Legislation Women's rights Children Rights Sexual violence crime prevention Legislative changes Children's Rights

Kazakhstan Cracks Down on Crimes Against Children and Women

Kazakhstan’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Dinara Zakiyeva, has outlined the scale of sexual violence against minors and the state’s efforts to combat it by strengthening legislation and support systems. Legislative Changes In April 2024, Kazakhstan introduced sweeping amendments to its criminal legislation, significantly increasing penalties for crimes against women and children. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law the On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Ensuring Women's Rights and Children's Safety. Key changes to the Criminal Code include:

• Prohibition of lenient sentencing for crimes involving violence against minors;
• Elimination of reconciliation between parties in cases involving violence against minors;
• Introduction of life imprisonment as the sole penalty for the murder of a minor (Article 99), rape of a minor (Article 120), and other violent sexual acts against minors (Article 121), removing alternative sentencing options;
• Criminalization of sexual solicitation of individuals under 16; and
• Legal liability for inciting or assisting in suicide.

Scope of the Problem According to Zakiyeva, approximately 900 crimes related to the sexual abuse of minors are reported in Kazakhstan each year. Since the enactment of the new law, 25 to 27 individuals have already received life sentences for such offenses. The highest incidence of these crimes is recorded in southern Kazakhstan, specifically Almaty, Turkestan, and Zhambyl regions, as well as West Kazakhstan and Kostanay regions. Zakiyeva notes that these areas often have high population density and conservative family structures that may conceal abuse. Zakiyeva shared disturbing cases of underage girls who had given birth as a result of prolonged abuse. “In Zhambyl region, I met a 13-year-old girl who had been raped for six years by her two uncles. In Turkestan region, I visited a center housing 16 underage mothers, aged 13 to 15, all of whom were victims of abuse by relatives. Many didn’t even realize they were victims of a crime, they believed this was normal family life,” she said. Prevention and Support The children’s ombudsman emphasized that effective anti-violence strategies globally rely on four pillars: strengthening legal frameworks; promoting self-defense and awareness; working with families to identify risk factors early; and expanding support infrastructure for victims. Kazakhstan’s new legislation supports preventive measures such as deploying mobile teams to identify at-risk families and establishing family support centers in every district. Currently, 112 such centers are operational, with another 109 underway. In Turkestan region alone, the number of centers has grown from one to 13, with four more soon to open. Helpline and Awareness In a single month, Kazakhstan’s national children’s helpline received 120 phone calls and 11,145 text messages. According to Zakiyeva, these messages often reveal the deep emotional isolation children feel. “Children feel alone. They’re scared to speak out. They’re afraid to tell anyone that they’re being threatened, blackmailed, or approached by strangers. Many can’t talk to their parents, teachers, or psychologists,” she said.

Mining Metals Obituary Corruption Allegations

Kazakhstan: Alexander Mashkevich, Business and Jewish Community Leader, Dies

Alexander Mashkevich was a prominent figure in Central Asian business for many years: a founder of Eurasian Resources Group, a major mining company that is partly owned by Kazakhstan’s government and has operations in Africa and Brazil, and chairman of the board of directors of the Almaty-based Eurasian Bank. He also founded the Jewish Congress of Kazakhstan and became its first president. Mashkevich, who moved from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan in the 1990s and later obtained Israeli citizenship, died on March 22 after an illness. He was 71 years old and leaves a wife, Larissa, and two daughters, Anna and Alla. Mashkevich “made an enormous contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s metals and mining sector and the country’s economy,” said Eurasian Resources Group, or ERG. Between 2014 and 2024, Mashkeviich was chairman of the board of directors of Luxembourg-based ERG, which says it is one of the world’s largest producers of ferrochrome, an alloy that can be used to make stainless steel, and cobalt, which is used in batteries and other technologies. The company also says it is also a major producer of copper, the only producer of high-grade aluminum in Kazakhstan, and a big supplier of alumina and iron ore in the Eurasia region. It provides electricity and is a major railway operator in the region. Mashkevich received awards from the Kazakh state for contributions to the country’s development. His operations also came under scrutiny from Britain’s Serious Fraud Office, which for many years investigated suspected bribes that were paid to access mining contracts in Africa. In 2023, the office closed its case without bringing charges. The Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation, a subsidiary of ERG, had meanwhile sued the fraud office for alleged wrongdoing. The two sides settled last year. Separately, Belgian prosecutors alleged that Mashkevich and two partners were involved in a money-laundering scheme. In 2011, the matter was dropped after the three businessmen paid a fine without admitting guilt. Mashkevich, who had a Lithuanian Jewish background, built a reputation as a philanthropist. He was active in the Jewish community in Central Asia, leading the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress, or EAJC, for more than a decade after it was founded in 2002. He supported Jewish schools and other institutions, and one of his last projects was the establishment of a museum about Albanian citizens who saved Jews during World War II, according to the EAJC. In addition to synagogues, he also provided funds for the construction of mosques and churches in Kazakhstan. Mashkevich’s parents met in Kyrgyzstan after being evacuated during World War II. At a conference in Israel in 2011, Mashkevich said Jews had to excel in order to survive. “We have to find – every day – new, creative ways to respond to challenges, which we get every, every, every day the last few thousand years,” Mashkevich said in English. “And I suppose we will get these challenges another few thousand years.”

