Page 117 – The Times Of Central Asia

14 Sep 2025

Central Asia, Home, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Home

Blast at Scrap Metal Site in Kazakhstan Kills Three Uzbek Citizens

September 14, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

The bodies of three Uzbek citizens who died in an explosion at a scrap metal plant in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region are being repatriated, according to Uzbek officials.

The deaths occurred on September 11 at the LGN Metal business in Baiserke village and local police have opened a criminal case for “violation of labor protection laws leading to death,” Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency said on Telegram on Saturday. It expressed condolences and said migration officers were helping the relatives of the dead.

“Constant cooperation has been established with the Kazakh side during the investigation process,” the agency said.

Officials have not yet announced the cause of the blast. Plant owner Amirbek Sherbaev said a Chinese company rents the site and that it was possible that military ordnance was mixed in with scrap metal that had been received there, according to KTK, a television channel in Kazakhstan. KTK said defense ministry officials had joined the inquiry.

12 Sep 2025

Central Asia, Home, Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan Local Politics, Kyrgyzstan Home

Kyrgyz Parliament Considers Tighter Climbing Rules After Mountain Deaths

September 12, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan’s parliament is looking at ways to make mountaineering safer after the deaths and presumed deaths of several climbers this year, including a Russian woman who was stranded for days on the highest mountain in the country. The debate comes as authorities promote Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular mountain landscapes in an effort to attract more tourists.

A draft law that was introduced on September 4 in the country’s parliament, the Jogorku Kenesh, would require mountaineers who plan to climb above 6,000 meters to get a permit and have insurance that covers medical assistance and evacuation. The bill, put forward by lawmaker Emil Toktoshev, also proposes the development of more infrastructure for mountaineering routes and bases and better communication about emergencies.

“In recent years, active development of mountaineering and mountain tourism has been observed in Kyrgyzstan, which requires legal regulation of this sphere,” says a note posted with the draft law on the parliament’s website.

“Despite the growing number of ascents to mountain peaks, legislation in the field of mountaineering remains insufficient, creating legal gaps in matters of safety, environmental responsibility, and the issuance of permits,” the note says.

While high-altitude mountain climbing can be inherently risky, the drama surrounding the plight of Russian Natalya Nagovitsyna on Pobeda Peak, which is 7,439 meters above sea level, attracted international attention and prompted a push for more regulation to help to prevent such disasters.

Nagovitsyna, whose husband, Sergey Nagovitsyn, died while climbing in Kyrgyzstan in 2021, broke a leg on Pobeda on August 12. Following risky attempts to rescue her, searchers conducted a high-altitude drone inspection of the mountain ridge where she had been left in early September and said there was no sign of life. There is widespread consensus that Nagovitsyna did not survive on the upper reaches of Pobeda, with minimal supplies and shelter in the brutal climate. Her body has not been recovered.

An Italian friend who had tried to help Nagovitsyna died, and another Russian climber died after climbing Pobeda and falling ill in a separate incident in August. Additionally, two Iranian climbers on Pobeda were reported missing and are presumed dead.

Anna Piunova, editor of Mountain.RU, a Russian website that covers climbing news, said that Nagovitsyna possibly should have climbed Pobeda with an experienced guide and that climbers in general should be aware of their limitations.

“And maybe, when you go into the mountains without a guide, without proper insurance covering PSR (search and rescue operations), in the company of strangers, with only a minimal kit, you need to clearly understand that you’ll have to rely only on yourself,” Piunova said on Instagram. “And choose routes according to your abilities, not your ambitions.”

Rescue services and mountaineering infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan are less developed than in the Alps and parts of the Himalayas in Nepal.

The draft bill submitted by lawmaker Toktoshev says a permit system for mountaineers would allow state agencies to monitor climbing routes and react more quickly to emergencies such as avalanche risks and oxygen deficiency, using funds from those permits for their safety work. The bill does not say how much such permits should cost. The system would also play an environmental role, requiring climbers to clean up their own waste.

“High-mountain regions are characterized by particularly fragile ecosystems,” the bill explains. “Mass and uncontrolled access has led to pollution and degradation of natural landscapes. The permit system will make it possible to limit anthropogenic pressure, control the flow of mountaineers, and implement the principles of ecologically sustainable mountaineering.”

