Page 253 – The Times Of Central Asia

09 Jun 2025

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

Construction Begins on New British School Campus in Astana

June 9, 2025
By Sergey Kwan

A capsule-laying ceremony on June 7 marked the official start of construction on the new Ardingly College campus in Astana, a major milestone in Kazakhstan-UK educational cooperation.

Ardingly Astana is a branch of Ardingly College, a prestigious British coeducational day and boarding school founded in 1858 in West Sussex, England. The Astana branch will follow the Cambridge curriculum, offering instruction in English and preparing students for A-Level examinations. The school’s faculty will include educators with international and UK-based teaching experience.

The first phase of the new campus is expected to open in 2026, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 students. The campus will include state-of-the-art facilities such as a swimming pool, sports complexes, music and art studios, and science laboratories.

Designed as an educational hub for students from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, Ardingly Astana aims to merge the British academic model with innovative teaching methods, equipping students for admission to leading universities worldwide. The project also seeks to attract international educators and promote cross-border knowledge exchange and educational integration.

The development is supported by Kazakh Invest, Kazakhstan’s national investment promotion agency. The capsule-laying ceremony was attended by representatives of the British Embassy in Kazakhstan, Ardingly College, Ardingly Astana, and Kazakh Invest.

Azamat Kozhanov, Deputy Chairman of Kazakh Invest, underscored the project’s significance: “The opening of a campus of one of the UK’s top educational institutions in the heart of Eurasia symbolizes trust, partnership, and a strategic vision for the future. It will be more than just a school, it will be an ecosystem for nurturing ideas and developing future leaders. Education remains a priority for investment, and we are ready to provide full support for such projects. We are confident that Ardingly Astana will attract talented students and educators from around the world.”

The project marks a significant step in advancing both educational and investment ties between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.

09 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Environment, Uzbekistan Environment, Uzbekistan

Watermelon Prices Plummet in Uzbekistan as Early Harvest Floods Market

June 9, 2025
By Sadokat Jalolova

Wholesale watermelon prices in Uzbekistan have dropped nearly threefold in just one week, marking the steepest weekly decline in at least five years, according to a report by EastFruit.

EastFruit analysts attribute the sharp drop to an early and abundant harvest. Between May 16 and 22, large volumes of freshly harvested watermelons entered the wholesale markets in Tashkent, about a week earlier than in 2024, resulting in a supply surge.

On May 23, the average wholesale price stood at 7,000 Uzbek sums per kilogram (approximately $0.54), the highest level for that time of year since 2021. By May 30, prices had fallen to just 2,500 sums per kilogram ($0.20), representing a near threefold decrease in just seven days.

Despite the dramatic drop, end-of-May prices were still 25% higher than the same period in 2023, though only half the price recorded in late May 2024.

Export Prospects Remain Strong

The price decline is expected to stimulate watermelon exports. Since 2020, fresh watermelons have become one of Uzbekistan’s key fruit and vegetable exports. In 2023, the country set a record by exporting 104,700 tons. Shipments remained robust in 2024, reaching 98,500 tons, just 6% below the all-time high.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan recently signed a trade agreement with a leading Uzbek dried fruit exporter, paving the way for regular food exports to Europe and the Persian Gulf.

Ecofruit, a major Uzbek agricultural producer, has also expressed strong interest in Kyrgyz nuts and dried fruits, citing their high quality and natural purity.

09 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Home, Justice, Kazakhstan Justice, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

Kazakhstan Faces Scandal Over Drug Procurement System

June 9, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

A political and financial scandal is emerging in Kazakhstan following revelations from the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) concerning widespread violations in the country’s public drug procurement system.

Deputy Health Minister Ardak Amangeldiev has not ruled out legal action against the SAC after its findings were presented to parliament. SAC Chairman Alikhan Smailov, a former prime minister, said that some materials have already been referred to law enforcement, prompting several members of parliament to call for systemic reform.

Audit Uncovers Extensive Irregularities

Kazakhstan’s public drug procurement system was audited in both 2023 and 2024. According to Smailov, auditors identified the following violations:

Financial losses totaling KZT 741 million (approximately $1.4 million);
Inefficient use of KZT 32 billion ($62.7 million);
Lost profit amounting to KZT 58 billion ($113 million).