Investments Kazakhstan Economy Foreign Investment

Kazakhstan Aims to Nearly Triple Investment in the Economy by 2029

Kazakhstan plans to significantly increase investment in its economy over the next five years, aiming to nearly triple current levels. However, officials from the Ministry of National Economy acknowledge that the primary challenge lies not in securing additional funds but in the shortage of high-quality investment projects. Shortage of Viable Projects At a recent meeting of the Expert Council under the Ministry of National Economy, Deputy Minister Arman Kasenov stated that the ratio of domestic investment to GDP currently stands at a modest 14-15%, a figure he described as objectively low. “To achieve higher rates of economic growth, investments need to increase 2.75 times, from $40 billion in 2024 to $103 billion by 2029,” Kasenov stated. To help reach this target, the government plans to allocate KZT 1 trillion (approximately $2 billion) through the state holding company Baiterek to stimulate business lending. This amount is expected to catalyze additional credit lines totaling KZT 8 trillion (around $15.9 billion). Still, Kasenov stressed that financing alone is not enough. “The real issue is the lack of quality projects,” Kasenov said. “This problem has been flagged by international development finance institutions. When we talk about increasing investment from $40 billion to $103 billion, it’s not just about capital, it's about where and how that capital is deployed.” Targeting High-Return Sectors To ensure impactful investment, the Kazakh government is prioritizing support for highly productive and export-oriented projects. These are concentrated in key sectors such as metallurgy, oil and gas, petrochemicals, and agriculture. Rustam Karagoyshin, the head of Baiterek Holding, outlined the financing model for investment projects, which consists of 60% market funding and 40% state-backed lending. In 2025, Baiterek plans to disburse a total of KZT 8 trillion in project financing, with KZT 3.75 trillion (around $7.4 billion) provided in the national currency. “Our main objective is to unify lending rates at 12.6% for end consumers. Standardizing rates will enable second-tier banks to participate across nearly all sectors where Baiterek operates today,” Karagoyshin said. Foreign Investment Outlook As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, Kazakhstan is looking to attract more foreign direct investment following a notable decline in 2023. Amid growing concerns about resource nationalism, the government is eager to position itself as a stable and attractive destination for international capital.

