Our People > Jonathan Campion

Jonathan Campion

Contributor

Jonathan Campion has worked in the Eurasia region since 2007. After leaving Exeter University with a degree in Russian Language, he worked as a writer, editor, analyst and translator for international law firms, market research firms and business forums serving the CIS region's major industries.

With a passion for Central Asia, he has covered the region in esteemed publications such as the Lonely Planet, Open Central Asia magazine, and National Geographic Traveler.

Jonathan's first book, about a sports team from the Eurasia region, was shortlisted at the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards in 2025.

Articles

U.S.-Turkmenistan Relations

U.S.–Turkmenistan Rapprochement: Energy, Neutrality, and Digital Geopolitics

For more than three decades, Turkmenistan has stood apart from its neighbors. Since declaring independence in 1991, it has built its foreign policy around “permanent neutrality,” a status formally recognized by the United Nations in 1995. Neutrality has meant avoiding military alliances, steering clear of regional blocs, and limiting international engagement to carefully managed bilateral relationships. Ashgabat has been especially cautious in its dealings with Washington, keeping contacts minimal while relying overwhelmingly on China to buy its natural gas. That posture is beginning to shift. In 2025, the outlines of a quiet rapprochement between Turkmenistan and the United States are visible. The latest round of Annual Bilateral Consultations (ABCs) in Washington, coupled with Ashgabat’s more active role in the C5+1 regional dialogue, suggests a gradual warming. On September 19, 2023, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov participated in the first C5+1 multilateral summit alongside the U.S. and regional counterparts, highlighting Ashgabat’s more active role in the platform. At the heart of this cautious opening are three themes: energy dependence, security on Turkmenistan’s southern border, and the geopolitics of digital connectivity. Annual Bilateral Consultations: A Structured Dialogue The ABCs were launched in 2010 as part of a U.S. initiative to formalize engagement with all five Central Asian states. They are yearly, structured meetings between senior officials that review the state of bilateral relations across political, economic, and security issues. In August 2025, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington for the 11th ABC. According to the U.S. State Department release, the two sides “underscored their commitment to advancing U.S.-Turkmenistan relations, including through security cooperation, increased economic and investment opportunities, the advancement of religious freedom, and deepening engagement through the C5+1 diplomatic platform.” The statement was deliberately brief and omitted sensitive matters such as the partial visa restrictions Washington imposed on Turkmen citizens earlier that year. But the very fact of the meeting, following years of minimal contact, marked a notable warming. From Episodic Contacts to Broader Cooperation The rapprochement has begun to take shape in concrete ways. Trade between the two countries, though still small, nearly doubled in 2024 to reach $218.5 million. Turkmenistan exported textiles, chemicals, and gas-related equipment, while U.S. exports included aviation technology, electronics, and agricultural machinery. Overall, the trade volume remained the second-lowest among Central Asian states, but the sharp increase pointed to a deliberate effort to expand ties. Reflecting this momentum, on June 8, 2025, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with the Executive Director of the Turkmenistan–U.S. Business Council, Eric Stewart, to discuss cooperation across sectors, including energy, cybersecurity, green technology, and education. Security cooperation has grown more visible. Turkmenistan’s long border with Afghanistan has long been a vulnerability, and while Ashgabat avoided involvement in the U.S.-led war, it quietly welcomed assistance to reinforce border defenses and counter trafficking. The U.S. has provided equipment, training, and support for Turkmen border services, a low-profile effort documented in a Congressional Research Service report. Turkmenistan has invested over a billion dollars in Afghan infrastructure projects...

9 months ago

TCA Interviews

Nigora Fazliddin: The Social Media Storyteller Bringing Life in Tajikistan to the World

