because it was when I could see adults displaying strength and skill," Sanzhar, 25, from Taraz, told TCA. "These traditions are passed down through generations and strengthen our culture.” Ancient customs also come to life during the festival. People wear traditional Kazakh attire, exchange gifts, and partake in purification rituals. “When I put on a [traditional] Kazakh costume, I feel a deep connection with my ancestors. There’s something magical about this holiday - the aroma of freshly cooked kozhe, the sound of the dombra, the folk dances, and the spirit of unity. It’s a day to remember who we are and take pride in our culture,” said Aizhan, 40, from Astana. [caption id="attachment_29953" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Nauryz celebration in Almaty; image: TCA[/caption] Kyrgyzstan In Kyrgyzstan, Nauryz represents renewal and rebirth. The celebrations begin with a cleansing ritual, where people clean their homes, courtyards, and even their minds, symbolizing a fresh start. Hospitality plays a central role, as it is customary to host and visit seven guests, symbolizing openness and strong social bonds. Like in Kazakhstan, Nauryz-kozhe is a staple of the festive table. However, Kyrgyz cuisine also features kuurdak, fried meat with potatoes and onions, and osh - also known as plov or palov - emphasizing the tradition of generous feasting. The holiday is further enriched by national sporting competitions, including horse races, wrestling (kuresh), ordo, a traditional strategy game, and arkan tartysh, a tug-of-war contest. “For us, Nauryz is more than just a holiday....