Central Asia Cryptocurrency Crypto-mining Bitcoin

Central Asia’s Crypto Gamble: Growth Amid Uncertainty

Central Asian countries are approaching the cryptocurrency and crypto-mining industry at varying speeds. While some are just beginning to explore the sector, others have already taken significant, albeit sometimes contradictory, steps. Kazakhstan: From Mining Powerhouse to Regulatory Caution Kazakhstan once emerged as a global leader in bitcoin mining. Between mid-2021 and early 2022, the country ranked third in the world in terms of bitcoin mining capacity, accounting for 13.22% of global computing power, trailing only the United States and China. This boom was fueled by low electricity costs, favorable tax conditions, and an influx of miners fleeing stricter regulations in China. However, the rapid growth strained Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy reported that while annual electricity consumption had previously grown by an average of 2%, in 2021 it surged by 6.1% and up to 12% in the densely populated southern energy zone. Digital mining was cited as the primary cause. By early 2025, Kazakhstan’s share of global mining capacity had dropped to just 1.4%, placing it outside the top five globally. Although around 60 companies are currently active in the sector, some operations have stalled. Tax legislation has tightened since 2022, with miners required to pay 1-2 tenge per kilowatt-hour depending on the energy source. Illegal mining and unlicensed exchanges remain a challenge; in 2024 alone, 12 criminal cases were launched against underground platforms. Despite these setbacks, experts see potential for a more sustainable and regulated industry. The Astana International Financial Center (AIFC) has become the hub for cryptocurrency operations. A 2023 law on digital assets and updated rules from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in 2024 have laid a more comprehensive legal foundation, including provisions on cybersecurity and anti-money laundering. Over 10 licensed cryptocurrency exchanges now operate in Kazakhstan, including global names like Binance, Bybit, and Bitfinex Securities. New initiatives such as the digital tenge and the Cryptocard aim to further integrate blockchain into daily financial transactions. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reaffirmed the government's commitment to digital transformation in March 2025: “The development of the digital asset industry and blockchain technology plays a major role. Urgent measures must be taken to liberalize regulation, ensure the legal circulation of digital assets and crypto exchanges, and attract investment in digital mining,” he said. Uzbekistan: State-Supported Growth Uzbekistan has made blockchain and digital assets a policy priority. The National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP) is the main regulatory body. Between 2022 and 2024, the agency issued 14 licenses to cryptocurrency companies. The UzNEX exchange, an internationally licensed platform, has played a key role in developing the crypto market in both Uzbekistan and the wider region. Its services include crypto asset trading, staking, and NFT transactions. In 2024, it expanded its list of supported cryptocurrencies (including Toncoin) and plans to launch a digital art platform. Total trading volume exceeded $1 billion in 2024. Kyrgyzstan: Building a Legal Framework Since 2022, Kyrgyzstan has actively developed its regulatory environment for digital assets. The key legislation is the Law on Virtual Assets, which outlines rules for the issuance, circulation, and mining of cryptocurrencies. It mandates licensing for exchanges and mining companies. By 2024, Kyrgyzstan had registered 75 virtual asset exchange operators and seven full-fledged crypto exchanges. The volume of cryptocurrency transactions reached $4.2 billion. Tajikistan: Cautious Progress Tajikistan has yet to formalize regulations on cryptocurrency. While mining is not banned, it operates in a legal gray area. Miners are required to pay taxes, but the absence of comprehensive legislation remains a barrier. However, in March 2024, Tajikistan established an Agency for Innovations and Digital Technologies, with a mandate to develop digital legislation. Turkmenistan: Minimal Engagement Turkmenistan currently has no legal framework governing cryptocurrency. The national banking system does not recognize digital assets as legal tender, which complicates access for users and potential investors. Drive, Prudence, and Innovative Regulation Central Asia's engagement with the cryptocurrency and crypto-mining industries reflects a mix of ambition, caution, and regulatory experimentation. While Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan lead in infrastructure and adoption, Kyrgyzstan is quickly catching up with clear legal reforms. Tajikistan remains in early or exploratory phases. As global demand for digital assets continues to grow, Central Asia’s ability to balance innovation with regulation will determine its role in the next chapter of the crypto economy.

Oil Lawsuit Kemerkol Oil field Atyrau region British firm

Britain’s Victoria Oil & Gas Files Multimillion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Kazakhstan

British company Victoria Oil & Gas has filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against the government of Kazakhstan under the Energy Charter Treaty. The development was reported by Energy Monitor, a Telegram channel focused on Kazakhstan’s energy sector. Dispute Centers on Kemerkol Oil Field The legal proceedings are registered with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank-affiliated body. The case stems from a longstanding dispute over the Kemerkol oil field in Kazakhstan's Atyrau region. In 2005, Victoria Oil & Gas acquired a 100% stake in the field from Saga Creek Gold Ltd for $8.5 million. After drilling several wells, the company estimated the field’s geological reserves at approximately 15 million tons of oil. Unexplained Contract Termination In 2008, Kazakhstan’s authorities terminated the subsoil use contract without providing an official explanation. That same year, Kazakh company Bakyt Tau purchased the rights to the field from Saga Creek Gold Ltd for 360 million tenge (approximately $3 million at the 2008 exchange rate). In 2016, Bakyt Tau transferred the development license to Up-Nafta Operating for 1.36 billion tenge (nearly $4 million at the 2016 rate). The company continued exploration and drilling operations. By 2022, the State Reserves Commission reported the following:

• C1 category geological reserves: 2.35 million tons; recoverable: 588,000 tons
• C2 category reserves: 652,000 tons; recoverable: 29,000 tons

As of 2023, actual oil production totaled just 14,700 tons, with 12 active wells and an average water cut of 79%. Legal Strategy or Political Statement? Given the field’s modest reserves and limited output, some experts suggest the lawsuit may be more political than economic. Energy Monitor noted: “The field is clearly not worth hundreds of millions of dollars, unlike the Stati case involving the Borankol and Tolkyn fields. Most likely, the lawsuit has a political context rather than an economic one.” Victoria Oil & Gas first raised the prospect of arbitration in April 2021. The case has now been officially registered under ICSID case number ARB/25/13, signaling the start of formal legal proceedings. Implications for Kazakhstan While the precise amount of the claim has not been disclosed, Victoria Oil & Gas is expected to seek compensation for lost investments and projected profits. However, given the field’s limited commercial viability, many industry observers question the likelihood of a favorable ruling. The case adds to Kazakhstan’s growing docket of international arbitrations, including the high-profile Stati brothers’ case. Analysts warn the dispute could affect the country’s investment climate and its bargaining position in future energy negotiations.

Nauryz Celebration

How Nauryz Was Celebrated in Kazakhstan: Traditions and Festivities in Astana, Almaty, and Taraz

Nauryz, one of Kazakhstan’s most cherished holidays, marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. This year, cities across the country held vibrant celebrations, blending national traditions with festive performances and heartfelt hospitality. Astana: Festivities at the EXPO Site In Kazakhstan’s capital, the main Nauryz celebrations took place at the EXPO site, where a grand stage hosted performances by folk artists. Attendees enjoyed traditional dances, songs, and theatrical productions that showcased the cultural legacy of the Kazakh people. The city was adorned with national ornaments and bright spring-themed decorations, creating an atmosphere of renewal and joy. In addition to the cultural program, sports competitions were held, drawing both professional and amateur participants. A bustling crafts fair was a central attraction, offering handmade felt goods, traditional attire, and jewelry crafted by local artisans. Almaty: Ethno-Festival Meets Innovation In Almaty, Nauryz was marked by large-scale festivities in Central Park, headlined by an ethno-festival featuring yurt villages and traditional Kazakh delicacies like baursaki, koumiss, and Nauryz kozhe. Folk ensembles performed kui and songs, immersing visitors in a celebratory ambiance. A standout feature of the event was its integration of modern technology. A robot chef, for instance, fried baursaki on-site in an eye-catching fusion of tradition and innovation. Prominent brands showcased their goods, and interactive workshops for children included felt weaving, ceramic painting, and dombra playing. As night fell, the city transitioned into lively Nauryz-themed parties, where national melodies blended with contemporary hits. Themed cocktails inspired by spring renewal added a modern twist to the age-old celebration. [caption id="attachment_30089" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] Taraz: Art, Crafts, and Nomadic Spirit In Taraz, the streets came alive with folk art exhibitions. Inside ornately decorated yurts, local artists displayed paintings depicting Kazakh landscapes, mountains, rivers, and historic sites. Woodcarvers showcased their craft through traditional musical instruments, utensils, and intricately carved animal figures and jewelry. Every detail reflected national symbolism, echoing the life and spirit of the steppe. Visitors were also greeted by performers in authentic Kazakh armor, with men dressed in nomadic attire reenacting historical scenes. Batyrs holding majestic eagles evoked the ancient tradition of falconry, drawing crowds eager to connect with Kazakhstan’s nomadic past. [caption id="attachment_30085" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image: ТСА, Tamila Olzhbaekova[/caption] Nauryz in Kazakhstan is more than just a spring festival, it's a heartfelt return to cultural roots, a celebration of heritage, and a joyful embrace of a new beginning. Whether in Astana, Almaty, Taraz, or beyond, the holiday brings people together in a shared spirit of kindness, unity, and renewal.