For all its beauty and Silk Road history, Tajikistan remains one of the least visited countries on earth. Life in its epic mountain ranges is rarely captured by photographers, and documentary films are few and far between – mainly half-hearted vlogs by the foreigners who pass through on the Pamir Highway. But in recent years, one Tajik filmmaker and travel influencer has made it her mission to show both her own people and the wider world what makes her homeland so extraordinary. Nigora Fazliddin, a former journalist from Dushanbe, is part of a new generation of creators using social media to bridge cultural distances. Posting simple videos and photographs from her journeys in Tajikistan, she captures the landscapes and communities that outsiders, and even many Tajiks, rarely get to see. "This love I have for our land – its wild beauty, its silence, its soul – I try to share with others," she tells The Times of Central Asia. "On X I mostly reach an international audience, since it's not very popular in Tajikistan. But on Instagram, it's a different story. That’s where Tajiks find me, and where I find them." [caption id="attachment_35211" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image: Nigora Fazliddin[/caption] One of her favorite discoveries, she says, is Shirkent National Park in the south-west of the country, where fossilized dinosaur footprints mark the earth. "It gives you goosebumps to stand there and imagine creatures walking those same paths millions of years ago," she adds. Then there are the Pamirs, often called “the roof of the world.” At 7,495 meters, Peak Somoni attracts mountaineers from Central Asia and further afield. The region is also home to the rare Marco Polo sheep and shaggy yaks, which are found only here. But what lingers most for Fazliddin is not the challenge of climbing or the sight of wildlife, but the solitude of valleys so remote that no car can reach them. She also cherishes journeys into the Yaghnob Gorge, where people still live as their ancestors did. There she met a shepherd in his seventies, Mirzoali, who has spent four decades with his flock among the peaks. "He told me, “I’ve been a shepherd for 40 years – and I never get tired of it.’” His secret? Clean air, peace, a healthy routine – and living in the mountains year-round. That’s the kind of wisdom you can only find in the mountains," she says. [caption id="attachment_35209" align="aligncenter" width="400"] Image: Nigora Fazliddin[/caption] What Fazliddin shares online is more than travel content. For many Tajiks, especially those in cities, her images bring new perspectives to familiar places. "My Instagram has become like a mirror where people can see themselves, their roots, and the beauty they grew up with – but may have never really looked at," she explains. The responses have been moving. Her social media followers now invite her to visit their villages. For Fazliddin, these moments confirm that her work is worth doing: "It makes me feel like what I do matters – even in...

10 months ago

Sports

Uzbekistan Joins Asian Cricket Council as Sport Gains Momentum

Uzbekistan has taken another major step in its cricket journey, as the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan (CFU) was officially welcomed into the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) during its conference in Dhaka, Bangladesh on July 30. In 2022 Uzbekistan became an Associate Member of the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC). Cricket has grown swiftly in Uzbekistan, with more than 4,000 players now participating in schools, universities, and community clubs across the country. The CFU has introduced cricket to 253 sports schools, using ICC training materials translated into Uzbek to engage young players. Facilities have been set up in Tashkent, Chirchiq, and Samarkand, laying the groundwork for Uzbekistan’s first national cricket team. “Becoming part of the Asian Cricket Council is a historic step for Uzbekistan,” CFU Chairman Aziz Mihliev said. “It connects us with the wider Asian cricket community and strengthens our ability to grow the sport locally. With the support of the ICC and ACC, we are committed to developing grassroots cricket, training local coaches, and providing more opportunities for young Uzbeks to experience this global sport.” This membership places Uzbekistan among Asia’s recognised cricket nations, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Last year, the Times of Central Asia reported that Uzbekistan’s cricket team was preparing to play its first international matches, possibly against Mongolia.

10 months ago

Society

In Tajikistan, Tradition Defines the Ideal Bride in a Changing World

In Tajikistan, the image of the “ideal bride” is shaped not only by character but by deep-rooted societal expectations. While wedding customs vary across Central Asia, they are united by traditional values that place a high premium on modesty, obedience, and domestic skill—qualities that can determine a woman’s future prospects in marriage. Restraint in All Things In traditional Tajik households, modesty is synonymous with decency. Future mothers-in-law scrutinise prospective brides for soft-spoken voices, humble body language, and conservative attire. In some homes, daughters-in-law are expected not to make direct eye contact with their parents-in-law—considered a mark of humility. Clothing is another marker. Revealing outfits like shorts or miniskirts are widely viewed as signs of frivolity and can irreparably damage a girl's reputation. Respect for elders is paramount. During the matchmaking process, the groom’s family pays close attention to whether a girl rises when elders enter the room, places her hand over her heart in greeting, and avoids using first names. A “well-raised” kelinka is also expected to manage the home without protest—never challenging her husband or his family, and always deferring to elder relatives. Cooking, especially traditional dishes like pilaf, cleaning, and hospitality are seen as baseline qualifications for marriage. Chastity as a Social Standard Virginity remains a critical factor in bride selection. Although the Tajik Ministry of Health does not officially require it, virginity testing remains widespread. A joint statement from the UN and WHO has condemned these tests as “humiliating, traumatic, and medically unnecessary.” In Tajik culture, premarital sex is widely considered a dishonour to the family. Some households even prohibit young women from grooming practices like eyebrow plucking until marriage, believing these are reserved for wives only. Age Expectations and Digital Matchmaking Efforts to arrange marriages can begin as early as a girl’s 18th birthday. In conservative communities, being unmarried by 30 may carry social stigma. However, this does not always preclude education or employment—many families now see value in educated daughters-in-law. In recent years, digital matchmaking has gained traction. Platforms like Facebook host matchmaking groups where relatives post ads in search of “decent and well-mannered” partners. Girls introducing potential matches often include detailed preferences such as height and eye colour. While the legal marriage age is 18, Tajik courts can authorise marriage at 17 in “exceptional circumstances.” In reality, these exceptions often stem from emotional or economic hardship—such as orphanhood, poverty, or family pressure. A Society in Transition? Despite these enduring customs, signs of change are emerging. Urbanisation, rising education levels, and increased internet access are giving Tajik women new tools to assert choice in their personal lives. NGOs and human rights organisations are pushing for better enforcement of existing protections, and the growing discourse around women’s rights may gradually soften the rigidity of old expectations. While traditions still dominate, a slow cultural shift is underway—one that may eventually reshape what it means to be the “ideal bride” in Tajikistan.

