Education - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kindergarten in Uzbekistan Stages Dangerous Show with Poisonous Cobras

A kindergarten in Uzbekistan sparked widespread outrage after staging a performance involving poisonous Central Asian cobras, a species listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan's endangered plant and animals. Footage of the event, which was shared on social media, showed the snakes being handled in close proximity to children, raising serious concerns about safety and animal welfare. In the video, a man can be seen demonstrating two venomous snakes to a group of young children, with no apparent safety measures in place. The cobras were allowed to move freely on the floor near the children. The Uzbek language heard in the recording confirms the location as Uzbekistan, but the exact location of the kindergarten has yet to be identified. The incident has prompted public outcry, with many questioning the judgment of the organizers and the lack of safeguards for the children. So far, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education has refrained from issuing an official statement. The situation has caught the attention of the Children's Ombudsman in Uzbekistan. The Ombudsman’s press service announced that law enforcement agencies are actively working to determine the circumstances and location of the performance, as well as the identities of those responsible. A full investigation is underway, and the organizers’ actions will be subject to legal assessment once the inquiry is complete. This is not the first time unauthorized animal performances have taken place in Uzbekistan. In December of last year, a similar case was reported in the Koshrabad district of the Samarkand region. Two individuals held unauthorized shows at schools and kindergartens, featuring a tiger python. The snake was later confiscated and handed over to the regional department of ecology. These incidents highlight a recurring issue of unregulated animal performance in educational institutions, raising questions about safety, legal oversight, and the ethical treatment of wildlife.

Education Culture Religion Children

Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan Issues Statement on Quadroberism

The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK) has expressed concern over the growing spread of "quadroberism" among children and adolescents. This phenomenon involves individuals imitating the habits of animals by wearing masks, tails, and ears, as well as behaving like fictional creatures. The DUMK addressed the issue in a recent statement. In its statement, the DUMK emphasized that Islam places humans above all other creatures, granting them reason and consciousness. To support this position, the administration cited verses from the Holy Quran: “We have honored the descendants of Adam, allowed them to move on land and sea, endowed them with benefits, and granted them a great advantage over the many whom We created.” Another verse states: “We created man in the best possible image.” The DUMK argues that the deliberate imitation of animals - including their habits, sounds, and behaviors - constitutes a distortion of divine creation. It further noted that Islam forbids any form of behavior that undermines the distinct identity of humans. For example, the imitation of one gender by another is prohibited, and, by extension, imitating animals is considered equally inadmissible under Shariah. Cultural Expressions vs. Quadroberism However, the DUMK drew a clear distinction between quadroberism and metaphorical comparisons or cultural expressions. The statement clarified that comparing humans to animals in a metaphorical sense - such as likening bravery to a lion, cunning to a fox, or patience to a camel - does not fall under the definition of quadroberism. Similarly, theater performances, children’s games, and other cultural activities that do not involve a change in personal identity are not condemned. The DUMK underscored that quadroberism, which includes imitating animal sounds, moving on all fours, and adopting animal behaviors, is "strictly prohibited by Shariah." Additionally, it addressed the trend of “quadrobics,” a form of exercise that involves running on all fours to imitate animals. This activity, derived from the combination of the words "quadro" (four) and "aerobics," was described as a concerning trend among youth. Quadroberism in Central Asia and Beyond The quadrober subculture, which involves young people mimicking animal behavior by running on all fours and using animal-themed accessories, has gained traction not only in Kazakhstan, but also in neighboring Uzbekistan and Russia. Authorities in these countries are taking measures to address the phenomenon. In Kazakhstan, deputies have proposed conducting a thorough study of the quadrober phenomenon and, if deemed necessary, developing legislation to combat it. In Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that manifestations of the quadrober subculture among children and adolescents would be treated as a failure of parental responsibility, punishable by a fine of five basic calculation units. In Russia, State Duma deputies are drafting legislation to ban the promotion of destructive ideologies, including quadroberism. Russian lawmakers and psychologists have voiced concerns that the hobby could negatively affect children’s mental health. As the debate continues across the region, the DUMK’s statement adds a spiritual perspective to the growing conversation about the implications of quadroberism.

Education Iran Diplomacy Bilateral Relations University

Iranian President Honored as Professor at Tajik Medical University

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, has been awarded the title of honorary professor by Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, according to the Khovar news agency. On January 16, during his first state visit to Tajikistan, Pezeshkian, accompanied by Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, toured the university. He met with faculty members and learned about the institution’s achievements, including advancements made at its Simulation Center. In a special ceremony, Pezeshkian received the title of honorary professor in recognition of his significant contributions to medical science and his efforts to foster cooperation in training skilled medical specialists. Expressing his gratitude, Pezeshkian thanked the people of Tajikistan for their warm hospitality and highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships in healthcare, stating, “We are ready to enhance cooperation in healthcare, including sharing expertise in pharmaceuticals, surgery, and medicine.” Pezeshkian concluded his visit to the university by signing the guest book. This is Pezeshkian's first state visit to Tajikistan. Upon his arrival on January 15, he was welcomed personally by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon at Dushanbe International Airport.

incident Education India Crime Court Cases student Deportation

Indian Students Involved in New Year’s Eve Brawl Deported from Kazakhstan

Six Indian students have been deported from Kazakhstan following their involvement in a mass brawl in Almaty on New Year’s Eve. The students, enrolled at a university in Almaty, were the only individuals implicated in the altercation, with no Kazakh citizens involved. "This was an internal conflict among the students," Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek commented. "The Almaty Police Department is conducting an investigation. We have discussed the matter with the Indian Embassy and reached a joint decision to deport the students." The altercation occurred at a café on Kok-Tobe, a popular mountain destination in Almaty. What began as a quarrel between the students escalated into a violent mass brawl, with video footage showing participants wielding chairs, tables, and batons. The footage quickly circulated online, drawing public attention to the incident. According to the Almaty Police Department, all individuals involved in the fight were identified and taken to the Medeusky District Police Department for questioning.