Permits are currently required to climb in some areas of Kyrgyzstan, but the proposed system would introduce a higher level of regulation.

Kyrgyzstan has three peaks over 7,000 meters – Pobeda, which is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world, as well as Lenin Peak and Khan-Tengri Peak.

12 Sep 2025

Home, Uzbekistan, Life & Culture, Uzbekistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Uzbekistan’s Garden Blossoms at the Osaka Expo

September 15, 2025
By Ola Fiedorczuk

At Osaka Expo 2025, Uzbekistan is stepping onto the global stage with a pavilion that embodies the country’s theme: culture as the foundation of future societies. Created by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the space celebrates heritage as both a legacy and a launchpad to connect communities, bridge generations, and spark global conversations.

ACDF is no stranger to ambitious cultural projects. In Tashkent, it has staged the World Conference on Creative Economy, created the first Aral Culture Summit in Nukus, and is behind the renovation of the Centre for Contemporary Art. The Foundation is also working with star architect Tadao Ando on the design of a new National Museum and restoring the storied Palace of the Grand Duke of Romanov. Its research project, Tashkent Modernism XX/XXI, has already caught international attention with publications from Rizzoli New York and Lars Müller Publishers.

Recently, ACDF has been igniting fresh cultural currents. In Bukhara, the UNESCO-listed jewel of the Silk Road, the debut of the first-ever Biennial, Recipes for Broken Hearts, has transformed the ancient city into a vibrant stage for contemporary creativity.

As we approached the pavilion, the queue was already packed and closed off to latecomers still straggling in. Before entry, a guide explained in Japanese the concepts in motion. Designed by internationally acclaimed ATELIER BRUCKNER, the installation unfolds under the theme Garden of Knowledge: A Laboratory for a Future Society, inspired by Uzbekistan’s fertile soil and fragrant gardens where wisdom and originality take root. Built with materials sourced in Japan, the structure features 10,000 hand-glazed bricks crafted by a master artisan from Uzbekistan. Its design has already earned international acclaim, winning the prestigious Red Dot: Best of the Best, and taking home gold at the German Design Award.

Inspired by Khiva and the Khorezm region’s rich architectural and intellectual legacy, it’s a two-storey 750 square meter space that blends the ancient with forward-thinking design, mirroring the life cycle of a garden. Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage city, has long been a crossroads of learning where scholars, artisans, and merchants exchanged ideas within its madrasahs and courtyards. It reimagines this heritage as a contemporary space for gathering and exchange.

Exhibit: transport of the future; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

Brick and clay symbolize earth and ancestry, while cypress wood cultivated near Osaka underscores environmental responsibility. The triangular plot draws from the tumar, a traditional Central Asian amulet of protection, while a floor-level garden evokes Uzbekistan’s landscapes. Visitors follow a symbolic journey from planting seeds of knowledge to harvesting ideas, exploring zones aligned with UNESCO’s goals, including quality education, clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and innovation.

Exhibit blending the ancient and the modern; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

The experience begins in the soil, a ground-floor gallery that highlights Uzbekistan’s shift toward a green economy through renewable energy, eco-friendly transport, and energy-efficient housing, along with landmark projects such as the revitalization of the Aral Sea Basin. From there, visitors ascend to the Main Cylinder, where a moving platform using technology new to Japan delivers a 360-degree multimedia immersion. The journey traces Uzbekistan’s path from its Silk Road past to today, bringing to life traditions, crafts, and cultural icons such as Samarkand’s majestic Registan Square.

The journey culminates in the open-air Garden of Knowledge, where whispers in Japanese, English, and Uzbek carry the pavilion’s themes, as overlapping pillars echo the forest of columns in Khiva’s Juma Mosque. In the upstairs tea room, guests can pause for an Uzbek tea ceremony, seated on ceramic stools crafted by Japan-born Lebanese designer Nada Debs.

Garden of Knowledge; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland

The Times of Central Asia spoke with Pavilion Director Gaipov Otabek to capture the on-the-ground response, the atmosphere within the space, and the way Japan and Uzbekistan intertwine through this shared experience.

TCA: How have you found the response to the pavilion from both the international and the Japanese audience?

