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Celebrating Russian Orthodox Easter in Central Asia: A Fusion of Traditions and Cultures

Russian Orthodox Easter, known as Pascha, is one of the most significant and joyously celebrated holidays among Russian communities worldwide, including those residing in the diverse tapestry of Central Asia. This celebration, deeply rooted in religious traditions, brings a unique blend of spiritual solemnity and communal festivities that stand out amidst the landscapes of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Heart of Russian Orthodox Easter The essence of Russian Orthodox Easter lies in its adherence to the Julian calendar, which often sets the celebration on a different date from Easter observed by Western Christian churches following the Gregorian calendar. The focal point of this celebration is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a moment of immense spiritual rejoicing and the culmination of the Holy Week, preceded by the Great Lent, a period of fasting and penitence. Easter Traditions Transcending Borders In Central Asia, Russian Orthodox communities maintain their rich cultural heritage through distinctive Easter traditions. The ritual foods - Kulich, a tall, sweet yeast bread, and Paskha, a cheese dessert shaped into a pyramid to symbolize the Tomb of Christ, are central to the celebration. Eggs, painted in vibrant colors with a predominance of red, symbolize new life and hope, serving as both decorative items and gifts exchanged among friends and family. Easter Eve is marked by a solemn service that extends into the early hours of Sunday. The service begins in pitch darkness, symbolizing the tomb's interior. At midnight, churches and homes alike are filled with light and joyous exclamations of "Christ is Risen!" to which the response is "Indeed He is Risen!" This exchange, sometimes accompanied by threefold kisses, underscores the communal and inclusive spirit of Easter celebrations. A Celebration Amidst Diversity Despite the predominantly Muslim backdrop of Central Asia, the observance of Russian Orthodox Easter across the region is a testament to the religious freedoms and interfaith harmony that prevails. Local authorities and communities accommodate and respect these celebrations, making way for processions, services, and the public sharing of Easter foods and greetings. The open expression of such traditions fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect among the region's mosaic of cultures and religions. Cultural Fusion and Community Russian Orthodox communities in Central Asia not only preserve their traditions but also open avenues for cultural exchange. Easter festivities often see a blend of local and Russian customs, creating a rich, multicultural celebration. From the blessing of Easter baskets in churches to community gatherings and charitable acts, the essence of Easter - renewal and hope - resonates across diverse landscapes. Conclusion Russian Orthodox Easter in Central Asia is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. It exemplifies how deeply-held religious traditions can coexist and flourish amidst diversity, bringing people together in celebration of shared values of rebirth, joy, and eternal hope. In the heart of Central Asia, Easter remains a vibrant and unifying force, showcasing the beauty of cultural convergence and the universal message of peace and renewal inherent...

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Turkmenistan Using Almost All Available Water Resources With No Additions in Sight

Meteojournal has reported that Turkmenistan's State Statistics Committee has published a voluntary national review of its progress in implementing the global agenda for sustainable development until 2023 on its website. According to MeteoJournal, in 2021, almost all water resources in the country – 92% – went to agricultural needs. Another 5% was used by industry, and only 3% went to household needs. At the same time, Turkmenistan used almost all available fresh water resources, and due to increasing consumption, the country has no additional water sources. In 2016, the utilization rate of water resources reached 97.5%; in 2018, it had dropped to 89.9%, then in 2020 it reached 85.2%, and in 2021 -- 87.1 percent. Meteojournal stated that the increase in demand for fresh water can be met only through its rational use. According to the review, 95% of the population has access to clean and safe water, whilst 99.9% of the population uses water supply services organized in compliance with safety requirements. The share of safely treated wastewater in 2022 was 57.4%. Meteojournal, which familiarized itself with the review, noted that Turkmenistan - which possesses huge potential for using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy - is currently not harnessing its potential. The review mentioned the construction of a 10-megawatt (MW) hybrid power plant using solar and wind energy in Kyzil-Arvat. The project was planned to be completed in January 2024, but has yet to open, and local media haven't reported any updates on the pace and status of the work.

