Our People > Aliya Haidar

Aliya Haidar

Journalist

Aliya Haidar is a Kazakhstani journalist. She started her career in 1998, and has worked in the country's leading regional and national publications ever since.

Articles

Society

On the Eve of Valentine’s Day: Customs of Love and Marriage in Central Asia

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, Central Asia is once again debating whether to celebrate the holiday or regard it as a symbol of foreign influence. Yet the region has its own rich and diverse customs related to love, matchmaking, and marriage. Accusations of Alien Influence and “Corruption” Valentine’s Day, like Halloween, spread to the former Soviet republics after the collapse of the USSR. In the first decades, young people embraced the new holidays. In recent years, however, critics have increasingly argued that commemorating a Catholic saint in a format centered on romantic love contradicts the traditions of the region’s peoples. For example, in Kazakhstan last year, deputies of the Mazhilis, the lower house of parliament, sharply criticized Valentine’s Day. Some deputies argued that it corrupts young people, promotes “free love,” and even carries “homosexual overtones.” It is worth noting that Kazakhstan recently adopted legislation prohibiting so-called “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.” The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan has also stated that Valentine’s Day promotes alien values and encourages promiscuity. Gratitude for Raising a Daughter Many matchmaking and marriage customs remain common across Central Asia, particularly the significant role of the bride’s and groom’s parents in ceremonies and celebrations. While traditions have evolved, many are still practiced in modern engagements and weddings. The well-known custom of paying bride price, kalym, has been preserved, though it has undergone significant change. Today, kalym varies depending on the wealth of the families. It may include apartments or cars, or it may amount to several hundred dollars. Importantly, kalym is now generally regarded as financial support for the young family and, as a rule, remains at the disposal of the bride and groom. Historically, in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, kalym was paid in livestock, and wedding celebrations could last more than a month. One of the main Kazakh wedding rituals is the groom’s visit to the bride’s village or, in modern practice, her home. Before his first visit, the groom sends gifts to the bride’s family, known as Ilu, an expression of gratitude for raising their daughter. In some regions of Kazakhstan, this ritual is called ana suty (“mother’s milk payment”). In the past, it included horses, camels, sheep, and riding equipment for the bride’s father. Today, it may consist of any valuable gift, and jewelry is often presented to the women in the bride’s family. The bride traditionally gives the groom a scarf as a symbol of her purity. Festivities then begin, with singing and dancing. Kazakh traditions often involve two weddings: one at the bride’s home and one at the groom’s. The bride’s farewell from her family home remains especially significant, reflecting her relatives’ wishes for her future life. Today, this ceremony is often held in a restaurant. The bride does not wear a white wedding dress at the farewell celebration but appears in an elegant outfit and a traditional headdress known as a saukele. During the farewell, the groom and his friends are subjected to playful pranks, for which they must...

4 weeks ago

Social Media

Kazakhstan Proposes Restrictions on Social Media Access for Minors

An active and ongoing debate is taking place in Kazakhstan over proposed amendments to legislation that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. The initiative has been raised repeatedly by lawmakers, although many experts believe teenagers would still find ways to circumvent such restrictions. The primary objective cited by lawmakers is to protect children from harmful content, including violence and pornography, and to reduce cyberbullying. The Ministry of Culture and Information has already prepared draft amendments that would affect the regulation of social media. Mechanisms for verifying users’ ages will be developed jointly with the Ministries of Education and Digital Development. Specifically, the proposals under discussion would introduce a ban on registering users under the age of 16 on social media platforms, with an exception for instant messaging services. Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said the working group is considering measures, including SIM card registration for children under 14 as an initial step toward access control, monitoring the content minors consume, and stronger digital and media literacy education in schools. Lawmakers argue that the issue is becoming increasingly urgent. In February, officials reported that around 200 registered cases of bullying and cyberbullying involving children were recorded in 2025. The figures were cited by Yulia Ovechkina, deputy chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children’s Rights. According to Ovechkina, these statistics primarily reflect improved detection and reporting rather than the full scale of the problem. She also noted that administrative liability for bullying was expanded in 2024. Officials say the number of teenagers experiencing harassment on social media continues to rise. In November 2025, police in Astana reported a sharp increase in cyberbullying complaints nationwide, particularly among female students and individuals active in public life. Law enforcement agencies note that forms of digital violence are evolving rapidly and becoming less visible. The most common manifestations include cyberbullying, stalking, the publication of personal data, extortion involving intimate materials, and the growing use of deepfake technologies. Increased online activity among teenagers heightens their vulnerability to such threats, police say. At the same time, experts question whether a blanket ban would be effective or meaningfully improve child safety. According to educational psychologist and Gestalt consultant Olga Tretyakova, building trusting relationships with children, openly discussing the dangers of harmful content, and conducting sustained preventive and educational work are far more effective than simply passing restrictive legislation. While such efforts require significantly more resources, she argues they are the only measures likely to produce lasting results. Skepticism also stems from the deep integration of social media into everyday communication, education, and adolescent development. Attempts to isolate minors from these platforms through legal measures risk cutting them off from a social environment they perceive as normal. Children are likely to register using other people’s phones, false names, or fake dates of birth, said Gabit Umirbekov, deputy chairman of the Chamber of Legal Advisors of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For many minors, especially those who are socially isolated or vulnerable, social networks serve as...