In total, 134 cases have been referred for administrative proceedings, with five cases passed to law enforcement agencies.

Among the most alarming findings was the discovery of more than 67,000 cases involving expired medications being dispensed, rendering them unusable and resulting in budgetary losses. Auditors also identified extreme price discrepancies, up to 600%, for 15 of the most expensive drugs when comparing public sector prices with those in the retail market. Smailov suggested that medicines intended for free outpatient care were being illicitly written off and sold through commercial pharmacies.

Delays in medication deliveries were cited as a major cause of treatment disruptions. Quarterly instead of monthly shipments caused shortages, forcing patients to buy medications out-of-pocket.

One particularly troubling case involved a private supplier delivering 62 million medical gloves in 2024 for KZT 8 billion ($15.6 million). Auditors noted the batch’s specifications matched those of products imported from Thailand during the same period, suggesting they were resold as “domestically produced” goods.

The SAC also questioned the rationale behind long-term procurement contracts. State-run distributor SK Pharmacy has signed agreements with domestic manufacturers for up to 10 years. Over the past five years, total purchases under such contracts increased from KZT 69 billion to KZT 112 billion (approximately $135 million to $220 million). However, the number of unique domestically produced drugs dropped from 968 to 507, indicating a growing reliance on basic medical devices rather than genuinely localized pharmaceutical production.

Ministry of Health Pushes Back

The Ministry of Health has disputed several of the audit’s conclusions. Deputy Minister Amangeldiev told journalists that the evidence cited in many of the findings was insufficient. The ministry has filed a pre-trial claim against the SAC.

“We have verified that the evidence is insufficient for a number of facts. We have sent a pre-trial claim. If we cannot reach an understanding, there will be a court case. As a state body, we have a constitutional right to defend our honor and dignity and to provide evidence on all points,” Amangeldiev stated at a parliamentary session.

Parliamentary Voices Demand Reform

Notably, no government agency in Kazakhstan has ever challenged an SAC audit in court. Still, some members of the Mazhilis have supported the chamber’s conclusions and are calling for sweeping changes.

Deputy Askhat Aimagambetov pointed to over-complicated and expensive drug registration procedures as one reason for the shortage of affordable but essential medicines. He cited the lack of oral penicillin in the country, explaining that its low cost deters companies from registering or importing it, forcing doctors to prescribe more expensive antibiotics.

Aimagambetov also criticized SK Pharmacy for sourcing up to 60% of its drugs through local distributors rather than directly from manufacturers, inflating procurement costs. He advocated for logistics reforms, direct purchasing, and restricting long-term contracts to companies that truly localize production in Kazakhstan.

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Aimagambetov has also proposed amendments to the Tax Code that would exempt certain essential medicines from VAT and reduce the overall tax burden on healthcare institutions.

09 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Home, Life & Culture, Kazakhstan Life & Culture, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Home

Ruins of a Burned Medieval City Unearthed in Southern Kazakhstan

June 9, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Archaeologists in Kazakhstan may have uncovered the ruins of a long-lost medieval city previously known only from historical texts. The discovery was announced by Olga Gumirova, executive director of the Petroglyph Hunters Foundation.

Tower, Masonry, and a Burned Past

The remains were found in the Zhetysu region, and experts believe the site could be as archaeologically significant as Talkhiz or Koylyk, both of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

“It looks like we’ve found the medieval city that everyone has been looking for! First, we saw the remains of brickwork in a quarry, a miraculously preserved tower, and then a wall… Medieval bricks protruded from the ground. The city was severely burned during the Mongol invasion,” Gumirova wrote on Facebook. Archaeologists have been informed, though analysis and discussion are just beginning.

Talkhiz, now part of the Almaty region, was established in the 8th century as a hub of trade and industry. Koylyk, also known as Antonovskoe, thrived from the 8th to 14th centuries. Both are recognized as cultural heritage sites of global significance.

Twenty-Five New Sites in the Saryarka Steppes

Meanwhile, archaeologists from the Saryarka Archaeological Institute made significant discoveries in the Shet district of Karaganda region. In May 2025, researchers uncovered 25 new historical and cultural sites, including burial mounds, necropolises, and complex structures from the Bronze, Iron, and Medieval Ages.

