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27 Jul 2025

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Kazakhstan’s Bublik Wins Back-to-Back Tennis Titles on Clay

July 27, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

Another week, another title.

Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan won the Generali Open in Kitzbühel, Austria on Saturday, just a week after raising the winner’s trophy in Gstaad, Switzerland. Both tennis titles were on clay, a surface he once disparaged.

Bublik beat Arthur Cazaux of France, 6-4, 6-3 in Kitzbühel, pounding groundstrokes and feathering dropshots against a player he had also beaten on the way to the title in Gstaad.

It’s all part of what Bublik, 28, has described as his greatest season on the tour, which includes a quarterfinals run at the French Open and the grass court title at Halle in Germany. He now has won a total of seven ATP Tour singles titles, and his No. 30 ranking is projected to climb after the victory in Austria on Saturday. He struggled earlier in the year and was ranked 82 in mid-March. The Russia-born player stumbled at Wimbledon with a loss in the first round.

27 Jul 2025

Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

Exile and Empire: Dostoevsky’s Years in Semey, Kazakhstan

July 27, 2025
By Stephen M. Bland

Semey, Kazakhstan – In the windswept, seemingly infinite steppe of eastern Kazakhstan stands a city with a dual, haunting legacy. It is a place where one of the world’s literary giants plumbed the depths of the human soul, and where, a century later, humanity sought to master the power to extinguish itself. This is Semey, formerly Semipalatinsk, a city whose soil is steeped in the memory of both Fyodor Dostoevsky’s exile and the Soviet Union’s atomic ambition.

For Fyodor Dostoevsky, one of Russia’s most celebrated writers, Semey was not a destination of choice but of punishment. Arrested in 1849 for his involvement with the Petrashevsky Circle — a group of intellectuals who read and discussed banned political texts — Dostoevsky was sentenced to death, only to be spared at the last moment in a mock execution ordered by Tsar Nicholas I. His sentence was commuted to four years of hard labour in the Omsk fortress, followed by compulsory military service in Semipalatinsk.

Arriving in 1854, Dostoevsky spent nearly five years in Semipalatinsk, a provincial outpost on the Russian Empire’s edge, where exiles, soldiers, and bureaucrats mingled with Kazakh nomads and merchants. Though his official role was that of a soldier in the Siberian Line Battalion, his time here marked a critical period of transformation — politically, spiritually, and literarily.

Semey offered isolation, but also introspection. Deprived of literary contact, Dostoevsky was forced inward. His exposure to suffering — in prison, in exile, and his struggles with epilepsy — sharpened the moral and psychological vision that would later define Crime and Punishment, The Idiot, and The Brothers Karamazov. In letters from this time, he describes long walks through the barren steppe and his growing fascination with the Kazakh people, whose customs and resilience left a lasting impression.

During his years in Semey, Dostoevsky also began to reengage with the intellectual world. Thanks to the leniency of local officials, he was able to read, write, and eventually re-enter literary circles. It was here he completed Uncle’s Dream and The Village of Stepanchikovo, and began work on Notes from the Dead House, a fictionalised account of his time in prison that marked a decisive shift from romanticism to the raw psychological realism for which he became renowned.

Despite its remoteness, Semey in the 1850s was not without its cultural encounters. Dostoevsky formed a lasting friendship with Chokan Valikhanov, a Kazakh nobleman, ethnographer, and military officer, whose liberal views and deep knowledge of Central Asian culture helped broaden Dostoevsky’s perspective on the empire’s outer subjects. Their conversations influenced Dostoevsky’s thinking on race, empire, and the spiritual dignity of non-Russian peoples — ideas that subtly permeate his later works.

In 1853, aged 18, Valikhanov graduated from the Cadet Corps and was commissioned as a cornet in the Army Cavalry. He was then assigned as an officer to the 6th Regiment of the Siberian Cossack Army. Later, through the Main Administration of the Region, he was appointed as an officer of special assignments.

In 1858–1859, he made his famous journey to Kashgar, for which he became renowned as a courageous traveller. After Marco Polo, he was the first “Europeanized” intellectual to visit Kashgar. Having studied the geography, history, political structure, and culture of this country, which was almost unknown in Europe at the time. The expedition was planned by two main departments of the Russian Empire: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by its Asian Department, and the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. This suggests that the main purpose of the expeditionary caravan was reconnaissance.