11 months ago

Society

Mother Gives Birth on Uzbekistan Airways Flight to Tashkent

A baby boy has been born on board an Uzbekistan Airways flight from Istanbul to Tashkent. According to the airline, the mother went into premature labor during the flight. “There were two doctors on board who, together with the crew, quickly provided all the necessary medical assistance,” the company said in a statement. “The flight attendants acted professionally, calmly, and clearly. Their confidence, composure, and care were vital at this important moment.” The plane made an emergency landing at the airport in the Uzbek city of Urgench, where medics were waiting for the woman and her newborn boy and took them to the hospital. Uzbekistan Airways congratulated the family on the new addition and expressed its gratitude to the pilots and flight attendants, singling out the two doctors who were on the same flight and organized assistance for the woman in labor. After landing in Urgench, the plane flew on to Tashkent. In January this year, the crew of a Uzbekistan Airways plane delivered a baby to a passenger during a flight from Tashkent to New York. The aircraft was forced to land in Keflavik (Iceland), where the mother and child were taken to hospital. In April 2024, a boy was born on a flight operated by the same airline from Tashkent to Istanbul.

11 months ago

Infrastructure

AIIB and Tajikistan Sign First Grant Agreement for Obigarm–Nurobod Road Project

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Tajikistan have signed a $2.04 million Project-Specific Window (PSW) Grant Agreement to support the Obigarm–Nurobod Road Project – Long Bridge and Approaches. This marks AIIB’s first PSW grant, a significant milestone in its efforts to mobilize blended finance for development impact. The Obigarm–Nurobod Road Project aims to restore critical connectivity along a 75-kilometer section of the M41 Highway in central Tajikistan. This section, located in the mountain range north of the Vahdat River Valley, was disrupted by the reservoir impoundment of the Rogun Hydropower Plant. The project is expected to enhance regional connectivity and improve access for communities in the affected areas. The agreement was signed at AIIB Headquarters in Beijing by Fayziddin Qahhorzoda, Tajikistan’s Minister of Finance, and Konstantin Limitovskiy, AIIB’s Chief Investment Officer. Representatives from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), which funds the grant, also attended the ceremony. “This first PSW grant is an important step in AIIB’s journey to scale impact through blended finance,” said Limitovskiy. “By combining infrastructure investment with local skills development and inclusive programming, we aim to deliver long-term benefits for communities, especially women and youth in project-affected areas. The PSW grant, funded by CIDCA, will focus on strengthening local capacity and promoting inclusive development. Key initiatives include: Technical and Vocational Training: Programs for infrastructure professionals and construction workers. Community Training Centers: Facilities aimed at empowering women through skills development. Entrepreneurship Support: Initiatives to improve livelihoods and promote economic empowerment in affected areas.

11 months ago

Digitization

Digitizing Central Asia: Interview with Ainura Umaeva, Thought Leader in Communications and Media