“Work is just beginning, but we can already confidently speak about the importance of the finds,” said Alexei Kukushkin, director of the institute. Dating and full excavation await official approval.

Eastern Kazakhstan’s “Golden Man”

A remarkable earlier discovery occurred in 2018 in the Tarbagatai district of East Kazakhstan. An expedition led by archaeologist Zeynolla Samashev uncovered a burial site containing nearly 3,000 gold artifacts dating back to the 7^th-8^th centuries BCE. Items included women’s earrings, gemstone necklaces, and ornate horse gear, highlighting the artistic and cultural richness of the era.

Buddhist Temple Found in Zhambyl Region

In another discovery underscoring Kazakhstan’s diverse historical legacy, archaeologists unearthed the remains of a Buddhist temple in the Ayranada Gorge, Merken district, Zhambyl region. Fragments of a structure and a partially buried stone sculpture of a Buddha were found, reinforcing the area’s importance along the Great Silk Road.

“The Buddhist temple and the head of Buddha could become interesting tourist attractions,” said Anna Krokosheva, senior researcher at the Museum of Ancient Taraz. However, the site remains difficult to access, located at over 3,000 meters above sea level with no existing infrastructure. Krokosheva noted that this inaccessibility has helped preserve the artifacts.

From steppe burial mounds to ancient ruins, Buddhist temples to gold-laden tombs, Kazakhstan continues to reveal a rich, multilayered historical narrative. The recently discovered city in Zhetysu may become a vital link in this story, an archaeological treasure of national and potentially global significance. What remains hidden beneath the soil may yet reshape our understanding of medieval Kazakhstan.

09 Jun 2025

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Home, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Local Politics, Local Politics, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Turkmen Authorities Order Social Media Campaign to Showcase “Positive Image”

June 9, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Authorities in Turkmenistan have launched a new initiative aimed at promoting a positive image of the country on social media platforms abroad. The campaign, ordered by the presidential administration in late May, is designed to counter what officials call “foreign centers of ideological subversion”, a term reminiscent of Soviet-era rhetoric used to describe independent media and opposition groups.

Scripted Positivity: Who Films What

Under the directive, regional administrations have been tasked with producing video content that highlights the country’s “achievements.” Cultural and arts workers are now expected to travel to rural areas to film staged interviews with farmers, gardeners, cotton growers, and artisans. These interviews must portray high living standards, rising incomes, modern amenities, and open support for the country’s leadership.

Visual presentation is tightly controlled: if a villager’s home is deemed sufficiently presentable, new construction, clean yard, the interview may be conducted there. Otherwise, filming must take place in fields or gardens to ensure an appealing backdrop.

Begenchmyrat Orazov, khyakim (local governor) of the Mary region, emphasized that all content must be shot on ordinary mobile phones and without the involvement of professional teams or extra payment. “You get paid,” he reportedly reminded cultural workers during a May 28 meeting with local officials, law enforcement, and agricultural representatives.

Millionaires on Paper

Participants are instructed to describe their “decent earnings” using the outdated currency system, speaking in millions of old manats, despite the redenomination in 2009 (1 new manat = 5,000 old manats). This approach is intended to suggest inflated incomes to an international audience less familiar with the country’s currency history.

Cultural workers are encouraged to enhance the content by incorporating traditional songs, musical performances, or recitations of poetry by former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov or the revered Turkmen poet Makhtumkuli.

A Question of Translation

Similar meetings have been held across all regions, and filming is reportedly underway. Villagers are required to submit documentation of completed work to the leadership of their agricultural associations, which must then report daily to district heads (etraps).

However, a critical gap remains unresolved: how the video content will reach international viewers. The issue of translation into foreign languages has yet to be addressed. Posting videos exclusively in Turkmen is unlikely to appeal to a global audience. Additionally, many Turkmen migrants, one of the campaign’s implicit targets, are well aware of the country’s internal challenges.