Dostoevsky’s House in Semey; image: Yakov Fedorov

Today, Dostoevsky’s former house still stands in Semey, converted into a museum dedicated to his life and writings. Modest in size but rich in atmosphere, it preserves manuscripts, personal letters, and portraits that evoke the introspective solitude of his exile. A statue of the writer stands in a quiet square, facing the steppe — perhaps as he once did, searching for meaning beyond the horizon.

Yet Semey is also haunted by another legacy: from 1949 to 1989, it lay just 150 kilometres from the Semipalatinsk Test Site, the epicentre of Soviet nuclear experimentation. More than 450 nuclear tests were conducted there, leaving environmental and genetic scars that still shape the city’s identity today. The juxtaposition is startling: a town that once reformed a writer who peered into the abyss of human suffering later became the stage for mankind’s flirtation with annihilation.

In this strange confluence of literature and atomic history, Semey emerges not as a forgotten frontier but as a place that reflects the extremities of human ambition and resilience. It remains, in many ways, a Dostoevskian city, fraught with suffering, yet never fully devoid of redemption.

25 Jul 2025

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

Kazakhstani Woman Earns Grandmaster Title, Says Chess is “My World”

July 25, 2025
By Times of Central Asia

As Bibisara Asaubayeva of Kazakhstan puts it, she has dedicated 17 of her 21 years of life to chess.

Was it worth it? Well, this month, FIDE, the Switzerland-based governing body of chess, awarded grandmaster status to Asaubayeva, making her the second Kazakhstani woman and the 43rd female player ever to earn the coveted title.

The announcement came on Monday after a FIDE council meeting on July 18 that approved nine other grandmasters, including 15-year-old Kazakhstani Edgar Mamedov. It wasn’t a surprise for the players from Kazakhstan because they had achieved the required ratings two months ago and were awaiting official confirmation.

Still, the accomplishment spurred reflections this week from Asaubayeva, who posted an Instagram slideshow of photos spanning her career, from a young girl perched in front of chessboards at tournaments to a young woman with a wealth of accolades and experience behind her. She described being “haunted” by missed chances or mistakes on the board and said chess was no longer a game for her because it is so much a part of her identity.

“It’s so strange sometimes to look at my childhood photos from tournaments,” she said. “The games, the trips, the emotions — everything seemed so big, so extraordinary back then. I remember how differently I saw chess at the time — with awe, excitement, as if I were entering a fairytale where anything was possible.”

Asaubayeva said losses hurt and she never gets used to them, but they make her more resilient.

“To me, chess isn’t just 64 black and white squares. It’s a whole world. My world. And there’s still so much left to explore,” she said. “And you know… If you ever give it a try — this game will never let you go.”

The first woman from Kazakhstan to become a grandmaster was Zhansaya Abdumalik in 2021.

Asaubayeva won consecutive titles at the Women’s World Blitz Championships in 2021 and 2022. Currently, she is ranked 10^th among the world’s highest-rated women with a rating of 2509, according to Chess.com. It stated that she received a wildcard into the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas and played there a few days ago, but struggled against the world-class competition.

Kazakhstan has been pushing to develop homegrown talent, introducing chess into the curricula of hundreds of schools, training chess teachers, organizing numerous tournaments, and even supporting chess federations in some other Asian countries. At last week’s chess council meeting, delegates confirmed the dates for several upcoming events, including the 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for people with disabilities, scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan in October this year.

25 Jul 2025

Environment, Uzbekistan Environment, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Features

Charvak Resort Plan Sparks Public Outcry in Uzbekistan

July 25, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

A proposed tourism development at Uzbekistan’s Charvak reservoir has drawn widespread public scrutiny following an announcement by Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov. The project, dubbed “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” envisions a vast resort complex covering 500 to 700 hectares and featuring hotels, cottages, pools, sports facilities, restaurants, retail outlets, a bridge across the reservoir, and event venues.

Public reaction has been swift, with critics raising concerns over transparency and environmental impact. The hashtag #SaveChorvoq has gained traction as citizens question the lack of open consultation.

Minister Calls for Transparency and Public Input

Speaking at a July 23 press conference near the Charvak reservoir, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, addressed the mounting concerns. He clarified that the project has not yet been formally submitted to the government.

“Frankly speaking, we’ve only heard about the project informally,” said Abdukhakimov, as quoted by Kun.uz. “That’s why we asked the investor to submit official documents. Once we receive them, our ministry, along with the Construction and Water Management Ministries, will conduct a thorough review.”

