Turkmenistan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Earthquake

Turkmenistan to Send Tents, Food, Other Aid to Afghanistan; Quake Toll Rises

Turkmenistan plans to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as the death toll from an earthquake there increased to more than 2,200, Afghanistan’s Taliban government said on Thursday. Rashid Muradov, Turkmenistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said “urgent humanitarian assistance - including clothing, tents, medicine, and food - will soon be delivered” to Afghanistan, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on X. Muradov announced Turkmenistan’s aid plans in a telephone conversation with Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s foreign minister. The Afghan minister thanked Muradov and “assured that the mentioned aid will be delivered to the needy people in a timely manner,” his office said. Some international donors have previously expressed concern that the Taliban diverts aid for its own purposes rather than delivering it to those most in need. The U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction recently released a report that it said looked into how “the Taliban diverts U.S. aid dollars intended for needy Afghans and the culture of denial within the international aid community, which thwarts effective measures to mitigate that diversion.” A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern areas in Afghanistan on Sunday, and rescue efforts have been hampered by a lack of infrastructure and mountainous terrain. Kunar was the hardest hit province, and parts of Nangarhar and Laghman provinces were also affected. The Afghan Red Crescent Society said on Thursday that at least 2,205 people died and 3,640 others were injured. “Many people are trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the society said. Like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan shares a border with Afghanistan and has said it is ready to help with quake relief. Central Asian countries have sent aid to Afghanistan in the past as they build ties with the Taliban and work on diversifying trade routes. Security concerns remain. Tajik border guards and Taliban fighters exchanged fire in an area along the Tajik-Afghan border on Aug. 24, though the two sides later met in an effort to reduce tensions.

Comics

“Ergenekon Is Not Just a Myth, It’s a Cultural Bridge”: An Interview with Artist and Designer Emre Erdur

Today, comics and visual storytelling are increasingly going beyond entertainment. They are becoming part of a cultural dialogue, helping audiences reconnect with their roots. One such project is the graphic novel series The Legend of Ergenekon (Ergenekon Destanı), created by Turkish artist and designer Emre Erdur. The Legend of Ergenekon is a Turkic origin myth that tells of a people driven into a remote valley after defeat in battle, where they lived in isolation for centuries until a blacksmith forged a path through the surrounding mountains. Guided by a gray wolf, they emerged to reclaim their strength and expand across the steppe. In Central Asia, the story symbolizes resilience, unity, and renewal, often invoked as a metaphor for nations overcoming hardship to reassert independence and identity on the Eurasian crossroads. It resonates strongly in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, where Turkic identity, language, and heritage are foundational. Born in Istanbul and trained as an architect at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Emre Erdur worked for many years in the entertainment and design industries. Since 2019, however, he has dedicated himself to developing a multi-volume graphic novel series inspired by ancient Turkic history and mythology. His work was first presented at a festival in Taldykorgan. As part of his research, he visited the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana and collaborated with historian Assoc. Prof. Dr. Talgat Moldabay to ensure historical accuracy. [caption id="attachment_35647" align="aligncenter" width="1824"] Image: Emre Erdur[/caption] For Central Asia, Ergenekon Destanı is more than a creative project; it represents an effort to connect a shared heritage through the language of comics and popular culture. In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Emre Erdur spoke about his inspiration, research, the role Kazakhstan plays in his work, and his plans for expanding this unique visual universe. TCA: You were born and educated in Turkey, yet you chose to dedicate yourself to wider ancient legends and Turkic history. When did you first feel drawn to this theme? Erdur: Yes, I was born in the westernmost corner of Turkic geography, but every individual in this world has cultural roots that reach out and nourish them. Naturally, as an artist, the desire to draw from and explore my own roots is an inner force. Although I was born and raised in Istanbul, you can find traces of our roots as far as Yakutia in Russia, Buryatia, Mongolia, the Altai, further south in East Turkestan, in the Gobi Desert, and even in Korea. None of these places feels separate from us; you can sense the connection. Of course, as a human being, every part of this world is valuable and fascinating; each region holds its own beauty and heritage. But there is also something called “national identity,” which is different from our individual identity. Our soul cannot be confined to this world; it knows no geography or race, it belongs beyond time and space. Yet during our lifetime on Earth, we do carry both national and individual identities, and defining them correctly...