Old Tools for a New Image

This initiative appears to be a response to increasing criticism from independent Turkmen media and social media platforms, which frequently report on the country’s socio-economic problems and human rights violations. These platforms, widely followed in the diaspora, have become a growing concern for the authorities in Ashgabat.

Rather than engaging with the criticism through reform or transparency, the government is opting for a top-down media campaign reminiscent of earlier propaganda models. The focus seems less on improving conditions and more on reshaping perceptions. Whether this strategy will resonate beyond the bureaucratic machinery of the state remains to be seen.

09 Jun 2025

Home, Environment, Kazakhstan Environment, Kazakhstan, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees

How the Shallowing of the Caspian Sea Will Affect Kazakhstan’s Ecology and Economy

June 9, 2025
By Vagit Ismailov

Environmentalists are raising the alarm as the level of the Caspian Sea approaches a historic low. A recent review by Energyprom.kz highlights the growing environmental and economic risks facing Kazakhstan.

Sea Level Dynamics and Causes of Decline

At the 28th session of the Caspian Hydrometeorological Coordination Committee, it was reported that in November 2024, the average sea level stood at -29.03 meters relative to the Baltic elevation system. This marks the lowest level since 1977 when the sea dropped to -29.18 meters.

Historical records indicate that between 1930 and 1977, the Caspian Sea experienced a significant decline due to the large-scale hydro-technical regulation of the Volga and Ural rivers. A temporary recovery followed between 1978 and 1995, with levels rising to -26.4 meters. However, since 2006, the sea has been steadily receding once more.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the surface area of the Caspian has shrunk from 390,000 to 360,000 square kilometers in the past 18 years, with the northeastern shoreline most severely affected.

“Since 2001, it has receded by over 50 kilometers, transforming thousands of square kilometers of water into land,” Deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin said during an inspection of the Ural River’s delta in the Atyrau Region. The depth at its mouth is now just 30-40 centimeters and is no longer navigable by ship.

Climate Change and Meteorological Shifts

One of the primary drivers of the sea’s decline is a drop in precipitation in the Volga basin. Atlantic cyclones that once brought regular rainfall have shifted their paths due to climate change. Simultaneously, rising temperatures are accelerating surface evaporation.

Though the Caspian Sea borders five nations – Kazakhstan, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan – Kazakhstan bears the greatest risk. The sea’s northern section, vital for maritime transport and oil production, is the most vulnerable.

Pollution, Wildlife Decline, and Regulatory Failures

In addition to hydrological challenges, pollution remains a persistent threat. Members of the Mazhilis have cited ongoing toxic discharges by oil companies as a major factor in ecological degradation. The Caspian seal population has also plunged from one million to 100,000 over four decades, and sturgeon numbers have fallen by 90%.

A parliamentary inquiry highlights the detrimental impact of oil spills, industrial fishing, drilling platforms, and tanker traffic, which obstruct sturgeon spawning routes.

Compounding the problem, environmental fines levied on oil firms have reportedly been written off, either against future investments or royalties.

Vadim Ni, director of the Social and Environmental Fund, told the Mazhilis he has been denied access to the environmental clauses in contracts with major field operators at Kashagan, Tengiz, and Karachaganak. The Ministry of Ecology has declined to release the data, citing confidentiality, and court appeals for transparency have so far failed.

A Looming Migration Crisis?

Without a reversal like the sea-level rise of 1978, Kazakhstan could face severe consequences. These include the cessation of shipping, collapse of marine ecosystems, and potential mass displacements.

“By 2040, the issue of resettling up to five million Kazakhs living near the sea may become unavoidable,” warned Mazhilis Deputy Sergei Ponomarev.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources has presented two projections. Under a moderate climate scenario with a 0.9-2°C temperature rise by 2050, sea levels could drop to -31.8 meters. A more severe warming of 1.4-2.6°C could see levels fall to -33.7 meters, posing critical risks to the country’s environment and economy.

To address these threats, Kazakhstan established the Scientific Research Institute of the Caspian Sea six months ago. However, the institute remains non-operational due to a lack of funding. Repairs, equipment, and staffing require 1.8 billion tenge ($3.5 million), but the Ministry of Finance has rejected the allocation. A new request has been submitted to the government’s reserve fund.