Start-ups Digital Technologies Astana Economy Education

Bridging Borders: Louis Albertini on Central Asia’s Tech Growth, Startup Challenges, and Building Global Connections

Louis Albertini has been involved in technology and startups across the United States and Kazakhstan for a decade, working with Silicon Valley and venture capital-backed startups based in Kazakhstan, including ORBI and Farel. He is passionate about supporting founders in succeeding in the U.S. market and building connections between the U.S. and Kazakhstan. TCA spoke with Louis to gain insights from his experiences in the Kazakhstan market. TCA: Can you share your career journey in Kazakhstan and what motivated you to work in diverse roles like marketing, consulting, and startups? Louis: I arrived in Kazakhstan in July 2015 as a Princeton in Asia fellow and spent a year working in the President's Office at KIMEP University with Dr. Chan Young Bang. I served as his communications officer, writing official correspondence, liaising with different departments, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the office. After my PiA fellowship ended, I decided to stay in Almaty and start exploring the nascent startup scene. In 2016, I joined the founding team of a startup called ORBI, which developed 360-degree video recording glasses. This was the first Kazakhstani startup that attracted significant venture financing and was invited to interview at Y Combinator in 2016. We raised about $7 million for the company and secured $350 thousand in pre-orders, the largest ever for a Kazakh start-up. Back then, the YC batches were extremely small, and interviews were conducted in person at their historic but now-closed 320 Pioneer Way office in Mountain View. This was my first applied experience with Kazakhstan startups, and I've been involved ever since. TCA: What inspired you to create Redfern Partners, and how did you help address the challenges SMBs and tech companies face in Central Asia? Louis: Working at the American Chamber of Commerce gave me some insight into the market research landscape in Kazakhstan, primarily by listening to business leaders complain about available options. Besides the major consulting firms like McKinsey and BCG, which are more focused on quasi-state projects that need stamps of approval, the SMB space for high-quality independent research was largely empty. The Big 4 have variations of market research services, but their core specialty is audit and tax. Most local incumbents were formed in the early 1990s and use outdated methodologies that produce inaccurate or trivial insights. International research firms lack local coverage and rely on a loose patchwork of freelancers. Redfern was formed to offer high-quality, independent market research services to fill this void. We completed about twenty projects and continue to be a partner for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) small business initiative. TCA: What common mistakes did you see SMBs in the region make, and how did you help them overcome these? Louis: The SMB space in Kazakhstan is hugely underserved and overlooked, offering the largest surface area regarding technology adoption. In the US, SMBs employ nearly half of the American workforce, representing 45% of America's GDP. In Kazakhstan, the market is mainly asymmetrical, with large players...

Education Social Youth

Gender Expectations in Kazakhstan: How Boys and Girls are Raised Differently

From childhood, boys and girls in Kazakhstan are raised with clearly defined roles based on gender stereotypes. These attitudes are instilled through the family, media, and educational system, creating pressure on children to conform to specific expectations. Boys are prepared for leadership and career success, while girls are prepared for family life and the role of model kelinka (daughter-in-law). The UNDP Analytical Report (2024) emphasizes that patriarchal attitudes still persist in Kazakhstan. These stereotypes are transmitted through key institutions of socialization, including the family, educational institutions, and the media, and shape the perception of gender roles as strictly fixed. Expectations for boys and girls are established from an early age. For boys, parents often buy cars, construction sets, and tool kits, reinforcing the idea that a man is a protector, provider, and builder. Boys are expected to do well in school and go to university. The phrase "You are a man; you must be strong" often defines their upbringing. It is believed that a boy should be raised to be independent and able to earn money. Daniyar, 20, student from Almaty: "When I was a teenager, I was constantly told that I should be responsible and strong. Crying or showing weakness was considered a shame. I couldn't even express my emotions freely. I think this had a big impact on my worldview. Madiyar, 22, artist: "Like many boys, I faced the belief that creativity was not for men. Until I achieved some success, my parents constantly discouraged me, not because it didn't seem lucrative, but simply because I'm a man." Girls are given dolls, toy kitchens, and dishes from an early age to instill domestic skills. Parents often say: "You must learn to cook to be a good wife.” Girls are taught to be obedient, modest and caring. Family conversations often boil down to the fact that a girl should marry and become an exemplary kelinka, responsible for caring for her husband, his parents, and their children. Aizhan, 25, Taraz: "When I was a child, my brother could do whatever he wanted - go out, play with friends, but I was constantly told: "Wash the dishes" or "Learn to cook, who will marry you otherwise?". No one talked about my education, it was considered not as important as being able to bake baursaks (a Kazakh sweet bread).” Karima, 26, a teacher from Astana: "In our family, education for girls was not considered a priority. I was often told: "You will get married, why do you need higher education?" I had to fight this stereotype to go to university.” Lera, 21, student, Astana: "I didn't really face any problem in choosing a profession. My parents encouraged my choice to enroll in physics. However, at the university, gender inequality is rampant. Some professors are always saying that math is not for women or that we came here to find husbands. I think that's a big problem, too." In addition to parental guidance, traditional Kazakh gender roles are reinforced through the media. Traditional...