Tajikistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 127

Lenin Falls in Osh: Central Asia Redefines Its Soviet Legacy

The recent removal of a towering 23-meter-tall monument to Vladimir Lenin in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, has ignited heated debate both domestically and abroad. While many are surprised the monument remained in place for more than three decades after the fall of the Soviet Union, its dismantling is part of a broader regional trend of de-Sovietization, a complex process involving the renaming of cities, removal of Soviet-era symbols, and the reassertion of national identity across Central Asia. A Symbol Removed, A Debate Ignited [caption id="attachment_32769" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Osh, October 2024; image: TCA, Jonathan Campion[/caption] On June 7, Osh authorities dismantled what was once the tallest Lenin statue in Central Asia. Originally installed in 1975, the monument is to be relocated to a city park, according to the local government. Officials stressed the move was intended to improve the city’s architectural landscape, not to make a political statement, and have warned against "politicizing" the issue. Despite official reassurances, the move has sparked sharp reactions on social media and in the press, with Russian media outlets characterizing the relocation as an anti-Russian gesture. Generational divides have become apparent: younger residents tend to support the removal, while older citizens have expressed dismay over what they see as the erasure of history. “It’s a shame. It was more than a monument, it was part of our lives,” Elena, a local schoolteacher told The Times of Central Asia. “We joke that Lenin crossed the ‘red line’ and got demolished.” Irina Bayramukova, a 68-year-old public figure, called the decision a mistake. “The Lenin monument by Nikolai Tomsky was not only artistically significant, it represented an era. Removing it is like declaring war on those who identify with that past,” she told TCA. Kyrgyzstan, like other Central Asian republics, has been distancing itself from its Soviet legacy since gaining independence in 1991. One of the earliest symbolic moves was the renaming of the capital, once called Frunze after a Bolshevik military leader, back to Bishkek, a modified version of its pre-Soviet name. A Museum to Mikhail Frunze still stands in Bishkek, where the thatched-roof hut of his boyhood was purportedly transported brick by brick. A supporter of Stalin’s rival Zinoviev, when forced to undergo routine surgery by Uncle Joe in 1925, Frunze “mysteriously” died of chloroform anesthetic poisoning. Redefining History [caption id="attachment_32778" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Lenin Monument in Bishkek; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Originally erected in 1984 in the Central Square of Bishkek, a Lenin statue was relocated behind the State Historical Museum in 2003. As previously reported by TCA, earlier this year a debate on removing the monument altogether flared up. In 2022, the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek finally reopened its doors after being closed in 2016 for renovations which were planned to take less than a year but ended up taking six years. Several government officials were charged with misappropriating funds designated for the renovations, with former Prime Minister Sapar Isakov sentenced to 18 years in prison. Reportedly, over...

Home Uzbekistan Tajikistan Local Politics Kazakhstan Local Politics Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics Uzbekistan Features Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Tajikistan Features Turkmenistan Features Features Kazakhstan Featurees Kyrgyzstan Features Uzbekistan Local Politics

Victory Day in Central Asia: Honoring Sacrifice Amid Shifting Narratives

For the countries of Central Asia, Victory Day holds a deep significance. Although debates over the nature of the May 9 commemorations have intensified in recent years, the importance of the holiday remains unchallenged. A War That Touched Every Family Attitudes toward the celebration marking the defeat of Nazi Germany are largely shaped by each nation's level of participation in the war effort. Kazakhstan mobilized over 1.2 million people, nearly 20% of its pre-war population of 6.5 million. Of these, more than 600,000 perished at the front, with an additional 300,000 dying in the rear due to malnutrition, forced labor, and inadequate medical care. With a similar sized population, Uzbekistan sent approximately 1.95 million people to the front - or one in every three residents. Around 400,000 Uzbeks did not return home. Over 500 Kazakhstani and more than 300 Uzbekistani soldiers were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. [caption id="attachment_31602" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Eternal flame and Crying Mother Monument, Tashkent; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] Kyrgyzstan, home to just 1.5 million people at the time, sent over 363,000 to the front. Approximately 100,000 perished, and 73 received the Hero of the Soviet Union medal. Tajikistan mobilized more than 300,000 troops, with over 100,000 never returning. Fifty-five Tajiks received Hero of the Soviet Union honors. Turkmenistan, with a population of 1.3 million, sent around 200,000 soldiers and officers; 16 received Hero status. Central Asian soldiers played vital roles in major battles, including the defense of Moscow. They helped liberate territories across the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The region also contributed 20-30% of its horse population, then a central component of local economies, for military use. The war profoundly reshaped Central Asia. Thousands of Soviet enterprises were relocated to the region, fueling industrialization. Millions of refugees from Nazi-occupied zones found sanctuary in Central Asian republics. Many children were taken in by local families and raised as their own. Today, many in Central Asia feel that outsiders fail to grasp the weight of Victory Day. While countries like the UK, U.S., Italy, and France recorded wartime deaths of 380,000, 417,000, 479,000, and 665,000 respectively, the USSR suffered over 26 million losses. German losses are estimated at 8.4 million. Celebrating Amid Controversy Recent years have brought a shift in how Victory Day is perceived in Central Asia. Symbols such as the Guards ribbon, criticized for echoing imperial Russian motifs, have sparked debate. Some argue that the holiday reflects colonial oppression, as the peoples of Soviet Asia were conscripted into a foreign war. These debates have grown louder since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, with some now viewing the May 9 celebrations as a tool of Russian influence in the region. Nonetheless, Central Asian leaders have rejected efforts to "cancel" Victory Day, reaffirming its deep personal and national resonance. Efforts to distinguish the celebration from Russian state narratives are evident. Many events now emphasize patriotism rather than Soviet nostalgia. On May 7, Kazakhstan held its first military parade in Astana in seven years,...