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Death Toll Rises to 137, as Russia Continues With Ukraine Narrative

On Monday, the Kremlin updated the death toll from Friday’s terror attack at the Crocus City Hall to 137, with another 182 confirmed injured. This came after the four suspects appeared in court, charged with committing a terrorist act. Russia’s former president and prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, spoke of imposing the death penalty for the first time in Russia since 1996, stating, “Should they be killed? Necessary. And it will be. But it is much more important to kill everyone involved. Everyone. Who paid, who sympathized, who helped. Kill them all.” In the wake of the devastating attack, Russia has escalated security measures at crucial transportation centers and postponed several public gatherings including concerts and at sports events. The recent violence undermines the sense of safety and order within its borders that many Russians have long associated with President Vladimir Putin's reign. Despite the Afghanistan branch of the Islamic State group (ISKP) having claimed responsibility for the mass shooting on Friday night, releasing video footage related to the attack and claiming sole responsibility, Russia has continued to attempt to pin responsibility on Ukraine. On Monday, Maria Zakharova, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, wrote in an article for the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, “Attention – a question to the White House: Are you sure it’s Isis? Might you think again about that?” As those detained were apprehended carrying Tajik passports, a large numbers of Tajik migrants who live in Russia, many enduring difficult conditions in hostels while struggling to find work, are now living in fear of reprisals. Tajikistan was among several Central Asian states that condemned the attack and sent condolences to relatives and friends of the dead. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan spoke by telephone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, Kazakhstan’s presidential press office said. “The head of our state strongly condemned the brutal act of violence against civilians and reaffirmed solidarity with Russia in the fight against terrorism,” the press office said. Kazakhstan has offered the help of its law enforcement agencies to Russia if needed and Uzbekistan’s presidential office said those responsible for the attack “will be assured of the inevitability of punishment.” Bouquets of flowers were laid outside the Russian embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. Video recorded by witnesses at the Moscow venue showed several gunmen roaming the atrium and other parts of the entertainment complex, opening fire on civilians. A large blaze also broke out at the building during the attack and was later extinguished. On Feb. 27, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke of threats coming from extremists in Afghanistan and prioritized “ensuring military security in the Central Asian strategic area.” Shoigu said the number of ISKP militants in Afghanistan had increased by 15% in the past year. He said their key objectives were to spread radical ideology and to conduct subversive activities on the southern borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The organization, CSTO, is a Russian-led security alliance that includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. “Radicals from Central Asia have accounted for...

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Tajikistan Warns Against “Unverified” Reports About Moscow Attack

Tajikistan is warning against “fake information” about the alleged role of Tajik citizens in the attack that killed more than 100 people at a concert venue in Moscow. Tajikistan’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that it had not received confirmation from Russian authorities about any involvement of Tajiks in the attack at the Crocus City complex. The ministry asked media to rely on “official information” distributed by Russian authorities. The Afghanistan branch of the Islamic State group (ISKP) claimed responsibility for the mass shooting on Friday night. Telegram and other social media platforms are swirling with allegations that Tajik citizens were involved. Large numbers of Tajik migrants live in Russia, many enduring difficult conditions in hostels while struggling to find work. “We emphasize that the Tajik side has not received any confirmation from the Russian authorities regarding the currently circulating fake information about the involvement of citizens of Tajikistan,” the ministry said in a statement. “Keep in mind that the dissemination of unverified and unreliable information could harm the citizens of Tajikistan currently abroad,” the ministry said. Russia said it has arrested 11 suspects and that an investigation is ongoing. Tajikistan was among several Central Asian states that condemned the attack and sent condolences to relatives and friends of the dead. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan spoke by telephone to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, Kazakhstan’s presidential press office said. “The head of our state strongly condemned the brutal act of violence against civilians and reaffirmed solidarity with Russia in the fight against terrorism,” the press office said. Kazakhstan has offered the help of its law enforcement agencies to Russia if needed and Uzbekistan’s presidential office said those responsible for the attack “will be assured of the inevitability of punishment.” Several bouquets of flowers were laid outside the Russian embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. Video recorded by witnesses at the Moscow venue showed several gunmen roaming the atrium and other parts of the entertainment complex, opening fire on civilians. A large blaze also broke out at the building during the attack and was later extinguished. On Feb. 27, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke of threats coming from extremists in Afghanistan and prioritized “ensuring military security in the Central Asian strategic area.” Shoigu said the number of ISKP militants in Afghanistan had increased by 15% in the past year. He said their key objectives were to spread radical ideology and to conduct subversive activities on the southern borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The organization, CSTO, is a Russian-led security alliance that includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. “Radicals from Central Asia have accounted for a notable share of recent Islamic State-inspired or -directed plots and attacks in the United States, Europe, Turkey, and Iran,” Lucas Webber and Riccardo Valle wrote in a Hudson Institute analysis last year. In September 2022, ISKP – which vehemently opposes Russia’s support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria - claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul...