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to developing Eurasia by sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Ainura Umaeva, the Owner and CEO of TIDAM Communications Agency in Almaty -- and a leader in strategic communications and advisory -- about what the CAMCA program means for the Eurasian communications and digital industries, and what the future might hold for women doing business in Central Asia. TCA: What condition do you feel the digital and information spaces are currently in – in Kazakhstan, and elsewhere in the Eurasia region? AU: Kazakhstan has made remarkable progress in digitalizing public services and fintech. For many of us, it’s now second nature to access government or commercial services instantly through a smartphone. This level of convenience has become so embedded in our daily lives that we often take it for granted. However, when we look deeper, we notice a different reality. Despite this visible digital infrastructure, there’s a significant lack of digital literacy — especially in the private sector. Many businesses are still not leveraging the full potential of digital technologies, including AI, data analytics, or automation. While we appear digitally advanced on the surface, in practice the digital transformation often remains quite superficial. The real challenge now is to deepen that transformation — to build not only user-facing digital tools but also internal digital capacity and data culture. In what areas do you think CAMCA initiatives can help them improve? One of the greatest strengths of CAMCA is its ability to bridge regional fragmentation. Although the CAMCA region is often perceived by the outside world as a cohesive bloc, internally we remain deeply segmented — informationally, economically, and culturally. Many countries in the region lack awareness of one another’s realities, opportunities, and success stories. Several years ago, I worked with a client on a cross-regional study, and it became clear to me how little we actually know about our neighbors. This informational disconnect leads to missed opportunities for collaboration and shared growth. Initiatives like the CAMCA Forum are essential because they foster not just dialogue, but a sense of common regional identity. Paradoxically, it often takes an external initiative to help us better recognize how much we share. Being born and raised in Kazakhstan, with roots in the Caucasus, I constantly reflect on the contrast between the two regions. Despite its political and linguistic diversity, the Caucasus is often perceived — and perceives itself — as more cohesive than Central Asia. In our region, we are still discovering our collective identity. You’re speaking in a session dedicated to women’s networks. How will women’s authority in Eurasian business look in 10 years compared to now? In our work with the She Business Women Community — a...

12 months ago

Digitalization

The Next Steps for Central Asian Finance: Interview with Azerbaijani Fintech Leader Dr. Fuad Karimov

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to accelerate the development of the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Dr. Fuad Karimov, Regional Managing Director of the payment software company Xsolla, about what the CAMCA program means for the Eurasian finance industry, and how Azerbaijan can work more closely with Central Asia. TCA: What condition do you feel fintech spaces are currently in, particularly in the Eurasia region? FK: Fintech [financial technology] across the CAMCA region is accelerating. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have made significant progress in regulation and adoption. In Azerbaijan, key drivers include state-led digitalization and innovative companies like PashaPay and Birbank, which are transforming consumer payment behavior. Cross-border transfers, mobile banking, and contactless solutions are increasingly common across the region. In what areas do you think CAMCA initiatives can help them improve? CAMCA can create platforms to harmonize financial regulations, facilitate cross-border fintech testing, and promote knowledge exchange. It can also help reduce friction in currency conversion. Regional collaboration can attract investors from the West and Asia. Priorities should include cybersecurity, financial literacy, AI in finance, and coordinated exploration of digital currency pilots like e-Manat, e-Tenge, and e-Soum. You're moderating a session on harnessing fintech in CAMCA markets. What topics do you expect to touch upon, and who are you looking forward to hearing from? We’ll cover the rise of digital national currencies (CBDCs), crypto regulation, exchange rate risk, and the impact of AI on lending, compliance, and fraud prevention. I’m especially looking forward to hearing from fintech leaders in the CAMCA region — each representing diverse policy environments and innovation models. Where do you see opportunities for Central Asia to work more closely with Azerbaijan? There’s strong potential in co-developing cross-border payment systems, digital identity frameworks, and startup accelerators. Azerbaijan can share experience in building public-private fintech partnerships, while Central Asia offers scale and growing demand. Aligning exchange rate mechanisms, regulatory approaches, and education systems will enhance regional integration. The CAMCA platform is an ideal space to turn these synergies into actionable policy and investment opportunities.

12 months ago

Tourism

Kazakh Nomads and Authentic Tourism: Interview with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy Dr. Gantemur Damba at CAMCA

