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Kyrgyz MP Urges Parliament to Preserve Lenin Monument in Bishkek

Kyrgyz parliamentary deputy Iskhak Masaliyev has called on his fellow parliamentarians to refrain from debating the removal of the Vladimir Lenin monument in Bishkek’s Old Square. Speaking during a parliamentary session, Masaliyev emphasized that the proposal to dismantle the statue is both untimely and dismissive of Lenin's historical contribution to the formation of Kyrgyz statehood. Masaliyev reminded lawmakers that while the collapse of the Soviet Union granted independence to many nations, Soviet governance played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of statehood for certain republics, including Kyrgyzstan. He outlined the historical context of the early 20th century, noting that the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan was then divided - part of it belonging to the Russian Empire and the other to the Kokand Khanate. According to the MP, the October Revolution was instrumental in creating the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast, which later evolved into the Kyrgyz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic and, eventually, an independent Kyrgyz state. “Many nations of the world still do not have their own territory. We, on the other hand, have a state with clearly defined borders, and Vladimir Lenin’s role in this is significant. I say this not as a politician, but as a historian,” Masaliyev declared. The MP expressed concern about modern society’s increasing disregard for history, noting that a substantial portion of the Kyrgyz population - around 30 to 40 percent - lived during the Soviet era and were shaped by its values. Erasing the memory of that period, he argued, is both impractical and disrespectful to the past. Masaliyev also pointed out the proximity of Lenin’s monument to a statue of Turdakun Usubaliyev, a prominent Soviet-era statesman and reformer. He argued that commemorating Usubaliyev and other notable figures from the Soviet period while removing Lenin’s monument would be inconsistent, as all were part of the same ideological framework underpinned by Lenin’s leadership. “We must understand that we cannot simultaneously honor some of them while rejecting the memory of others,” Masaliyev stressed. In closing, Masaliyev urged his colleagues to shelve the debate over the Lenin monument, suggesting that the parliament’s focus should instead be directed toward more pressing national issues. The discussion surrounding the Lenin statue gained momentum after parliament deputy speaker Nurbek Sydygaliyev proposed its removal, arguing that the square is named after Turdakun Usubaliyev and should honor his legacy exclusively.

International Cooperation Cultural Heritage History Art and Literature

Uzbekistan Receives Historic Manuscript Copies from Malaysia

Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage will soon be added to with facsimile copies of ancient manuscripts provided by Malaysia. This initiative is part of a collaboration between the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan and Malaysia’s International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization. During a recent visit to Malaysia by an Uzbek delegation, the Center’s Director, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, received copies of two invaluable works: Abu Rayhan Beruni's At-Tafhim and Abulkasim Firdavsi's Shahnameh, both transcribed during the Timurid era. Abdukhalikov believes this initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote humanitarian values and preserve Uzbekistan’s historical heritage. “The copies of manuscripts received today will further enrich the exposition of our center,” he stated. Beruni’s At-Tafhim, originally transcribed in 1197, holds immense significance for world science. Meanwhile, the Timurid-era transcription of Firdavsi’s Shahnameh, produced in the 15th century, reflects the traditions of book printing from that period and showcases the distinctive features of Kamoliddin Behzod’s renowned school of miniature painting. These manuscripts will be displayed at the Center for Islamic Civilization, which was established eight years ago to celebrate the contributions of Uzbek scholars to global civilization and to preserve the nation’s rich cultural legacy.

Legislation Government History memory

Kazakhstan Updates Rules for Installing Monuments and Memorials

New regulations governing the installation of monumental art structures have come into effect in Kazakhstan, following an order issued by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The updated rules delegate the responsibility for organizing monument installations to local executive bodies in oblasts, cities of republican significance, and the capital. Funding for these projects may come from local budgets or other sources permitted under Kazakh law. Monuments and busts can only be erected in honor of exceptional individuals or to commemorate significant historical events. Such proposals must be approved by a resolution from the Government of Kazakhstan. The regulations also specify that monuments can be erected during a person’s lifetime in exceptional cases. “The monument may be established not earlier than five years after the death of an outstanding personality, except in cases of heroism, contribution to strengthening independence, or other significant events,” the document states. Additionally, each locality may commemorate a historical event or prominent individual with only one monument. Installation sites must be located on state property or public facilities. Monument projects will be selected through a national creative competition among sculptors to minimize corruption risks. These competitions are organized based on annual plans, with regional proposals submitted by December 1 each year. Kazakhstan has only erected lifetime monuments for one individual: former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. However, several of these monuments were dismantled following the events of January 2022. During the unrest, rioters destroyed a four-meter-high sculpture of Nazarbayev in Taldykorgan. In subsequent months, other monuments to Nazarbayev were removed from public spaces. For instance, his monument was taken down at the National Defense University in Astana, his portrait was removed from Almaly station in the Almaty subway, and in February, his sculpture was removed from the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana.

