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12 Sep 2025

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

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.

12 Sep 2025

Business & Economy, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Issues First Residence Permit Under Digital Nomad Residency Program

September 12, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

Kazakhstan has issued its first residence permit under the newly launched Digital Nomad Residency program, a key component of the country’s strategy to attract global talent in digital technologies and artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry announced that the inaugural 10-year residence permit was granted to Pavel Filatov, a Senior Analytics & BI Engineer.

According to the ministry, the program simplifies the process for qualified foreign specialists to obtain permanent residency. Since its launch in January 2025, over 270 applications have been submitted by professionals from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, France, Turkey, and several post-Soviet states. Most applicants work in fields such as programming, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, and DevOps.

“The Digital Nomad Residency program provides a truly rare opportunity to combine comfortable living conditions with a dynamically developing technology ecosystem,” Filatov said. “The entire process was convenient and modern. For IT specialists around the world, this program really opens up new horizons. Kazakhstan has huge potential for professional growth and international cooperation, and it is a great honor for me to become the first holder of this residency.”

The residency program builds upon Kazakhstan’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced earlier this year along with two other new visa categories: the Neo Nomad Visa and the Residence Visa. Together, these initiatives form part of a broader government effort to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors.

The Digital Nomad Visa offers long-term stay options for freelancers, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and startup founders.
The Neo Nomad Visa targets remote workers who travel while working, requiring proof of at least $3,000 in monthly income, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
The Residence Visa is aimed at foreign professionals in medicine, science, innovation, education, and the creative industries, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

The ministry confirmed that the first Digital Nomad Visas, issued without income requirements, have already been granted to IT professionals from Algeria and Botswana. Visa holders are permitted to work with both foreign and Kazakh companies and may apply for residency during the visa’s validity period.

At the same time, Kazakhstan has taken additional steps to attract long-term foreign investment. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, new regulations allow foreign nationals who invest at least $300,000 into Kazakh companies or securities listed on local exchanges to apply electronically for an investor visa.

This so-called “golden visa” offers a residence permit valid for up to 10 years and is part of Kazakhstan’s plan to build itself into a regional hub for business and innovation.

12 Sep 2025

Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan

East Kazakhstan Researchers Use AI and Drones to Boost Soil and Crop Management

September 12, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Researchers at Sarsen Amanzholov University in Ust-Kamenogorsk, East Kazakhstan, have developed a digital system that integrates drone imagery with artificial intelligence (AI) to assess soil quality and crop health with high precision.

The system enables farmers to monitor soil and plant conditions in ways previously inaccessible. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras capture images across five spectral bands: red, blue, green, near-infrared, and mid-infrared.

“This approach makes it possible to ‘see’ what is invisible to the human eye, soil moisture levels, chlorophyll content, early signs of plant disease, or land degradation,” said Almasbek Maulit, a researcher at Sarsen Amanzholov University. “AI algorithms analyze the images, differentiate between crops and weeds, identify patterns of spread, and even generate automatic maps of infected areas. This enables farmers to take targeted action from local treatment of problem zones to adjusting crop rotation or cultivation methods.”

The system offers several key benefits:

Optimized use of fertilizers and plant protection products, reducing costs
Early detection of problems, minimizing crop losses
Improved profitability through better sowing and crop management strategies
Reliable land quality assessments for investors and state authorities

The project is part of Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to integrate high-tech solutions into agriculture, a sector that remains a cornerstone of the national economy. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that engineers in Karaganda unveiled prototypes of drones designed for public safety applications.

By merging AI with drone-based imaging, scientists in East Kazakhstan are helping to position the country’s agribusiness sector for smarter, more sustainable practices and long-term growth.