• KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
  • KGS/USD = 0.01144 0%
  • KZT/USD = 0.00196 0%
  • TJS/USD = 0.09217 0.55%
  • UZS/USD = 0.00008 0%
  • TMT/USD = 0.28615 0.14%
08 February 2025

Viewing results 19 - 24 of 173

Ashgabat Hosts Vibrant Days of Korean Culture, Showcasing Music, Art, and Tradition

On November 22 and 23, Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, became a hub of cultural exchange during the Days of Korean Culture, an event organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The festivities kicked off on November 22 at the Arkach Shopping and Entertainment Center, where visitors were treated to a lively introduction to Korean culture. Colorful photo zones displayed scenic Korean landscapes, while interactive stations allowed attendees to craft souvenirs such as traditional-style trinkets and mirrors. Korean snack tastings and live music enhanced the festive atmosphere, making it a family-friendly event that drew many visitors of all ages. The celebrations culminated on November 23 with a concert at the Makhtumkuli Music and Drama Theater of Turkmenistan. Korean artists, accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of Rasul Klychev, delivered a memorable performance. The program featured a blend of Korean lyrical compositions inspired by love and nature, alongside timeless pieces of world classical music. A standout moment of the evening was the performance by acclaimed Korean singers, tenor Kwon Hwapyeong and mezzo-soprano Kwon Miji, which earned a standing ovation from the audience. Kwon Hwapyeong, a graduate of the Vienna University of Music and Korea National University of the Arts, is celebrated internationally for his exceptional artistry. Mezzo-soprano Kwon Miji, a distinguished alumna of Gyeonggi-do University with further studies abroad, has similarly garnered acclaim for her remarkable vocal range and stage presence. The concert was a fitting finale to Ashgabat's fall cultural season, blending the traditions of Korean musical artistry with the creativity of Turkmen performers.

Turkmenistan Authorities Set Up Fake Bazaars for U.S. Ambassador’s Visit

Ahead of U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Elizabeth Rood's visit to the Balkan region, local authorities undertook misleading measures to create a favorable impression of the area. According to Radio Azatlyk, markets in the city of Turkmenbashi were artificially overstocked with food products, and English teachers were deployed as market vendors. On November 22, the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat reported on Ambassador Rood's visit to Balkan. During her visit, the ambassador met with local business representatives and U.S. companies operating in Turkmenistan, reaffirming the U.S. commitment to expanding investment and commercial ties to promote economic growth and shared prosperity. In preparation for the visit, Turkmenbashi city authorities reportedly instructed English teachers to pose as vendors at local markets, including the Kenar market and other major trading hubs. These measures were designed to create the illusion of a thriving marketplace and well-being among residents. Local sources revealed that the product variety was artificially increased for the occasion, and teachers donned vendor attire to serve shoppers. Such practices are common in Turkmenistan during high-profile visits. In addition to market modifications, Turkmenbashi authorities temporarily banned cars manufactured before 2015 from city roads to present an image of affluence. Observers noted that only new and expensive cars were visible, reinforcing the portrayal of prosperity. While official sources did not confirm visits to local markets by U.S. representatives, local authorities took preventive measures to pre-empt potential criticism. Campaign-style meetings were held in school and cultural assembly halls, where officials from the hakimlik, Trade Union, and Women’s Union instructed residents not to discuss food shortages or economic issues with outsiders, to maintain order in queues for cooking oil, and to report anyone photographing lines.

The Geopolitical Battle for Control Over Transportation Routes in Central Asia

Russia and Kazakhstan may be nominal allies, but their geoeconomic interests are not always aligned. As Astana seeks to develop the Middle Corridor – a transportation link connecting China and Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, bypassing Russia – Moscow reportedly aims to build a trade and logistics route that would connect Russia and Kyrgyzstan, thereby circumventing Kazakhstan.  While various regional actors and international institutions actively invest in the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route (TITR), a potential route linking Russia and Kyrgyzstan, through Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, remains merely an idea. From the geopolitical perspective, the TITR is seen as an alternative to reach European and international markets and bypass Russia. But what is the primary goal of the Russia-Kyrgyzstan route? Although both Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are members of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union, queues of trucks at the Kyrgyz-Kazakh state border seem to have become a norm. Bishkek accuses Kazakhstan of “artificially creating obstacles at the border to weaken competition from Kyrgyzstan”, while the Kazakh authorities claim that Kyrgyz truckers are “unwilling to comply with Astana’s requirements and submit fraudulent documents for cargo.” Since Kyrgyzstan’s main connection with Russia – the major market for its agricultural products – goes through Kazakhstan, it is Astana that has the upper hand over Bishkek. From a purely economic perspective, a new route, including sea transport across the Caspian Sea, would enable faster delivery of vegetables, fruits, as well as other goods from Kyrgyzstan to Russia. However, it remains highly uncertain if Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as transit countries, are genuinely interested in this project. “Both nations are far more interested in East-West trade, actual supply chain relocations into the region, and new gas contracts with the West,” Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighborhood Council, told The Times of Central Asia. In his view, a Kyrgyzstan-Russia corridor would offer a limited amount of trade, due to the sanctions the West imposed on Moscow over its actions in Ukraine. But in spite of that, Kyrgyzstan, like all countries, tries to be part of any connectivity corridor. “There is a lot of ‘corridor competition’ at the moment. Most of it is bluff. It is important to look at which projects are being built and how much investments is going into them. The Russia-Kyrgyzstan corridor, at present, is more hot air than reality. There is no funding from the United States, the European Union, China or Turkey. Also, major players like the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) do not seem interested in funding the construction of this route. Therefore, its lifespan and potential look rather limited,” Vesterbye stressed. European institutions seem interested in further development of the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route. From the European Union’s perspective, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has increased the need to find alternative, reliable, safe and efficient trade routes between Europe and Asia. That is why Brussels is reportedly willing to invest €10 billion ($10.5...