GO: We are seeing increased interest in our pavilion from both Japanese and international visitors. Since the opening of the Expo on April 13, the Uzbekistan Pavilion has been visited by more than 500,000 people. Visitors like the design, architecture, and concept of our pavilion. Almost all visitors tell us that they received interesting information about the history, culture, and modern development of Uzbekistan, and intend to visit our country in the near future.

TCA: Have you observed during your stay in Osaka any ways in which Uzbek and Japanese cultures and people have a shared connection?

GO: The traditions and culture of the Uzbek and Japanese people are very similar, in particular, respect for elders, hard work, the desire for education, and many other positive qualities.

During the opening ceremony of the National Day of Uzbekistan at the expo on August 17, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Hisayuki Fujii, said, “Uzbekistan is located at a strategic point on the Silk Road connecting Asia and Europe, and historically has been an intersection of various civilizations. Through the Silk Road, many cultures and technologies reached the Kansai region, greatly influencing the development of Japanese history and culture.

“The Shosoin Treasures in Nara Prefecture houses musical instruments, clothing, tableware, and other items that were brought from the Far West via Central Asia. Buddhism, which forms the foundation of Japanese culture, is also said to have been brought from India via the Silk Road.

“The Navoi Theater, located in the center of Tashkent, was built by Japanese detainees after World War II. It withstood even the great earthquake that struck in 1966, and still retains its imposing appearance today. It stands as a symbol of friendship between the two countries, along with memories of the warm exchanges between the Japanese and Uzbek people.”

As Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and Pavilion Commissioner, explains: “Uzbekistan has long stood at the crossroads of civilizations where scientific and cultural knowledge flourished along the Silk Road. The Pavilion is a symbol of our nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and reflects ACDF’s focus on long-term contributions to global culture.”

Designed with legacy and sustainability in mind, the Pavilion will live on beyond the Expo. Its modular form will be dismantled and carried to Nukus in Karakalpakstan, where in the Aral Region it will be reborn as a place of learning and creation, a garden of knowledge taking root once more.

At the Osaka Expo, Uzbekistan’s pavilion is more than an exhibit. It stands as a bold statement that heritage and modernity are not rivals but partners in shaping the future we share.

The Osaka Expo 2025 runs until October 13.

This is part two of our special coverage of Central Asia at the Osaka Expo 2025. For part one, covering the pavilions from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, please click here.

12 Sep 2025

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan

Kazakh Film Brings History and Culture to the 2nd Golden Panda Awards

September 12, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Chengdu, famed for its pandas and fiery cuisine, takes the spotlight from September 12–13 as it hosts the 2^nd Golden Panda Awards, drawing filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.

The Golden Panda Awards use China’s favorite furry ambassador as a symbol of friendship and cross-cultural connection. Around 65 works have been shortlisted, with 27 awards to be presented across four categories: Film, TV Series, Documentary, and Animation. Notably, 54.5% of the finalists are international productions, selected from 5,343 entries submitted from 126 countries and regions.

One of the standout contenders this year is Qash (Run), nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.

Starring Yerkebulan Daiyrov and Ondassyn Bessikbassov, the Kazakh film is set against the backdrop of the mass famine of 1931–1933, which wiped out nearly a third of the population.

Directed by Aisultan Seitov, the film follows Isatai, a gravedigger tasked by his village head with delivering a message to the nearest city in hopes of saving the starving villagers. Crossing the vast steppe, Isatai faces harrowing trials, including surreal hallucinations driven by hunger and despair.

Also known as Asharshylyk, the tragedy was the result of forced collectivization and sedentarization imposed by the Soviet regime. In his drive for rapid industrialization, Stalin ordered the transformation of Kazakhstan’s traditional nomadic, clan-based society into collective farms, where individuals were compelled to meet strict state quotas for meat and grain.

The abrupt policy shift, coupled with reckless implementation, led many herders to slaughter their livestock either for immediate food or to sell in hopes of meeting grain requirements. Ultimately, this devastated the pastoral economy and fueled mass famine.

Director Aisultan Seitov (center) meets fans of Qash in Shanghai, June 14, 2023; image: VCG

Qash marks the feature-film debut of director Aisultan Seitov, who first gained recognition as a music video producer. Inspired by the growing presence of culturally distinctive films on international screens, Seitov was drawn to make a full-length film.