1 month ago

Jackson-Vanik Amendment

Jackson-Vanik Repeal Gains Momentum as U.S. Courts Central Asia

For many years, U.S. relations with Central Asia were primarily political in nature, while economic ties developed slowly. However, in the past year, engagement has intensified significantly, with recent agreements suggesting the U.S. is poised to strengthen its economic presence in the region. A recent statement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforces this outlook. Calls to repeal the outdated Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions have been framed by U.S. officials as a way to facilitate trade with Central Asia and strengthen U.S. energy security. The Jackson-Vanik Amendment The Jackson-Vanik Amendment, enacted in 1974, restricts trade with countries that limit their citizens’ right to emigrate. At the time of its passage, Central Asia was still part of the Soviet Union. The amendment prohibits granting most-favored-nation (MFN) status, government loans, and credit guarantees to countries that violate their citizens’ right to emigrate, and allows for discriminatory tariffs and fees on imports from non-market economies. The amendment was repealed for Ukraine in 2006, and for Russia and Moldova in 2012. However, it remains in effect for several countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, which continue to receive only temporary normal trade relations. In May 2023, a bill proposing the establishment of permanent trade relations with Kazakhstan, which included repealing the Jackson-Vanik Amendment, was introduced in the U.S. Congress. A follow-up bill with similar provisions was submitted in February 2025. Then-nominee and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously noted that some policymakers viewed the amendment as a tool to extract concessions on human rights or to push Central Asian states toward the U.S. and away from Russia. However, he characterized such thinking as outdated, stating that, “In some cases, it is an absurd relic of the past.” Rubio has consistently supported expanding U.S. ties with Central Asia. Expanding Cooperation In 2025, relations between the U.S. and Central Asia deepened significantly, particularly with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are seen by analysts as the primary beneficiaries of this cooperation. In late October 2025, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor visited Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. One of the year’s major events was the Central Asia-U.S. (C5+1) summit held in Washington on November 6. Leaders of the five Central Asian states met with President Donald Trump and members of the U.S. business community. Uzbekistani President Shavkat Mirziyoyev also met with U.S. Senator Steve Daines, co-chair of the Senate Central Asia Caucus, with both sides focusing heavily on economic cooperation. At the summit, Uzbekistan finalized major commercial agreements with U.S. companies, including aircraft orders by Uzbekistan Airways and deals spanning aviation, energy, and industrial cooperation. Kazakhstan signed agreements worth $17 billion with U.S. companies in sectors including aviation, mineral resources, and digital technologies. This included a deal granting American company Cove Kaz Capital Group a 70% stake in a joint venture to develop one of Kazakhstan’s largest tungsten deposits, an agreement valued at $1.1 billion. Further agreements were signed on critical minerals exploration. Kazakhstan and the...