Education China Higher Education

Is Beijing’s Educational Diplomacy Turning the Dial on Central Asian Public Opinion?

OSH, KYRGYZSTAN – On the eastern bank of the Ak-Buura River, a mini-Chinatown is developing. At Osh’s old bus station, buses and taxis hawk their services to Kashgar, 300 kilometers away over the Pamir Mountains in China’s Xinjiang Province. Blue-plated SUVs stand by the roadside, sporting the 新 character that also symbolizes their origin in Xinjiang. At the Kelechek Bazaar, hordes of money changers shout the best rates for Dollars, Uzbek Som, and Chinese Yuan. Tucked away from the mêlée behind the Peking Hotel is the five-story Confucius Institute. “The Chinese language is in huge demand right now,” said Ali, a student who has moved to Osh from nearby Uzbekistan to study here. He believes the move will be good for his career. “It’s the best opportunity for anyone in this region,” he told The Times of Central Asia, before enthusing about his plans to study in China next year. [caption id="attachment_30054" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] The Confucius Institute in Osh, Kyrgyzstan; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] “There’s a strong possibility that the younger generation will have a more positive view towards China,” Yunis Sharifli, a non-resident fellow at the China Global South Project told TCA. “This is good for China-Central Asia relations because we know that in the past, anti-China sentiments have hindered cooperation.” Chinese diplomats often refer to win-win diplomacy, where engagement between states can lead to positive outcomes for both sides. This is viewed with understandable cynicism by those who see Beijing’s diplomacy as entirely self-interested, but when it comes to education, even if we avoid the term win-win, the opportunities that it offers young Central Asians are hard to deny. In return, China hopes to create a network of influence and goodwill from people like Ali. Nevertheless, the jury is out on whether it is working. [caption id="attachment_30053" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] China-plated cars are an increasingly common sight in Kyrgyzstan; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] Swelling numbers Given that numerous questions have been asked about the accuracy of China’s own population data, monitoring the number of foreign students in the country can be a fiendish task. The consensus is that the numbers are increasing. Chinese state media outlet Xinhua claimed that student numbers grew from 11,930 to 29,885 between 2010 and 2018, and have recovered since the pandemic. One recent report put the number of Kazakh students alone at “approaching 20,000”. These numbers are unlikely to dethrone Russia as the top destination for Central Asian students any time soon. Moscow claimed in 2023 that 168,000 Central Asians were studying in the country, with around a third of them being funded by the Russian government. However, Sharifli believes that Russia’s luster is beginning to wane. “Moscow State University has historically been very attractive for Central Asian people, particularly in the social science or the technical fields,” said Sharifli. “But since the war [in Ukraine] began there has been a lot of discrimination against Central Asians in Russia.” This was demonstrated in a recent account given to The Times of Central Asia by an Uzbek student studying in St Petersburg, who noted examples of being singled out for document checks, the patronizing attitudes of his professors, and housing advertisements for Slavs-only. Meanwhile Chinese universities have grown in quality, with its elite institutions ranked among the best in the world, including seven in the World’s Top 100 universities in 2024. [caption id="attachment_30055" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] The Silk Road Institute and Confucius Institute, Kyrgyz National University, Bishkek; image: Joe Luc Barnes [/caption] Scholarships Another key factor is scholarships. Some students receive Chinese Government Scholarships, others can gain them through their local Confucius Institute. In December, China announced a new scholarship specifically for Central Asians, selecting 600 students from Central Asia to be educated in elite Chinese universities. Other programs are offered on a municipal level. The Xian “Five Central Asian Countries” scholarship, offers full bursaries for bachelor’s degrees including tuition, accommodation, insurance, a monthly living stipend of 1,800 yuan ($250) per month, as well as a travel allowance of 20,000 yuan (almost $3,000). The scholarship offer made all the difference to Zhyldyz Mukaeva from Balykchy, Kyrgyzstan, who studied in the central Chinese city of Chongqing from 2015 to 2018. The scheme gave her a 1,500 yuan ($200) living allowance, which increased to 3,000 yuan for her Master’s program. “I wouldn’t have been able to go otherwise,” she said. “I considered Europe and the U.S., but thought it’s more difficult to get a scholarship there.” It took a lot to convince her parents of the merits of the idea. “Kyrgyz families still have conservative views, especially towards their daughters,” she said. “They are more likely to stay in the country, not far from the family. But in the end, I convinced my family by telling them that I was just going for one year to learn Chinese.” For Nursultan, another Kyrgyz student from Bishkek, who got a scholarship to study in China through his local Confucius Institute in 2018, the small 900 yuan ($125) monthly living stipend was more than enough to live a very comfortable life. “Where I studied in Kaifeng [Henan Province], you could buy a beer for just seven yuan!” he enthused. The work prospects [caption id="attachment_30056" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Malika Korbanova, a master's student at Peking University; image: Malika Korbanova[/caption] Others pay their own way in the belief that the rewards are worth it. Malika Korbanova, from Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a current student at Peking University in Beijing, and