Central Asia Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of Border Fence with Tajikistan

Kyrgyzstan has launched construction of a border fence along its frontier with Tajikistan in the Batken region, according to a report by 24.kg. The project commenced near the village of Koshmolo in the Tort-Gul area, a strategically significant location where the borders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan converge. An official ceremony marking the start of the project was held at a nearby border marker. Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister and head of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, addressed the event via video link. Other senior officials in attendance included Director of the Border Guard Service Major General Abdikarim Alimbaev and Aybek Shamenov, the presidential representative in Batken. To facilitate the project, a field operations camp has been established, and specialized construction equipment has been deployed. Authorities report that all necessary logistical conditions have been prepared for personnel working on site. “Today we are witnessing a significant event of great importance for the citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The Border Service will make every effort to complete the development work within the established timeframe. Our goal is to create a zone of security and tranquility on the shared border,” said Alimbaev. 420 Kilometers of Fencing Planned in First Stage In its initial phase, the project aims to install barbed wire fencing along 420 kilometers of the border. The entire border fortification is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The initiative follows a pivotal agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed on March 13 in Bishkek. During a bilateral summit, the presidents of both countries reached a historic deal to fully delimit and demarcate the 1,006-kilometer border after years of disputes and sporadic clashes.

Central Asia Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Features

From Malnutrition to Water Scarcity: UN Identifies Key Threats to Food Security in Tajikistan

A new United Nations report titled Food Security and Nutrition Outlook for Europe and Central Asia 2024 has outlined the major challenges facing Tajikistan in nutrition, public health, and sustainable agriculture. The report identifies chronic malnutrition, rising childhood obesity, and vulnerability to climate change as the principal threats to the country’s food system. According to the findings, Tajikistan continues to face a dual burden: while undernutrition remains a persistent issue, obesity is on the rise, particularly among children. In 2022, nearly one in seven Tajik children under five (13.1%) suffered from stunting due to chronic malnutrition, while 9.9% were affected by wasting, well above the global target of 3%. At the same time, childhood obesity has seen a dramatic increase, with the proportion of overweight children rising from 4.6% in 2000 to 21% in 2022. Efforts to address these issues are further complicated by Tajikistan’s climate vulnerability and water management challenges. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the national economy and food supply, is particularly susceptible to shifting weather patterns. Although the government is implementing reforms, including the adoption of a new Water Code in 2020 and a watershed management system planned for completion by 2026, water scarcity remains a critical concern. Water user associations are playing a growing role in this transformation. The report also highlights gender disparities in the agricultural workforce. Women represent a significant share of those employed in agriculture, yet many work informally, without pay or legal protections. The UN urges action to ensure women have equitable access to land, resources, and decision-making processes. Beyond Tajikistan, the wider Europe and Central Asia region is not immune to food insecurity. As of 2023, 107 million people, 11.5% of the population, faced moderate or severe food insecurity, with 24.5 million in acute need. In Central Asia, 2.3 million people, around 3% of the region’s population, do not meet minimum daily energy requirements. The crisis is exacerbated by economic instability, climate change, and geopolitical tensions, including the war in Ukraine. While child malnutrition and anemia in women have declined across the region, adult obesity is increasing and now exceeds 20%. Meanwhile, 7.1% of children under five are overweight, and nearly 64.3 million people (6.9%) cannot afford a nutritious diet, an enduring challenge despite comparatively better regional indicators than global averages. The UN emphasizes the vital role of water in securing the region’s food future. Rising demand for meat and dairy products is straining already scarce water resources. Outdated infrastructure, pollution, data gaps, and insufficient regional cooperation are all significant barriers to water security. To address these challenges, the report calls for investment in water-saving technologies, reuse strategies, and reduced agricultural water footprints. Achieving long-term sustainability, the UN argues, requires an integrated approach, one that links nutrition, climate adaptation, gender equality, and modern water governance. The report was developed with the input of seven UN agencies, including FAO, UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and WMO. International partners have expressed readiness to support Tajikistan in identifying and implementing durable, systemic solutions.