The narrative took shape after a close friend shared a childhood story of his grandfather fleeing his village with his older brother. In interviews, Seitov has said he hopes to showcase Kazakh culture to the world while crafting a story that resonates universally.

That aligns neatly with the festival’s own motto: celebrate diversity, spark dialogue, and remind us that stories, whether about pandas, people, or epic journeys, are what bring civilizations together.

Beyond celebrating award winners, the Golden Panda Awards serve as a dynamic hub for international film professionals to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. Judges, creators of nominated works, and influential directors, producers, actors, and experts from home and abroad come together for in-depth discussions on topics ranging from digital-intelligence empowerment to the art of light and shadow. Collaborative dialogues, exhibitions, and new project launches further expand opportunities for creative partnerships.

This September, Sichuan Province transforms into a cinematic playground with events called “Let’s Watch Films Together,” where film lovers can dive into a feast of stories, local culture, tantalizing cuisine, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Picture this: start the day with an award-nominated documentary, enjoy a bowl of noodles for lunch, and end it at a riverside night market where films play on a giant outdoor screen. The whole province turns into an open-air cinema, with 50,000 screenings spread across 10 landmarks, 5 universities, lively streets, and even a night market.

An increasing number of travelers from China and abroad are flocking to the Golden Light Cave on Qianyuan Mountain in Jiangyou, Sichuan Province, which inspired the blockbuster Nezha 2; image: VCG

To give filmgoers a full sensory adventure beyond the screen, travel Vloggers and food influencers have joined the celebration, sharing 14 recommended travel routes that let audiences explore the real-life locations and savor the local cuisines behind the stories.

What’s more exciting is that film viewers can unlock special perks by showing their ticket stubs, enjoying discounts at select hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions across the province. So far, more than $5.6 million in film discount coupons have been handed out, making the festival a feast for both the eyes and the wallet.

So whether you’re a director hunting for your next big collaboration, a movie buff chasing screenings across temples and night markets, or just a foodie looking for an excuse to binge dumplings between films, Chengdu’s festival has you covered. Because here in Sichuan, cinema isn’t just about sitting in the dark with popcorn; it’s about stepping into the light, onto the streets, and into a world where stories, cultures, and people connect.

12 Sep 2025

Justice, Tajikistan Justice, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Features, Features

Twelve Years On, Tajikistan’s Police Reform Struggles to Deliver Real Change

September 15, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Launched in 2013, Tajikistan’s police reform aimed to modernize law enforcement, increase transparency, and build public trust. Twelve years later, while some progress is acknowledged, experts say the main objectives remain largely unfulfilled.

Signs of Progress

Sadriddin Saidov, chairman of the Sughd regional branch of the Bar Association, notes improved accessibility to law enforcement.

“Now citizens can file complaints through hotlines or electronically, which means people can reach out at any time,” he said.

In remote areas, mobile police units, minibuses outfitted as service offices, now provide legal consultations and assistance. Gulchehra Kholmatova, Head of the Legal Assistance Group of the Civil Society Coalition against Torture and Impunity in Tajikistan, said there is increasing dialogue between civil society and the state. NGOs are more frequently invited to discuss human rights issues and, in some cases, are granted access to detention centers.

Recent legislative changes have guaranteed detainees access to legal counsel and introduced safeguards against abuse. With international support, Tajik police officers now undergo human rights training aimed at preventing torture.

Human rights advocate Larisa Aleksandrova cites specific gains in addressing domestic violence. The number of inspectors focused on preventing family violence has risen from 14 to 22, improving the registration and response to complaints.

“The number of appeals to police regarding domestic violence has risen, and case registration has improved,” she said.

Where the Reform Falls Short

Yet many argue these reforms are more cosmetic than structural. Lawyer Bakhtiyor Nasrulloev contends the process resembles “degradation” rather than progress.

“Access to local police stations has become more complicated due to multi-level controls and guards. This creates the impression that the police are distancing themselves from society, not moving closer,” he said.

Nasrulloev criticized the reform as superficial, focusing on new uniforms and rebranding without addressing systemic issues.

Kholmatova notes that public oversight of detention facilities remains weak, and torture cases often go unpunished. Aleksandrova adds that the reform slogan, “My police protect me,” has yet to become reality.

“Nothing changes fundamentally. Even those who want to work honestly are constrained by a rigid system of control and subordination,” she said.