This week The Times of Central Asia will be attending the CAMCA Regional Forum, which this year is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The CAMCA network is a collection of professionals and policymakers dedicated to sharing ideas, knowledge and inspiration to develop the Eurasia region; its name stands for Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus and Afghanistan. Ahead of the Forum, The Times of Central Asia spoke with Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy, and the Vice Chair of the Asian Ecotourism Network, Dr. Gantumur Damba, about the country's Kazakh nomads, and what the CAMCA program means for Mongolian culture and tourism. TCA: Central Asia is geographically quite close to Mongolia, but Mongolia's culture is distinct. What parts of Mongolian life do you think make journeys here unique for visitors? GD: Indeed. While Mongolia has some cultural similarities with Central Asia due to historical links, it has developed its own distinct identity. We are a unique culture with influences from Buddhism, shamanism and animism in our pastoralist herder’s way of life. Eastern Mongolia is rich in historical sites, including Deluun Boldog, where Genghis Khan was born, and the historical ruins of 13th and 14th-century towns. Central Mongolia is centered on the ancient town of Kharkhorum – with UNESCO-inscribed intangible cultural events – and the beautiful Orkhon Valley. This region is also enriched by Mongolian Buddhist traditions and architectural sites. North Mongolia is the home of nomadic reindeer herders, who have strong shamanistic beliefs. They are one of the last groups in the world to still herd reindeer as their primary way of life. Mongolia's largest ethnic minority are Kazakhs, who live in the country's western regions. What opportunities do visitors to Mongolia have to discover the Mongolian Kazakh way of life? The Kazakhs of Mongolia have distinct cultural practices, and live mainly in western Mongolia, particularly in Bayan-Ölgii province. While they share a common heritage with Kazakhs in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, their experience in Mongolia is shaped by their minority status and the influence of Mongolian culture and Buddhism, alongside their own Turkic language and Islamic traditions. Activities like eagle hunting demonstration events, trekking in the Altai Mountains, and exploring authentic nomadic life offer unique travel experiences. Travelers can experience authentic nomad Kazakh culture through homestays, participating in festivals, and witnessing traditional crafts, traditional music, epic storytelling and vibrant dances like the eagle dance. What places and activities in Mongolia do you most recommend to foreign visitors? Are you working on any new destinations? Mongolia offers a high degree of freedom and flexibility for travelers, especially when it comes to camping and exploring the vast landscapes. There are relatively few restrictions on where you can go and camp, and you can often choose your own route and pace. However, choosing the right travel partner is vital. I categorize our destinations according to three “Ms”. The first M stands for modified places – basically those that are spoiled. That includes Terelj, Kharkhorum and West Khuvsgul Lake, where you will find many resorts,...

12 months ago

Pope Francis

Pope Francis Championed Central Asia’s Role in Promoting Peace in a Multicultural Region

Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for peace and dialogue on the global stage, spotlighting Central Asia not as a zone of conflict but as a unique crossroads of cultures, religions, and geopolitical influence—an embodiment of tolerance and coexistence. In 2022, amidst the escalating Russia-Ukraine war and rising geopolitical tensions, Pope Francis made a historic pastoral visit to Kazakhstan to attend the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. Kazakhstan, a predominantly Muslim nation, has a Christian minority comprising 17.2% of the population, primarily Russian Orthodox, alongside Catholics and Protestants. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the event’s host, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to religious tolerance, presenting Kazakhstan as a model of “interfaith dialogue in creating a more peaceful and harmonious global society.” Notably, religiously motivated violence against minorities is virtually unheard of in Kazakhstan. Tokayev later visited the Holy See to continue discussions with Pope Francis, focusing on strengthening collaboration for global peace and interfaith understanding. Tributes and Reflections on His Legacy Central Asian leaders are expressing their condolences following the death of Pope Francis at age 88. “The deceased, with his extensive activity as a great Pontiff, made a significant contribution to world affairs and gained fame throughout the world with his creative initiatives and actions,” President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan said in a message to Cardinal Giovanni Battista, dean of the College of Cardinals. Rahmon, who met Francis last year at the Vatican, said the pontiff had promoted dialogue, peace and stability. Tajikistan’s leader said he recalled the pope's “continuous efforts to strengthen and expand the good relations between Tajikistan and the Holy See.” President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan said Francis had made “a worthy contribution to the development of relations between Uzbekistan and the Vatican, strengthening interfaith and interfaith friendship, supporting people in need around the world, and widely promoting noble ideas.” Mirziyoyev’s message was posted on Telegram by Sherzod Asadov, Uzbekistan’s presidential press secretary. President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, who met the pope in the Vatican last year, has also expressed condolences. Tokayev offered his condolences through his X account (formerly Twitter): “I express my deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. [The Pontiff] was an extraordinary spiritual leader who spared no effort to promoting the noble ideals of humanism, justice and compassion.” Kazakhstan will hold a nationwide prayer on Tuesday, according to the state-run Kazinform News Agency. It said the prayer will be broadcast live from the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Astana. A Legacy of Peace and Dialogue Pope Francis’ engagement with Central Asia highlighted the region’s growing geopolitical significance in a rapidly changing global order. His efforts emphasized shared responsibilities in building a more peaceful and equitable world—a mission he championed throughout his papacy. These interactions serve as a powerful reminder that even in today’s fragmented global landscape, communities can transcend divisions to forge partnerships rooted in shared human dignity. Through his outreach, Pope Francis strengthened Central Asia’s connection to the Vatican, showcasing the potential of faith-driven diplomacy in...

1 year ago

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