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Tajikistan Has Baked the World’s Tallest National-Themed Cake

In Dushanbe, 15 pastry chefs and representatives of the World Federation of Restaurant Sports (WFRS) from Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan set a world record by making a cake weighing 200 kg and 2.10 meters high. This culinary masterpiece became the world's tallest nationally-themed cake, which was confirmed by the Eurasian Rating Agency (ERA). The cake was transported by truck to Abulkasim Ferdowsi Park and placed on a decorated table. A copy of the 45-centimeter-high Ismoil Somoni monument was placed on the cake, and the confectionery had a square base with a side of 1.1 m. The cake was decorated with gingerbread figures of Tajikistan's landmarks, national ornaments, and more than 300 marshmallow elements stylized as watermelons, melons, grapes, and other fruits. Pastry chef Natalie Vee said the cake is designed for 100-200 people. The team created it in four days, using 160 eggs, 25 kg of sugar, about 45 kg of sugar paste, several kilograms of flour, and about 30 liters of juice. “We have set records in Russia, Africa, and Europe. This is the first record for Tajikistan, and I hope it will remain for a long time,” said Alexander Rabinovich, chairman of the ERA's Service and Hospitality Committee and WFRS secretary general. He explained that the cake preparation coincided with World Chef's Day and the national holiday Mehrgon. On that day, Ferdowsi Park also became the center of Mehrgon celebrations, where a harvest and culinary fair was organized, offering vegetables, fruits, honey, and drinks from different regions of Tajikistan. Two cake records stand out for their impressive scale and global attention. The tallest cake, created in Indonesia for a Christmas event in Jakarta in 2008, reached an astounding 33 meters. Equally remarkable is the record for the longest cake, stretching 5,300 meters, made in India in 2020. Both cakes captivated international audiences with their sheer size and uniqueness.

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Migrants in the Crossfire: Russia’s Recruitment for Ukraine War Sparks Tensions

Russia’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine has increased the demand for additional forces, and, in response, Russia is increasingly viewing the use of migrants as a good solution to the situation. As of September 1, 2024, official figures state that 3,985,000 citizens of Central Asian countries lived in Russia. Uzbekistan leads the way with over 1,792,000 migrants, followed by Tajikistan with more than 1,231,000, Kazakhstan with 606,900, Kyrgyzstan with 262,800, and Turkmenistan with 92,000. Some Central Asian migrants have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense to participate in the war, motivated mainly by financial incentives. However, economic reasons are not the only factor driving them to war. People from Central Asian countries who have received citizenship are also being threatened with imprisonment for failing to join the war effort. TCA has previously reported on efforts by officials to recruit young men detained at the Sakharovo immigration processing center to join the Russian army and fight in Ukraine. In addition, a decree issued by Vladimir Putin has simplified the process for foreigners who join the military to gain Russian citizenship. In contrast, Central Asian governments have looked to discourage their citizens from engaging in the conflict. For example, Uzbekistan has warned that any citizen involved in the Russia-Ukraine war will face legal consequences. In October 2023, an Uzbek citizen who fought in Ukraine for financial reasons was sentenced to three years in prison by a Uzbek court. The defendant had returned to Uzbekistan after being wounded in the conflict, and authorities discovered military documents and proof of his Russian citizenship during their investigation. By September 2024, a growing number of Central Asians had perished in the war, including 47 Uzbeks, 51 Tajiks, and 26 Kyrgyz nationals. In Kazakhstan, since 2014, following the start of the war in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, criminal liability was been introduced for citizens who participate in armed conflicts abroad. A person who commits such an offense can be punished with imprisonment for up to 12 years, face the confiscation of property, and be deprived of their citizenship. For example, in November of last year, a 34-year-old man from Kazakhstan was imprisoned for six years and eight months for participating in the war in Ukraine. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have also applied measures involving the deprivation of liberty their citizens who participate in the war. Tajikistan’s economy significantly depends on remittances from labor migrants in Russia, which account for approximately one-third of its GDP. Despite the war in Ukraine, over 1.7 million Tajik citizens sought work in Russia in the first half of 2022. However, reports indicate that many Tajik migrants are being sent to Ukraine against their will, raising concerns. The situation further deteriorated after a terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in February 2024. Tajik nationals were among the primary suspects, leading to a shift in Russia’s attitude towards Central Asian migrants. Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, expressed concerns over the violations of Tajik citizens’ rights in some CIS countries, calling for a...