London Hosts Celebration for the 300th Anniversary of Turkmen Poet Makhtumkuli Fraghi

Makhtumkuli Fraghi, a revered Turkmen poet and philosopher, whose writings have profoundly shaped Turkmenistan’s national identity and enriched global cultural heritage, was celebrated in London on November 22, 2024. Known for his deep reflections on life, justice, and humanism, Makhtumkuli’s works have become an integral part of the world’s cultural heritage, emphasizing universal values and profound human insight. The Embassy of Turkmenistan in London hosted a gala evening to mark the 300th anniversary of the poet’s birth. Organized in collaboration with the Makhtumkuli Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the event welcomed diplomats, scholars, students, and members of the Turkmen diaspora. Turkmenistan's Ambassador to the UK, Yazmurad Seriaev, along with scientists Nuraev and Changliyev, delivered speeches celebrating the poet’s profound contributions to world culture and his enduring significance for the Turkmen people. Attendees were treated to a documentary on Makhtumkuli Fraghi’s life and work as well as an exhibition of his writings translated into English. Special attention was given to the early phase of his literary journey, its influence on public thought, and its role in the evolution of literature. The London celebration was part of a series of global events commemorating Makhtumkuli’s tricentennial. These tributes not only honor his literary legacy but also serve to strengthen cultural ties between nations, reaffirming the timeless relevance of Makhtumkuli Fraghi’s work in global literature.

Turkmen Human Rights Activist Soltan Achilova Released After Forced Hospitalization

Renowned Turkmen journalist Soltan Achilova, along with her daughter and son-in-law, has been discharged from the infectious disease department of Choganly Hospital after six days of forced isolation. According to the Turkmenistan Chronicle portal, none of the three showed symptoms or signs of any infectious disease. Prior to their release, Achilova's apartment was disinfected, but authorities provided no explanation for their hospitalization or the results of medical tests conducted during their detention. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Achilova and her relatives were hospitalized after a group of men in medical coats forcibly removed them from their home on November 20. This happened on a day when the journalist was scheduled to travel to Geneva to attend a Martin Ennals Foundation award ceremony, where her work was to be recognized. The timing has led to widespread speculation that the hospitalization was a calculated effort to prevent her attendance. While in isolation, doctors conducted blood tests and nasal swabs but failed to announce any diagnosis. Despite this, medical staff prescribed treatment, which Achilova refused, citing the absence of an explanation for her condition. The journalist's release was reportedly facilitated by diplomatic interventions from several countries and pressure from international human rights organizations. Although now safely home, the incident highlights the increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders and independent journalists in Turkmenistan, a country notorious for its oppressive restrictions on free speech and movement.

Turkmenistan Tightens Border Rules to Limit Trips to Uzbekistan

Turkmenistan is imposing stricter regulations on cross-border tourism with Uzbekistan, reportedly to conceal its struggles to provide basic goods and services to its citizens, according to Eurasianet. In 2024, an increasing number of Turkmen citizens have been traveling to Uzbekistan to purchase food and essential items that are scarce in their own country, a reflection of Turkmenistan’s ongoing economic crisis. Over the past month, customs officials have introduced new rules aimed at curbing these cross-border trips, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Travelers are now required to present a variety of documents, including marriage certificates and proof of residency, to cross the border. Residents of the Dashoguz Region have reported that dozens of people were denied exit for failing to provide all the necessary paperwork. RFE/RL suggests that the government views these trips as a source of embarrassment, highlighting the reliance of its citizens on Uzbekistan for basic necessities. To counter this perception, Turkmen authorities are tightening border controls. However, the report also notes that corruption persists; intermediaries can reportedly facilitate crossings for a $50 bribe. “Customs officers accuse these citizens of shaming the country by engaging in trade, and under this pretext, they stop them at customs,” RFE/RL quoted one individual as saying. Turkmenistan’s efforts to stem cross-border movement reflect its struggle to address domestic shortages while grappling with the broader implications of its economic challenges.