founder of the Central Asian Student Association (CASA) at the university. She also considered Western intuitions but said that China’s economic prospects and its culture of innovation made it difficult to leave. “Being here allows me to stay closely connected to these developments and build a strong professional network in a country that plays a crucial role in shaping the future. If I were to spend a few years elsewhere, I might lose some of these valuable connections and fall out of sync with China’s rapid progress.” More prosaically, learning Chinese can be a huge advantage both in China and back home. Mukaeva got a job in international trade in Chongqing after her studies and remained in China with a stable income for the next few years. This is something that she believes she would have struggled to do had she remained in Kyrgyzstan. Nursultan, meanwhile, believes he owes his current job in logistics to the Mandarin he learned in Kaifeng. A wary population The gates of the Middle Kingdom have not been thrown open to Central Asia out of pure altruism. A hint of Beijing’s calculus can be seen on the application form for the Xian scholarship, where there is a stipulation that applicants “must be friendly towards China”. Negative attitudes to China are deep-rooted in this part of the world. China has been a lightning rod for protests throughout the past two decades, particularly in bordering Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Following the Sino-Soviet split, relentless anti-Chinese propaganda across the Soviet Union has significantly impacted public views towards China to this day, and the treatment of the Muslim minorities in Xinjiang province has contributed to a further deterioration in relations from 2017 onwards. There are also concerns about Chinese land acquisition and the high levels of debt owed to Chinese banks. Nursultan, who returned from Kaifeng six years ago, thinks that most Kyrgyz attitudes to China are simply racism. “There was an event in 2011 when a Chinese company came to invest in a gold mine; locals started throwing rocks at them and the Chinese packed their bags and left, and we wonder why are a poor country,” he said, referring to an incident in Naryn province where three Chinese workers were beaten up by a mob. Some of these attitudes are beginning to change. The Central Asia Barometer, a think tank that monitors public opinion, released a 2024 survey that showed markedly improved public perceptions of China in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – although not in Uzbekistan. This included an improved attitude towards Chinese workers, which has long been a touchstone issue. Sharifli believes at least some of this is down to education. “The research shows that when Central Asians go to China, particularly young people, they have a more positive view toward the country.” [caption id="attachment_30057" align="aligncenter" width="1189"] Nauryz celebrations at Peking University's Central Asian Student Association; image: CASA_PKU [/caption] Korbanova says that before moving to China her understanding of the country was largely shaped by movies, especially kung fu films. “In my mind, China was a place full of martial arts masters, red lanterns, and endless bowls of dumplings,” she said. But studying there has transformed her impression of the country, particularly the way the transport and air quality in Beijing have improved before her eyes. She adds that while she is not a political person, she feels that “media narratives [on China] can be highly selective and sometimes misleading… The longer I stay in China, the more I understand its political system and stance.” This is no doubt Beijing’s aim, but there are still barriers to improving cultural ties, and integration remains a major problem. Meeting local people and forming friendships can be difficult. Mukaeva notes that she had many more international than Chinese friends during her days as a student, “as international students lived in a separate dormitory.” However, she adds that when she found a job in Chongqing, she began to make more local friends. Korbanova says that 70% of her friends are Russian speakers. “I believe it’s a common phenomenon among expats in China – people tend to gravitate towards those with similar cultural backgrounds or languages, especially in the early stages of adapting to a new country… forming deep friendships with Chinese people sometimes takes more time, as cultural differences and social habits can create certain barriers.” Part of a wider strategy As with the numbers, it may be difficult to tell if China’s educational diplomacy can be regarded as a success, but there are clues. The Central Asia Barometer survey noted that the shift in positive attitudes largely took place amongst young people, but other factors may be at play. Between 2018 and early 2022, there was deep skepticism toward China in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, with commentators warning of a “credibility gap”. The reversal of this trend has coincided with a fall in coverage of the Xinjiang issue in the local press, as well as a more negative regional attitude towards Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Education alone is not a silver bullet, but it is just one part of China’s courting of the region. Beijing’s infrastructure investments and electric vehicles are extremely popular. Sharifli also stresses the importance of smaller schemes. “Vocational training and workshops, promoting more local workers rather than bringing Chinese workers in Central Asia. All these things are helping,” he said. And it’s not only favorability that matters – perhaps more important to Beijing is using its educational system over the long term to acquire friends in high places. The best example of this sits in Kazakhstan’s Akorda palace. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev studied Chinese and was a diplomat there during the Soviet period. Whether Ali and his classmates in Osh’s Confucius Institute reach such heights remains to be seen, but it’s certainly something to aim for.