Tajik Opposition Calls for Global Action Against Rahmon Regime’s Human Rights Violations

According to Azda TV, the Tajik opposition movement “Reform and Development of Tajikistan” has appealed to the governments of the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, and countries of the EU, to support efforts for peaceful and constructive dialogue between the Tajik opposition and President Emomali Rahmon’s government. The movement called the global community to help resolve the crisis in Tajikistan, where Rahmon’s regime targets political opposition, civil society, and independent media. They highlighted human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and the persecution of journalists, activists, and lawyers. Sharofiddin Gadoev, the movement’s leader, called for key goals, such as freeing political prisoners, ending the repression of journalists and activists, ensuring free speech, and having an independent press. He also called for laws in Tajikistan to meet international human rights standards and for free, fair elections involving all political groups. In this regard, the movement “Reform and Development of Tajikistan” called on the international community for “coordinated actions to protect human rights and support democratic processes in Tajikistan, as well as to strengthen political pressure on Emomali Rahmon.” The movement has said: “Tajikistan is a country with a young population. For this generation, the absence of democratic alternatives and opportunities leads to the risk of radicalization. This vacuum of democratic choice can be used by extremist groups, which threatens not only Tajikistan but all of Central Asia. The country may be on the verge of destabilization in the ongoing crisis and the lack of effective reforms. This will create a stream of refugees and strengthen extremist movements, which will become a serious challenge in the field of security.” The movement is calling on the International Criminal Court to investigate Rahmon’s regime of serious crimes like torture and disappearances. They have asked for help before, urging the release of political prisoners and an end to repression, but so far, the Tajik government has ignored these calls, and human rights abuses continue.

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Tajikistan Court Issues Harsh Sentences to Opposition Group 24 Leader and Associate

A Dushanbe court has handed down sentences to two opposition activists: Sukhrob Zafar, leader of the banned Group 24 (G24), and his associate Nasimjon Sharifov. Zafar was sentenced to 30 years and Sharifov to 20 years in prison. The verdict was announced on October 10 behind closed doors in the Dushanbe pre-trial detention center, and according to Radio Ozodi sources, it fully complies with the state prosecution's request. Official structures still need to confirm this information. Representatives of G24 say the sentences relate to the charges of “calls for violent change of the constitutional order” spread through the Internet. They consider these accusations unfounded and call the case politically motivated. In their opinion, the trial was conducted under pressure from the authorities and was a manifestation of Emomali Rahmon's government's repressive policy. Both activists previously lived in Turkey, where they were hiding from the Tajik authorities. Suhrob Zafar had been there since 2014 and had received repeated threats. He was detained several times at Tajikistan's request but was soon released. Sharifov had also been living in Turkey since 2015 and was detained three times but released each time. In March 2024, they mysteriously disappeared, and only in August it became known that they were taken to Dushanbe, where an investigation against them began. The trial, according to G24 representatives, was yet another example of human rights violations and political repression. The organization claims that the trial was held under tremendous pressure and calls the authorities' actions an act of suppression of dissent. Supporters believe that the repression of activists continues as part of the anti-opposition policy that the Tajik authorities have been pursuing for years. G24 is an opposition organization founded in 2012 by businessman Umarali Kuwwatov, who left Tajikistan after conflicts with the authorities. The movement opposes President Emomali Rahmon's policies, accusing him of corruption and authoritarianism. In 2014, Tajikistan's Supreme Court declared the organization extremist after calls for protests and banned its activities, including websites and publications. The group's founder was killed in 2015 in Turkey, raising suspicions of involvement by Tajik authorities.