Abdukhakimov urged the public not to rush to judgment. “Before saying no, let’s see what exactly is being proposed,” he stated. “Once the proposal is submitted, it will be opened for public discussion. No one can secretly approve this project overnight.”

He emphasized that Agalarov was approached due to his track record of developing environmentally compliant projects in other countries. “Otherwise, he has many other offers,” the minister added, noting that Agalarov is also in talks with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Montenegro.

Safeguards and Planning

To mitigate environmental risks, Abdukhakimov proposed developing a master plan to delineate zones for recreation and conservation. “We suggest designating specific areas for modern recreation facilities while imposing a moratorium on construction in protected zones,” he said. “This approach ensures the entire shoreline won’t be overtaken by buildings.”

Addressing rumors that construction has already begun, Abdukhakimov clarified that only minor landscaping work has taken place to create a model beach area with umbrellas and leveled ground. “This is not major construction,” he stressed.

On reports that a sales office had opened in Tashkent, Abdukhakimov explained it is linked to Agalarov’s existing Sea Breeze project in Baku, Azerbaijan. “They cannot sell anything in Uzbekistan yet because they don’t own land here and no project has been approved,” he said.

Land Ownership and Oversight

Jo’rabek Ahmedov, governor of the Bostanlyk district where Charvak is located, confirmed that most of the proposed site consists of public reserve land, along with some farmland and plots managed by the forestry service. “Around 100 hectares are under consideration for the first phase,” he said. “But nothing official has been submitted yet.”

Deputy Construction Minister Davronjon Odilov reassured that there are no plans to build within local villages. “Future development will be guided by a comprehensive master plan that aligns with design and environmental standards,” he said.

Officials have committed to full transparency and public participation once the project proposal is formally submitted for review.

25 Jul 2025

Home, Tajikistan International Affairs, Uzbekistan, International Affairs, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan Features, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan Features, Features, Uzbekistan International Affairs, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kyrgyzstan Features

China Steps Into the Central Asian Power Vacuum

July 29, 2025
By Aliya Haidar

China’s footprint in Central Asia is growing rapidly, with the number of joint projects and strategic initiatives expanding across the region. Analysts attribute this shift to the waning influence of both Russia and the United States.

Kazakhstan: From Agriculture to Atomic Energy

In recent months, China has significantly deepened its cooperation with Kazakhstan. As The Times of Central Asia recently reported, on July 24, the Kazakh Ministry of Finance announced a pilot project with China involving unmanned freight trucks crossing the Bakhty (Kazakhstan) and Pokitu (China) border points. The initiative, known as “Smart Customs,” will employ autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and implement a unified electronic customs declaration system recognized by both countries.

Further institutional cooperation had earlier emerged on July 23, with the launch of the China-Central Asia Poverty Reduction Cooperation Center and the China-Central Asia Education Exchange and Cooperation Center in Urumqi, Xinjiang. These centers aim to deepen collaboration on poverty alleviation and education, priorities reaffirmed during the second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, where 24 bilateral agreements were signed during President Xi Jinping’s visit.

Meanwhile, China is asserting itself in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. On June 14, the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) was announced as the leader of a consortium to build a new nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. Although Russia’s Rosatom is slated to construct the country’s first nuclear plant, logistical and financial setbacks at its Akkuyu project in Turkey have led some experts to suggest that CNNC may ultimately be responsible for Kazakhstan’s inaugural facility.

Meanwhile, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, transit routes through Russia are seeing multiple problems, with Kazakhstan temporarily suspending oil exports via the Black Sea ports of Novorossiysk and Yuzhnaya Ozerovka due to newly enforced Russian regulations. At land borders, new entry procedures for foreign citizens, including Kazakhs, have led to massive traffic jams.

China’s Strategic Pivot

According to sociologist Gulmira Ileuova, China’s assertive role is a response to the diminishing presence of both Russia, distracted by the war in Ukraine, and the United States, which has scaled back developmental efforts. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order curtailing the global operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), leading to the suspension of several NGO and media initiatives in Central Asia.

“China is rapidly filling the vacuum,” Ileuova noted in an interview with The Times of Central Asia. “Beijing is transitioning from economic engagement to ideological influence, promoting narratives of social harmony and a shared future.”