Central Asia Turkmenistan Home Home Uzbekistan Tajikistan Local Politics Kazakhstan Local Politics Uzbekistan Opinions Turkmenistan Turkmenistan Local Politics Tajikistan Uzbekistan Home Local Politics Tajikistan Opinions Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Opinions Tajikistan Home Opinions Kyrgyzstan Opinions Kazakhstan Opinions Features Kyrgyzstan Home Kazakhstan Home Uzbekistan Local Politics

Power Shifts in Central Asia: The Unpredictable Path of Leadership

European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships Josef Sikela has concluded his tour of Central Asia, a visit conducted against the backdrop of global geopolitical turbulence. Unlike previous engagements, where European officials often criticized the region’s leadership for a lack of democratic progress, Sikela refrained from making demands on local governments. Historically, Europe has accused Central Asian states of authoritarianism and the entrenchment of long-serving leaders. However, the idea that power is uniquely permanent in the region is increasingly questioned. Critics point to Western examples, such as Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure as Germany’s chancellor, and alleged electoral manipulation within the EU, such as in Romania, where elections were annulled after an undesired candidate’s victory. Meanwhile, in Central Asia, even presidents once considered “eternal” have eventually left office, sometimes peacefully, sometimes under turbulent conditions. Kyrgyzstan: The Unpredictable Outlier Kyrgyzstan is often described as a "democratic exception" within Central Asia, yet its history is marked by political instability and frequent leadership changes, arguably more so than in many of the world’s most conflict-prone regions. The country’s first president, Askar Akayev, held power from 1990 to 2005. Though re-elected three times, his rule ended in March 2005 when protests erupted over parliamentary election results that heavily favored pro-government candidates. Demonstrators stormed the Government House in Bishkek, prompting Akayev to flee. Reports, though unverified, claimed he was smuggled out wrapped in a carpet. Following Akayev’s ouster, Kurmanbek Bakiyev took power, but his rule ended in 2010 after violent unrest. His downfall was allegedly facilitated by Kazakhstan’s intelligence services, and he later found political asylum in Belarus under President Alexander Lukashenko. Since Bakiyev’s departure, Kyrgyzstan has continued to experience political turbulence. Presidents Almazbek Atambayev (2010-2017) and Sooronbai Jeenbekov (2017-2020) both left office under pressure. Atambayev’s tenure saw a diplomatic fallout with Kazakhstan, while Jeenbekov resigned in 2020 amid protests over parliamentary elections. His successor, Sadyr Japarov, remains in office, but whether he will complete his term is an open question. Uzbekistan: Reform Within Limits Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan’s first post-Soviet leader, ruled for over 26 years before his death in 2016. While he maintained a strictly centralized government, his tenure was also marked by violent crackdowns, most notably the Andijan uprising in 2005, which resulted in a Western diplomatic fallout. His successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has introduced some reforms, loosening restrictions on civil liberties and the economy. However, the fundamental structure of state control remains intact, with opposition movements still tightly monitored. Kazakhstan: From Nazarbayev to Tokayev Kazakhstan’s transition from Nursultan Nazarbayev to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is often described as managed succession rather than a genuine power shift. Nazarbayev, who led Kazakhstan for nearly three decades, officially stepped down in 2019, yet retained significant influence until the January 2022 unrest, which forced him to relinquish much of his remaining power. These protests, initially sparked by fuel price hikes, rapidly escalated into anti-government riots. While official accounts describe the unrest as an attempted coup orchestrated by figures within Nazarbayev’s inner circle, critics suggest Tokayev used the crisis to consolidate power....

International Affairs Central Asia Tajikistan International Affairs Uzbekistan Tajikistan Local Politics Tajikistan Kyrgyzstan International Affairs Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics Uzbekistan International Affairs Uzbekistan Local Politics

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan Reach Border Agreement After Years of Negotiations

After nearly two decades of discussions, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have officially determined the junction point of their shared borders. Kamchibek Tashiyev, head of the Kyrgyz National Security Committee, presented the final border demarcation to Kyrgyz lawmakers, AKIpress reported. On March 19, Tashiyev stated that trilateral negotiations on this issue had been ongoing since 2007. Government delegations from the three countries held six meetings before reaching an agreement. The dispute over the exact location of the border junction remained unresolved until a March 2025 meeting in Dushanbe, where representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan finalized the demarcation. During the meeting, Tashiyev displayed a map marking the agreed border point in blue. He noted that Uzbekistan had previously suggested a location marked in green, while Tajikistan proposed a spot marked in red. Accepting these alternative proposals would have left key roads outside Kyrgyzstan's territory. Under the final agreement, Kyrgyzstan retains approximately 100 hectares of land, which, although uninhabited, includes an important road. This breakthrough follows a March 13 border agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aimed at ending long-standing tensions that had made their shared border the most volatile in Central Asia for over a decade. The deal was underscored by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s first visit to Bishkek in nearly 12 years, highlighting its importance. As part of the agreement, the two countries also agreed to reopen the Kairagach (Leilek district) and Kyzyl-Bel (Batken district) border checkpoints, which had been closed for nearly four years. Both checkpoints resumed operations on March 13.