SCO Summit

Central Asia Advances Agenda at Record-Breaking SCO Summit in Tianjin

At the opening ceremony of the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Central Asian leaders in a group photo. The Tianjin summit - China’s second time hosting the SCO and its “largest-ever” summit - was attended by all five Central Asian presidents alongside a host of key countries. In his welcome speech, Xi highlighted that the SCO now bears “greater responsibility” for safeguarding regional peace and stability, and said the summit was expected to produce a new 10-year development strategy. Xi proposed fast-tracking an SCO development bank, pledging 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in aid plus 10 billion yuan in loans to seed the fund. Xi also urged members to oppose a “Cold War mentality” and support an inclusive, multilateral trading system in a pointed rebuke to recent U.S. tariffs. Central Asian Leaders and Their Messages Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the summit for his delegation, thanking Xi and praising China’s “consistent policy aimed at strengthening security, stability, economic cooperation, and cultural ties within the SCO framework.” In his address, Tokayev marked the symbolic 80th anniversaries of the end of World War II, noting the value of unity and solidarity which he said the SCO embodies. Tokayev reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s support for a multipolar world order, respect for sovereignty, and mutually beneficial trade and investment, and pledged to keep combating the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Beyond the opening remarks, Central Asian leaders used the summit to lay out their strategic priorities. Speaking at the heads-of-state meeting, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan called for further reform of SCO institutions and expansion of its dialogue partners. Mirziyoyev advocated for new cooperation mechanisms - a regional center for critical materials, a “Unified SCO Transport Space” linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, digital platforms, and green energy corridors - and proposed measures to boost intra-regional trade. Notably, Mirziyoyev urged the signing of an Agreement on Trade Facilitation, saying it “will give a boost to the growth of intra-regional trade within the SCO area.” In his closing remarks, he congratulated Kyrgyzstan’s Sadyr Japarov on assuming the SCO chairmanship for 2026, setting up the next summit. Tajik President Emomali Rahmon did not address the leaders’ meeting, but in a pre-summit interview, he highlighted China’s role in the SCO, crediting China with significant investment in Tajik infrastructure and energy, and welcoming Beijing’s proposal to locate an SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. "We are confident that the center will make tangible contributions to strengthening regional cooperation and combating illicit drug trafficking," he stated. As a founding member, Rahmon stressed that the SCO’s top priority has long been Central Asian security and said that Tajikistan fully backs China’s Tianjin agenda, citing Beijing’s support for roads, tunnels, and power lines in Tajikistan. The incoming 2026 chair, Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, met with Xi on August 31, reviewing plans to deepen all-around cooperation. Xi stated that China will fully support Kyrgyzstan in...

Society

Watches Bearing Berdimuhamedov Portraits Become Unofficial Currency in Turkmenistan’s Security Sector

In Turkmenistan, wristwatches adorned with the images of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his father, former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, are increasingly being used as informal bribes by citizens dealing with law enforcement. Chronicles of Turkmenistan reports that these timepieces, once symbols of official loyalty, have evolved into an unofficial currency within the country’s security apparatus. Distributed primarily through the company Sagat Turkmenistan, the watches are embellished with silver-plated cases, gold accents, precious stones, and the emblems of various law enforcement agencies. Prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 Turkmenistani Manat (TMT), or approximately $870-1,450. But few security officers reportedly pay for them out of pocket. Instead, citizens facing potential criminal prosecution are expected to offer the watches as “gifts” to investigators. “If you are told that a criminal case will be brought against you, then you need to buy such a watch and go to the investigator. This does not mean that the case will be closed. But it is the first payment,” said a resident of the town of Bayramali who had prior dealings with law enforcement. The standard version comes with a black leather strap, although a white version is seen as particularly luxurious. In some instances, investigators reportedly request a strap upgrade, an added cost that the briber must cover. The practice is not limited to security services. In May 2024, The Times of Central Asia reported that in the Balkan region, heads of state institutions were required to purchase similar watches featuring the Berdimuhamedov portraits. Prices ranged from 1,500 to 3,000 TMT ($435-870 at the official rate, or $75-150 on the black market), depending on the design and seniority of the buyer. Higher-tier models feature both Serdar Berdimuhamedov in a black tie and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in a red tie, along with the Turkmen flag and a map of the country. Simpler versions show only one portrait, or a portrait combined with national symbols. All public sector entities, including institutions in healthcare, education, communications, transport, and law enforcement, were reportedly compelled to participate. Senior officials were instructed to purchase the higher-end watches, while lower-level managers had to acquire less expensive models. The use of personalized accessories as symbols of political loyalty is not new in Turkmenistan. Under former president Saparmurat Niyazov, watches featuring his image were widely distributed among schoolchildren and state employees. “We saw watches with the president’s image during Niyazov’s time. It is not surprising that Serdar [Berdimuhamedov] has also started producing gift watches with his portraits. Now all that remains is for him to start erecting monuments to himself throughout the country,” remarked an employee of a state-funded organization in the city of Turkmenbashi. What began as a tool of soft propaganda has now transformed into a transactional item, part status symbol, part bargaining chip, in the interactions between citizens, officials, and security services.

Education

Knowledge Day in Central Asia: What’s Changing in Schools This Academic Year?