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Tajikistan to Strengthen Protection of Mulberry Trees

In a move to strengthen its silk industry, Tajikistan's parliament has approved amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, increasing fines for damaging mulberry trees. Bakhodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Environmental Protection Committee, who forwarded initiative, emphasized that the new measures will help protect the environment and restore mulberry plantations, which are vital for silkworms. Under the new rules, individuals damaging mulberry or other crops will face a fine of three to five calculation indexes. In comparison, officials can be fined seven to ten indexes (for 2024, 1 calculation index is 84 somoni, equivalent to $7.50). The final amounts will be approved following the adoption of amendments to the Code. Because the leaves of the trees are the main food base for mulberry silk worms, their preservation is critical for the restoration of an industry which has suffered a sharp decline over the last 30 years. In 1991, the country produced 4,528 tons of silk cocoons but by 2024, this figure had fallen to 361 tons. According to experts, the reason for the decline is a reduction of mulberry plantations, especially on private land on which trees have been felled and sold as firewood. Back in 2021, in an address to parliament , Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, called for special attention to be paid to the development of silk farming, emphasizing its importance in creating jobs, especially for women and girls. To encourage cocoon processing, he also waived land tax for a period of ten years on areas where mulberry trees are grown. Despite such measures, the situation barely improved. In response and to achieve its aim of increasing silk production to 1,867 tons by 2027, the Tajik government has introduced a program to plant over 4.3 million mulberry trees across the country. The total area covered by mulberry trees in Tajikistan is currently about 5,500 hectares. In addition to their economic importance, mulberries play an essential role in environmental conservation. Mulberry trees prevent soil erosion and the spread of dust storms. Also of note, is that rich in vitamins C, K, iron, and potassium, the berries provide an important food source and are widely used in traditional medicines. Additional measures to protect mulberry trees include strengthening local authorities' control over land allocation for new plantations and preventing the felling of existing trees. A comprehensive approach, including economic incentives and administrative measures, is expected to help Tajikistan bring silk production back to its previous level and make it one of the country's leading agricultural sectors.

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Tajikistan’s Acute Hunger Issue

Tajikistan has been recognized as the hungriest country among the former Soviet republics. According to the Global Hunger Index prepared by the International Food Policy Institute, 8.7% of the country's population faces food shortages, and ranked 65th out of 127 countries in the world, is on par with countries such as Nicaragua and Ghana. Lower index scores equal less food problems. Assessments of hunger are based on child mortality, stunting, and wasting and in recent years, Tajikistan has consistently ranked lowest among post-Soviet countries in the Global Hunger Index. Despite attempts to improve the situation, the country remains one of the most vulnerable in the region. Today, 18.4% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition, 5.1% are wasted, and 3% of children do not survive to the age of five; all indicative of serious food security problems in the country. According to the Global Hunger Index, malnutrition varies widely across the former Soviet Union. The best results are demonstrated by Uzbekistan, which ranks first among countries with minimal hunger issues. In the republic, less than 2.5% of the population faces food shortages. Stunting affects 6.5% of children; wasting ,2.4% of children, and infant mortality does not exceed 3.1%. Uzbekistan was the only Central Asian country to rank highly among the 22 former Soviet republics with the lowest hunger rates, including Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Georgia. Belarus and Lithuania consistently demonstrate a high level of food security, making them among the leaders of the former Soviet republics. Armenia and Kazakhstan, in contrast, rank 23rd and 25th, respectively, demonstrating moderate nutritional problems among the population. Moldova, ranked 26th, has a similar situation: malnutrition remains relatively low but requires attention. Kyrgyzstan ranks 36th and Ukraine 46th, indicating average hunger levels. Turkmenistan was ranked 50th. The situation is particularly dire in Africa, which tops the list of countries with the most significant hunger problems. South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, Yemen, and Chad, recognized as the hungriest countries in the world, experience extremely high rates of child mortality and malnutrition among their populations.