Local politics Almaty Politics History Independence Day

Marked by Tragedy: Why Kazakhstan’s Independence Day Is a Day of Reflection

On December 16, Kazakhstan marks Independence Day, commemorating the adoption of the Law on Independence and State Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 1991. Until 2022, the country observed this holiday over two days - December 16 and 17 - but recent legislative changes have reduced the celebration to a single day. The amendments to the Law on Holidays in the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted in September 2022, redefined the country’s official holidays. Republic Day on October 25 regained its national holiday status, while December 1 - Day of the First President - was removed as a public holiday. Independence Day, while still classified as a state holiday, was given a more somber tone, with official emphasis placed on honoring the sacrifices that paved the way to sovereignty. [caption id="attachment_26631" align="aligncenter" width="1204"] @TCA, Askar KubaizhanovIndependence monument[/caption] From Republic Day to Independence Day The roots of Republic Day lie in Kazakhstan’s Declaration of State Sovereignty, adopted on October 25, 1990, as the Soviet Union was nearing its collapse. The declaration symbolized Kazakhstan’s first step toward independence. However, following the country’s full independence in 1991, December 16 became the primary national holiday. Republic Day lost its significance in 2009 but was reinstated as a national holiday in 2022. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in his proposal to restore Republic Day, emphasized its role as the foundation of Kazakhstan’s independence journey. He suggested that Independence Day, while significant, should serve as a time for mourning and remembrance to honor those who contributed to the country’s sovereignty. [caption id="attachment_26632" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] @TCA, Askar Kubaizhanov[/caption] The Legacy of December 1986: Zheltoksan Protests December 16 carries weighty historical significance for Kazakhstan. On this day in 1986, protests erupted in Alma-Ata (now Almaty) after Moscow appointed Gennady Kolbin - a Soviet official with no prior ties to Kazakhstan - as head of the Kazakh SSR. Young Kazakh protesters demanded the application of the Korenization principle, which advocated for local leadership in Soviet republics. The protests, often viewed as a precursor to Kazakhstan’s independence movement, were violently suppressed by Soviet authorities. The operation reportedly codenamed “Blizzard,” was designed to provoke unrest and then crush it through bloodshed. Controversially, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who would later become Kazakhstan’s first president, was aligned with Soviet power at the time. In his memoir "Without Right and Left, "Nazarbayev claimed he led one of the protest columns during the demonstrations. For many Kazakh citizens, particularly those who participated in or were affected by the events, December 16-17 remain days of mourning. Almaty’s Peace Street was renamed Zheltoksan Street to honor the memory of the victims. December 2011: The Zhanaozen Tragedy The somber tone surrounding Independence Day was reinforced by the events of December 16, 2011, in Zhanaozen. For months prior, oil workers in the Mangystau region had been on strike, demanding better wages. The protests escalated when workers occupied the city’s central square. On Independence Day, clashes broke out between protesters and local officials during holiday celebrations. The situation turned violent when a group of...

World Cultural Heritage History Archaeology Science

Archaeologists Uncover Rare Silk Road Artifacts in Uzbekistan

A joint archaeological expedition from China and Uzbekistan has made remarkable discoveries at Mengchaktepa, a key Silk Road site located on the northern bank of the Syr Darya River. Known as the “Living Fossil of the Silk Road,” the site has been under investigation by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and Uzbekistan’s Institute of Archaeology since 2012. The team, led by CASS archaeologist Liu Tao, unearthed seven tombs, two buildings, and numerous artifacts, including silk fabrics, leather goods, bronze mirrors, square-holed coins, and beads. Among the most significant finds are silk fragments, the first such discovery in the region since 1986, which bridges a 40-year gap in the study of ancient silk in the Ferghana Valley. According to Liu, these silk fragments highlight the advanced weaving techniques of antiquity. Abdulhamidjon Anarbayev, a professor at Uzbekistan's National Center for Archaeology, praised the Chinese team’s contributions to advancing Uzbekistan’s field archaeology through modern excavation and preservation methods. He noted that the research underscores the high standards of Chinese archaeology globally. Mengchaktepa holds immense value for studying cultural connections along the Silk Road. Ancient Chinese chronicles from the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC–220 AD) describe how Zhang Qian, an emissary of the Western Han dynasty, established trade links between China and Central Asia. Through Dayuan, the ancient region corresponding to the modern Ferghana Valley, silk, paper, and Chinese technology reached Europe, while grapes and alfalfa were introduced to China. Excavations at Mengchaktepa have been ongoing since 1986. Early discoveries included nine cave tombs containing well-preserved remains, silk garments, and jewelry from the 5th to 8th centuries. This year, researchers are focusing on the necropolis’s scope, tomb structures, and their artifacts, with special attention to preserving organic materials like silk, leather, and reeds for laboratory analysis. Liu explained that the findings provide new insights into the region’s early medieval funerary practices, belief systems, and architectural traditions. Artifacts such as Han-style objects and relics linked to Zoroastrianism affirm Mengchaktepa’s pivotal role in East-West cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.

Cultural Cooperation Art and Culture Literature Great Britain History Cultural Heritage Science

Turkmen Scientists Acquire Over 100 Rare Manuscripts from the UK

Researchers from the Institute of Language, Literature, and National Manuscripts at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have returned from the United Kingdom with 107 electronic copies of valuable manuscripts. These acquisitions enrich the collection of historical materials documenting the cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. From November 2 to 23, researchers Amandurdy Nuraev and Guichmyrat Changliyev conducted studies at two of the UK’s most renowned repositories: the British Library in London and the John Rylands Research Institute and Library in Manchester. These archives house extensive collections of historical documents, including rare manuscripts with significant relevance to Turkmenistan’s history and culture. The expedition culminated in the transfer of electronic copies of key documents to Turkmenistan. Among the manuscripts are works by prominent authors such as Makhtumkuli Fraghi, Alisher Navoi, Fizuli, and Hussein Baygara, along with other renowned oriental poets and scholars. Special emphasis was placed on uncovering works previously unknown to the Turkmen academic community. In addition to literary compositions, the manuscripts provide unique insights into the history and traditions of the Turkmen people. These materials offer new opportunities for studying the heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraghi, a celebrated figure and symbol of Turkmenistan’s national culture. This significant achievement enhances the preservation and understanding of Turkmenistan’s rich literary and historical legacy, contributing to broader academic and cultural exploration.