Archive Celebration Nauryz History

How Nauryz Became a National Celebration in Kazakhstan: A History in Archival Photographs

Spring solstice as an astronomical phenomenon was noticed by man in ancient times. It became associated with the rebirth of nature, the arrival of a new cycle. This cosmic phenomenon was especially honored in the cults of Indo-European tribes, ancient Slavs, and Celtic tribes. The holiday has taken its rightful place in the cultures of Central Asia - since ancient times it has been celebrated by Iranians, Afghans, Tajiks, Azerbaijanis, Uzbeks, Uighurs, Kyrgyz, and Kazakhs. It is worth noting that even Muslims in the region recognize the significance of the ancient holiday. Restoration of traditions With the advent of Soviet power, Nauryz was recognized as a relic of tribal rituals and banned. According to official sources, the ban was in effect from 1926 to 1987. In 1987, in the territory of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, which was part of the USSR, the holiday was resumed, albeit informally. This is evidenced by photos of springtime Almaty (then called Alma-Ata, the capital of the Union Republic). [caption id="attachment_30001" align="aligncenter" width="582"] The first celebration of Nauryz in Alma-Ata. Students of the Alma-Ata Zooveterinary Institute – participants of the theatrical performance. Alma-Ata 1987[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30002" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Horse racing at the Nauryz festival in the village of Narynkol. Alma-Ata region, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30003" align="aligncenter" width="538"] Participants and guests of the Nauryz holiday playing the Kazakh national game “Togyzkumalak”. Alma-Ata 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30004" align="aligncenter" width="537"] A participant in an archery competition during the Nauryz holiday. Alma-Ata 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30005" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Participants of the republican aitys dedicated to the celebration of the national holiday, Nauryz. Alma-Ata, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30006" align="aligncenter" width="428"] At the opening of the national holiday Nauryz. Alma-Ata, 1988[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30007" align="aligncenter" width="430"] "Altybakan" - national swing, installed by students of the Alma-Ata Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages for the Nauryz holiday. Alma-Ata, 1989[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30008" align="aligncenter" width="446"] People's Artist of the USSR Roza Baglanova (center foreground) with war veterans during the celebration of Nauryz. Alma-Ata region, Kegen district, 1989[/caption] Years of Independence In 1991 Nauryz in Kazakhstan gained official recognition. By the decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the day of the vernal equinox - March 22 - was declared the day of the national spring holiday “Nauryz meiramy”. Ten years later - in 2001 - Nauryz became a public holiday and was included in the list of national holidays. Since 2009, three days have been set aside for its celebration in Kazakhstan, which were declared non-working days. This status has been maintained to this day. [caption id="attachment_30010" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Students performing national dances during the celebration of Nauryz at the Almaty branch of the St. Petersburg Humanitarian University of Trade Unions. Almaty, 2014[/caption] [caption id="attachment_30011" align="aligncenter" width="541"] Theatrical performance during the celebration of Nauryz. Almaty, 2018[/caption]