Secondary schools across Central Asia are embracing modern teaching methods and aiming to elevate the status of teachers, as the new academic year begins with a wave of reforms. Kazakhstan: AI in Classrooms and Teacher Protections In Kazakhstan, the academic year begins on September 2, as Constitution Day on the 1st is a national holiday. Over 370,000 first-graders are expected to enter school this year. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, significant reforms are underway in the country’s education system. Amendments to the Law “On the Status of Teachers” will shield educators from non-teaching duties and protect them from undue legal responsibility. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that educators should not be held accountable for incidents involving children that occur outside school or due to parental negligence. New “personal safety” lessons will also be introduced across all educational levels, from kindergartens to colleges. These age-appropriate classes will cover topics ranging from water safety and interaction with strangers to cyberbullying, financial literacy, and legal awareness. Schools and colleges are also rolling out DosbolLIKE, an anti-bullying initiative piloted in 50 schools last year, designed to curb bullying in student communities. Artificial intelligence will be introduced into the curriculum via “Digital Literacy” and “Computer Science” classes. AI-focused online courses called Day of AI are now available for grades 1-11, with training programs also developed for teachers. Despite the construction of 1,200 new schools accommodating over a million students in recent years, the high birth rate continues to strain infrastructure. In Almaty alone, the shortage exceeds 34,000 school places. Uzbekistan: Ivy League Aspirations and Civic Values In Uzbekistan, school also starts on September 2, a customary date. The first lesson will be conducted under the motto: “In the name of the Motherland, in the name of the nation, in the name of the people!” According to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, 738,000 first-graders will receive gifts from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. An international school is set to open this September, initially enrolling 60 top-performing graduates of the 8th grade. The curriculum will include leadership and social activism training, with a focus on preparing students for admission to Ivy League universities. A nationwide talent identification and development program is also in development. The weekly Kelazhak Soati (“Hour of the Future”) class will debut this year, aiming to strengthen students’ moral values and encourage reflection on their future roles in society. Kyrgyzstan: Transition to 12-Year Education This academic year marks Kyrgyzstan’s official transition to a 12-year education system. The reform affects lesson structures, curricula, and textbooks. The transition, to be completed by 2028, includes the redistribution of students across grade levels. For example, third graders born in 2015 will skip to fifth grade, and sixth graders born in 2012 will advance to eighth grade. Further shifts are scheduled for the next two academic years. While the extended education model is expected to allow deeper learning and skills development, the transition period may cause confusion among students, parents, and educators. Adapting to new...

SCO Summit

Opinion: China’s Diplomatic Power Play Unfolds in Tianjin

On August 31, the next SCO Plus summit will begin in the Chinese city of Tianjin and run through to September 1. Judging by the list of participants, China, under Chairman Xi Jinping, is positioning itself to challenge the United States for influence over the global geopolitical agenda. As part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Xi will host a formal banquet for the attending heads of state, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Xi is also scheduled to chair the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and lead the expanded SCO Plus session - the largest since the establishment of the organization - where he will deliver a keynote address. Clues to the themes of Xi’s speech can be found in the diverse array of leaders expected to attend. Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Liu Bin confirmed at a Beijing press conference that among the SCO member states, participants will include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Several leaders from non-member states will also join, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh; Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev; Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto; and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, whose participation suggests Ashgabat’s cautious but growing interest in regional dialogue. Also in attendance will be the prime ministers of Armenia (Nikol Pashinyan), Cambodia (Hun Manet), Nepal (Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli), Egypt (Mostafa Madbouly), Malaysia (Anwar Ibrahim), and Vietnam (Pham Minh Chinh). The summit will also host key international institutional leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres; SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev; CIS Secretary-General Sergey Lebedev; ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn; CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov; EAEU Chairman Bakytzhan Sagintayev; and AIIB President Zhou Ji. Kazakhstan will be prominently represented. In addition to President Tokayev, three high-profile Kazakhs mentioned above - Yermekbayev, Tasmagambetov, and Sagintayev - will attend in their capacities as heads of international organizations. Their presence signals Astana’s growing diplomatic weight and reflects the strategic outreach led by Tokayev, himself a former UN Deputy Secretary-General. This background likely contributes to the rapport between Kazakhstan and Guterres. The summit will also inevitably draw attention due to the presence of the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders, figures central to the ongoing realignment in the South Caucasus. Both Baku and Yerevan have increasingly distanced themselves from Moscow, favoring closer ties with Turkey and the United States. The recent peace agreement between Aliyev and Pashinyan, signed in the presence of President Trump, underscored the growing American role in the region and the diminishing influence of Russia. While Moscow appears willing to tolerate this shift, Tehran views it with deep concern, especially after its recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Russia, for its part, seems to be signaling disengagement from the region. Its silence in response to Baku and Yerevan’s Western overtures suggests strategic apathy, if not withdrawal. Beijing, of course, is...