Experts point to lingering Soviet-era practices, where success is measured by the number of cases opened rather than investigative quality.

For Saidov, a key obstacle is low public engagement.

“Reforms will succeed only if citizens actively express their opinions and proposals,” he said.

Aleksandrova also highlights insufficient gender sensitivity in police responses to discrimination and domestic violence.

What Experts Propose

To move forward, Nasrulloev has called for a major restructuring that would separate investigative bodies from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and remove them from prosecutorial control. He also suggested making district inspectors and patrol officers accountable to local governments to better address community needs.

He recommended merging overlapping departments, including criminal investigations, drug control, and organized crime units, to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.

Kholmatova highlighted the need for independent monitoring, greater transparency, and training that follows international human rights standards.

Aleksandrova proposed mandatory video recordings of interrogations and the use of body cameras during arrests, with any undocumented action considered unlawful. She also called for regular certification exams and the creation of clear operational standards approved by the Ministry of Justice.

A Reform in Limbo

Twelve years into the process, Tajikistan’s police may be more accessible and open to dialogue, but systemic opacity, partial reforms and institutional inertia still hinder the creation of a people-centered force.

Experts say only genuine institutional reform, stronger accountability, greater citizen involvement and the adoption of modern policing standards will allow the country to fulfill the promise of its reform and build public trust.

12 Sep 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Home, Kyrgyzstan, Features, Kyrgyzstan Features, Kyrgyzstan Home

Experts Call for Seismic Study Ahead of Kambarata-1 Hydropower Construction

September 15, 2025
By Anton Chipegin

At a recent parliamentary session, Kanatbek Abdrakhmatov, director of the Institute of Seismology and president of Kyrgyzstan’s National Academy of Sciences, warned that seismic microzonation has not been conducted at the site of the planned Kambarata-1 hydropower plant (HPP), a critical prerequisite for infrastructure projects of this magnitude.

Located in western Kyrgyzstan, the Kambarata-1 HPP is a joint venture between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, with financial support from the World Bank. The facility is expected to have a capacity of 1,860 MW, with a reservoir volume of 4.5 billion cubic meters. The dam is projected to stand 256 meters tall and house four turbines capable of generating over 5.5 billion kWh annually. The total estimated cost of the project is $5-6 billion.

The statement has raised alarms over the country’s most ambitious hydroelectric initiative since independence. Abdrakhmatov said scientists had twice appealed to the Ministry of Energy requesting the study, but received no response. He cautioned that the ministry is underestimating the potential seismic risks.

“We are about to launch the Kambarata-1 project. It is crucial to understand that seismic microzonation must be carried out before projects of this magnitude begin. Unfortunately, this has not been done,” Abdrakhmatov said. “This raises serious concerns, because if an earthquake occurs, the dam could collapse, which in turn could destroy Kambarata-2 and other hydropower plants downstream on the Naryn River.”

He further noted that the dam is planned between two mountain ridges, one significantly higher than the other. Since seismic waves interact differently with varying topographies, a powerful earthquake could cause destabilization and structural damage. Conducting a microzonation study would help mitigate such risks.

The Ministry of Energy has dismissed the concerns raised by domestic seismologists, maintaining that the design of the curved gravity dam is safe. According to the ministry, AFRY Switzerland Ltd, the company preparing the project’s feasibility study, engaged international experts to assess the seismic profile of the region.

The ministry stated that the expert team conducted an analysis of seismic sources, earthquake history, and regional tectonics using data from the National Institute of Seismology and the Central Asian earthquake catalog. Based on their findings, a curved gravity dam design was proposed to enhance both hydraulic performance and structural resilience.

“Following comprehensive studies and numerous expert-level discussions, a seismic hazard assessment of the construction area was provided. The curved gravity dam design proposed for Kambarata-1 is expected to improve both efficiency and resilience,” the ministry reported.

Nevertheless, the ministry added that it remains open to further in-depth seismic studies and may still conduct a microzonation survey as recommended by local scientists.

“To date, enormous preparatory work has been carried out for Kambarata-1. We are moving toward the start of major construction. However, speculation by some of our seismology experts, who are unfamiliar with the latest reports, is deeply regrettable, it is nothing but slander and sabotage,” the ministry added in a strongly worded statement.