1 month ago

Tourism

The Potential and Problems of Tourism in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan boasts unique natural landscapes that could attract international visitors, and significantly enrich the country's economy. Each year, the government allocates increasing funds to support tourism. However, services and infrastructure in many tourist destinations still remain well below international standards. Undeniable Improvements According to Talgat Gazizov, Chairman of the Board of the national company Kazakh Tourism, more than 1,100 tours to Kazakhstan are currently available on 18 major online platforms across Europe and Asia – a threefold increase compared to 2023. This reflects growing interest among international tour operators. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, authorities are also weighing up the possibility of opening casinos in designated tourist zones, accessible exclusively to foreign citizens. In 2025, Kazakhstan invested nearly $2.5 billion in the development of its tourism sector, a 32% year-on-year increase. The number of tourists staying in accommodation facilities rose by 12%, surpassing 10 million. Kazakhstan also improved its position in the World Economic Forum’s global tourism index, climbing from 66th to 52nd place. The stated goal is to break into the top 50. Currently, 328 tourism investment projects are underway. Notable among them are the Oi-Karagai mountain resort, Hilton and Mandarin Oriental hotel complexes, the Zhibek Zholy entertainment complex, and the Keruen Inn roadside service chain. These projects are expected to create around 10,000 permanent jobs. A Comprehensive Development Plan for the Almaty Mountain Cluster includes expanding ski resorts and integrating them into a unified system. The celebrated Shymbulak ski base and Medeu high-altitude skating rink, both located near Almaty, are among the country’s most distinctive attractions. The plan envisions 30 new cable cars and 161 kilometers of ski slopes, aiming to boost annual tourist numbers from 1.8 million to 5 million. Authorities note that, globally, ski tourists spend seven times more than beach tourists. The Shchuchinsk-Borovskaya (Burabai) resort area is also a development priority. Infrastructure expansion around Lakes Katarkol, Maloye and Bolshoye Chebachye, and Zhukei is intended to ease pressure on Lakes Shchuchye and Borovoye. The number of inbound tourists to Burabai is projected to reach 94,000 by the end of 2029, with 32,500 people employed in the local tourism industry. In western Kazakhstan, development is planned along the Mangistau Peninsula, including Teply beach and Kendirli resorts on the Caspian Sea. Efforts are also underway to improve access to the striking rock formations of Bozhyr and Tamsha, which rival world-famous geological landmarks. Services and Infrastructure Lag Behind Despite progress, serious shortcomings persist, chief among them underdeveloped services. The lack of public toilets in tourist zones and along highways has been repeatedly highlighted. Government data shows that many resort areas in the Akmola, Karaganda, and Pavlodar regions, as well as in the Abai and Zhetysu regions, lack reliable water supply and central sewage systems. The use of well water remains a pressing concern. In the Abai region, some recreation centers are situated dangerously close to water sources. Lake Alakol, a popular summer destination, requires urgent shoreline reinforcement. Similar dredging work is also necessary in Caspian...

1 month ago

Religion

Epiphany in Central Asia: Orthodox Traditions and Regional Unity

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians across Central Asia gather at frozen rivers and lakes to celebrate the feast of Epiphany by plunging into icy waters, three times each, in line with tradition. Though rooted in the Christian faith, this ritual has evolved into a broader cultural event, drawing participation from people of many backgrounds. A Test of Faith and Endurance In Central Asia, Epiphany coincides with some of the coldest days of the year, often referred to as the "Epiphany frosts." Despite subzero temperatures, participation in ice bathing continues to grow. According to Orthodox tradition, Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. While the climate in Israel was mild, believers in the region embrace the symbolic cleansing despite the extreme cold. The Orthodox Church does not consider ice bathing a requirement for the faithful. Instead, the central ritual of the holiday is the Great Blessing of Water, performed both on Epiphany and the evening before. Priests encourage believers to collect holy water from churches, sprinkle it throughout their homes, and drink it in small amounts on an empty stomach. Many believe this brings health and protection for the year ahead. Nevertheless, in the main Orthodox churches of Central Asia, fonts and pools are prepared for those who wish to immerse themselves. Designated ice holes are also opened in lakes and rivers for traditional bathing. Strict Safety Measures in Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, authorities take extensive precautions to ensure public safety during Epiphany bathing. In Astana, the celebration began with a religious procession from the Constantine and Helen Cathedral to the embankment of the Ishim River, where the water was consecrated despite temperatures dipping to minus 30 degrees Celsius. Warm changing rooms were provided, and teams from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, along with paramedics and rescue personnel, were on hand throughout the night. In Almaty, where temperatures hovered around minus 15 degrees, Epiphany fonts were set up at 10 churches. Authorities reminded residents that swimming in non-designated natural bodies of water is prohibited due to the risk of slipping or falling through the ice. However, safety teams and patrols were stationed at approved bathing sites, including the Bolshaya Almatinka, Malaya Almatinka, Butakovka, Goryachiy Istochnik, and Gorenik rivers. Officials advised those with cardiovascular or endocrine conditions to avoid the ritual and warned against participating while intoxicated. A Cultural Tradition Embraced by Many Over time, Epiphany bathing in Central Asia has grown beyond a strictly religious practice. In Kazakhstan, many ethnic Kazakhs and other non-Christian residents eagerly take part, viewing the ritual as a source of health and vitality. It has become a powerful symbol of interethnic and interfaith unity in the region. While Muslim clerics typically do not encourage participation, they generally refrain from direct criticism, recognizing the tradition's broader cultural significance. Orthodox priests also emphasize that the ritual is more custom than doctrine, open to anyone. Some compare Epiphany bathing to the festive atmosphere of Kurban Ait, when Muslims share food in public spaces. Likewise,...

2 months ago