Ileuova anticipates that a broad ideological campaign, comparable to the “One Belt, One Road” infrastructure initiative, may follow, amplifying China’s soft power in the region. Rather than emphasizing democratic values, Chinese cooperation projects often focus on poverty alleviation, which finds greater resonance among Central Asian populations.

Xi Jinping’s Repeated Visits Signal Priority

As previously stated, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Kazakhstan on June 16 for the Second China-Central Asia Summit in Astana, during which leaders signed the Astana Declaration and a treaty on “eternal good-neighborliness.” According to political analyst Kanat Ospanov, Xi’s regular visits underscore Kazakhstan’s strategic importance to Beijing. To date, China has invested over $57 billion across 200 projects in Kazakhstan, spanning industry, energy, and logistics.

Deepening Ties with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

China is now Uzbekistan’s top trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $4.2 billion between January and April 2025, outpacing Russia and Kazakhstan. Chinese investments in Uzbekistan between 2017 and 2024 totaled $14 billion, and account for one-third of all foreign investment in early 2025. Over 3,500 enterprises with Chinese capital are registered in Uzbekistan.

In Kyrgyzstan, China is spearheading a major railway project that will connect western China with Central Asia, strengthening regional trade routes. Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan (CKU) railway officially began on 27 December 2024 during a ceremony in the village of Tosh‑Kutup in Kyrgyzstan’s Jalal-Abad region. Present at the ceremonial launch were President Japarov of Kyrgyzstan and officials representing China’s National Development and Reform Commission, whilst remarks were conveyed from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Meanwhile, China has surpassed Russia as Tajikistan’s largest trading partner, with a 24.8% share of the country’s foreign trade turnover. Beijing’s strategy combines investment, credit lines, and infrastructure development to exert influence.

This growing economic presence is increasingly accompanied by cultural and political engagement, as Beijing ramps up language programs, media cooperation, and elite exchanges. With infrastructure, trade, and ideology now deeply intertwined, China is positioning itself as Central Asia’s most consequential long-term partner.

25 Jul 2025

Business & Economy, Tajikistan Business Economy, Tajikistan

Tajikistan Uncovers Major Rare Earth Deposits in Rasht Valley

July 25, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Newly discovered deposits of the rare earth metals tantalum and niobium in Tajikistan could reshape the country’s mining sector and economic future, according to the Tajik Geological Survey.

Strategic Discoveries in the Rasht Valley

Ilkhom Oymukhammadzoda, head of the Geological Administration, announced the discovery of substantial niobium and tantalum concentrations in the Rasht Valley, based on the analysis of 125 samples collected from the Nazaraylok and Yosuman areas.

Tantalum is critical to electronics manufacturing, while niobium is used in high-strength alloys for the aerospace and construction industries both metals are of growing strategic importance.

Oymukhammadzoda also confirmed the identification of 15 additional sites rich in rare metals such as lithium, niobium, and tantalum across remote eastern regions including Karasu, Agbasoy, Pyron, and Rohshif.

Gold prospects have also emerged. At the Novy Sarimardi site, a gold-bearing ore body with a concentration of 0.96 grams per tonne has been located, potentially attracting investor interest.

Geophysical surveys have identified three anomalies in the Laylakul and Sangibek areas, suggesting further opportunities for mineral exploration and development.

Key Geological Zones

Tajikistan’s rare earth resources are primarily concentrated in two strategic zones: the Central Region and the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

In the Central Region, exploration is focused on the Zeravshan and Karategin ridges. Pegmatite fields in Karasu, Akbasai, and Payron are currently under assessment for reserves of niobium, tantalum, lithium, and tin.

In GBAO, exploration is underway in the Shughnan, Rushan, Ishkoshim, and Vakhsh ridges. Sites such as Kolkhozabad, Taglikhas, and Vez-Dara have shown traces of rubidium and other rare elements essential to high-tech industries.

Economic Potential and National Strategy

Geological survey work is state-funded and focused on assessing reserves of strategic resources. One of the most promising sites is Nazaraylok, where preliminary projections suggest reserves of niobium and tantalum may reach several hundred thousand tons.

Beyond these metals, Tajikistan’s subsoil contains beryllium, cesium, lithium, tin, and light lanthanides, all in increasing demand on global markets.

Rare earth resources are emerging as a cornerstone of future economic development. With its expanding inventory of strategic metals, Tajikistan could become a key player in the global rare earth supply chain.