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Russia Detains Suspects with Tajik Passports – Death Toll Rises to 133

Russia has announced the arrest of eleven individuals, including four who are suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, marking the most lethal incident of its kind in the country in two decades. The attack, which resulted in the death of 143 people and counting, according to state TV, was claimed by the Islamic State militant group. However, Russian authorities are trying to forge a potential connection to Ukraine, despite strong denials from Ukrainian officials regarding any involvement. The death toll was later revised to 133. The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has reported the apprehension of the "four terrorists" as they were allegedly attempting to cross into Ukraine, repeatedly mentioning that the suspects had connections within Ukraine. They are currently being transported to Moscow for further investigation. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed on Telegram that the suspects had intended to flee to Ukraine to evade capture, stating, “Now we know in which country these bloody bastards planned to hide from pursuit.” In response to Moscow’s attempts to pin the atrocity on Ukraine and bolster waning support for Putin’s war, Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukrainian military intelligence, refuted the claims of Ukraine's involvement, emphasizing his nation’s focus on defending its sovereignty and targeting military objectives, not civilians. He dismissed the FSB's assertion regarding the suspects' intended escape to Ukraine as another fabrication by Russian intelligence services. No evidence has been presented to support the theory of a Ukrainian link. Russian lawmaker Alexander Khinshtein revealed that the assailants had escaped in a Renault vehicle, which was later identified by police in the Bryansk region, approximately 210 miles southwest of Moscow. Upon refusal to comply with police instructions to stop, the vehicle was searched, uncovering a pistol, an assault rifle magazine, and passports from Tajikistan. In a video shown on state TV, a suspect stated that he had been paid 500,000 roubles ($5,425) by unknown people via Telegram to carry out the atrocity.

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Central Asian States Respond to Moscow Attacks

ALMATY, Kazakhstan – Central Asian countries have denounced the attack on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 60 people, with Kazakhstan offering the help of its law enforcement agencies to Russia if needed. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the mass shooting on Friday night. “Kazakhstan strongly condemns the terrorist act against civilians in Moscow," Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in a statement. He expressed condolences in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged United Nations member states to unanimously condemn the attack. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also sent condolencesto relatives of the dead and wishes for the quick recovery of the injured. More than 140 people were injured, according to Russian authorities. Video recorded by witnesses showed several gunmen roaming the concert hall, opening fire on civilians. A large blaze also broke out at the building during the attack. Uzbekistan “firmly condemns this act of terrorism directed against civilians, and the organizers and executors of this crime will be assured of the inevitability of punishment,” the president’s press service said. The claim of responsibility could not be immediately confirmed, and it was unclear whether there was a link to Islamic State extremists in Afghanistan. On Feb. 27, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke of threats coming from extremists in Afghanistan and prioritized “ensuring military security in the Central Asian strategic area.” Shoigu said the number of Islamic State militants in Afghanistan had increased by 15% in the past year. He said their key objectives were to spread radical ideology and to conduct subversive activities on the southern borders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The organization, CSTO, is a Russian-led security alliance that includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Image above credit: Reuters