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Kyrgyzstan Tightens Regulations on Religious Activities

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed into law a series of amendments regulating the religious sphere. The amendments, approved by the Kyrgyz parliament on December 26, 2024, aim to ensure the rights of citizens while establishing clear responsibilities for religious associations in accordance with the Law "On Freedom of Religion and Religious Associations." Key Provisions of the Amendments The new legislation introduces several notable restrictions and guidelines: Prohibition of Face-Covering Clothing: Clothing that obscures a person’s identity, such as the niqab, is now banned in government offices and public places. Exceptions include clothing required for work or for medical purposes. Prohibition of Coercion in Religious Conversion: The amendments ban any form of coercion aimed at converting individuals to a particular religion. This includes targeting followers of other faiths, religiously neutral individuals, or atheists. Restrictions on Religious Ceremonies: Religious ceremonies, meetings, and other religious events are now prohibited in nursing homes, homes for the disabled, correctional institutions, pre-trial detention centers, and military units. Invitations to religious figures or preachers from foreign religious organizations for such events are also prohibited. Limitations on Religious Organizations: Religious organizations are prohibited from interfering in the activities of state authorities or local governments. Dissemination of religious literature, audio, and video materials in public places, educational institutions, or through door-to-door efforts is banned. Restrictions on Political and Electoral Activities: Political parties cannot be established on a religious basis, nor can they be financed by foreign entities. Civil servants are barred from engaging in religious activities, and religious materials cannot be used in electoral campaigns. Prohibition on Religious Terms in Business Names: The Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers approved list of religious words and terms that cannot be used in the names of businesses or legal entities. Prohibited terms include references from various religions, such as “Jesus Christ,” “The Bible,” “Jihad,” “Krishna,” “Kosher,” “Hajj,” and “Caliphate,” among others. Expanding Oversight of Religious Activities The new laws reflect the Kyrgyz government’s growing efforts to exert control over the religious sphere in the predominantly Muslim nation. Kyrgyzstan leads Central Asia in terms of the number of mosques per believer, with 3,593 mosques across the country as of 2024. Of these, 46 are registered in Bishkek and 89 in Osh. The country also has 220 religious educational institutions, most of which are located in the southern Osh region. The restrictions on religious literature, events, and political activity come amid broader efforts to regulate religious influence on public and political life. Implications for Religious Organizations The prohibition on using religious terminology in business names has drawn particular attention, as the banned terms include key concepts from Islam, Christianity, and other major religions. This move could limit the visibility of religious organizations and restrict their operations in the public sphere. Additionally, the ban on foreign preachers in sensitive locations, such as prisons and military units, underscores the government’s intent to limit external religious influence and maintain tighter control over religious practices within the country. Kyrgyzstan’s amended laws mark a significant tightening of state regulation...

Transport Social Social Services public transport Public health

Kazakhstan Expands Invataxi Services with Taxi Aggregator Partnership

Kazakhstan is expanding its efforts to provide accessible transportation for people with disabilities through the Invataxi project, which offers specially adapted minivans for travelers with mobility challenges. In a significant step forward, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population has partnered with a taxi aggregator to enhance and streamline the service, making it more accessible and efficient. As part of a pilot project launched in 2024, people with disabilities in Astana and Almaty used Invataxi services via the Yandex Go mobile application more than 207,000 times. This marks a dramatic increase compared to 2023 when the service was used 53,900 times. The pilot project introduced the use of passenger cars alongside the adapted minivans, significantly broadening the availability of transportation options. Previously, users had to book Invataxi rides by phone at least a day in advance. Now, thanks to Yandex's integration, users can request rides instantly via the mobile app, making the process faster and more convenient. A critical aspect of the pilot was that Yandex waived any commission on payments for these rides, ensuring affordability for passengers. The Yandex Go application includes a special feature that allows passengers with disabilities to notify drivers of any specific requests for the trip. Additionally, drivers have been trained to assist passengers with disabilities in entering and exiting the vehicle, further enhancing the service's accessibility. The pilot project initially operated in Astana and Almaty but will now be expanded to other regions across the country in 2025, as part of the government’s plan to replicate its success nationwide. In parallel with the Invataxi project, Kazakhstan is also investing in other accessible transportation initiatives, including the expansion of its fleet of Invacarriages specially adapted train carriages designed to accommodate people with disabilities. These efforts underscore the country’s commitment to improving mobility and inclusivity for all its citizens.

Religion Social Islam Society memory orthodox

Kazakhstan to Build Religious Memorial on Site of Stalin-Era Executions

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has approved the construction of a mosque and an Orthodox chapel at the historic Lisya Balka site in Shymkent, a location associated with mass executions during the years of political repression. Metropolitan Alexander, head of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, announced at a press conference that the initiative was proposed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. He highlighted that Lisya Balka is the final resting place for victims of repression, including representatives of Kazakhstan’s two major religious communities - Islam and Orthodoxy. “The initiative of His Holiness was considered and approved by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,” Metropolitan Alexander stated, adding that the chapel project has already received official approval. Lisya Balka was a site of mass shootings during 1937–1938, one of the darkest periods of Stalinist repression. Victims included individuals from various religious backgrounds, notably around 60 exiled Orthodox priests and ministers of the Russian Orthodox Church. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, the Kasiret (“Sorrow”) memorial complex was established at the site to honor those who perished. The Orthodox Church canonized several of those executed at Lisya Balka, referring to them as “innocent sufferers for Orthodoxy.” However, historians emphasize that the victims included adherents of diverse religions, such as Islam, Catholicism, Judaism, and Buddhism. The construction of the mosque and chapel seeks to preserve the memory of these tragic events while fostering interfaith harmony in Kazakhstan. By commemorating the innocent victims of various faiths, the project aligns with the country’s broader efforts to promote unity among its multi-religious population.

statistics Quality of Life Family Society Social

Marriage Trends in Kazakhstan: What Young People Value Most

The Research Center “Youth” has published a survey examining the perspectives of young Kazakhs on marriage and divorce. Ranking.kz analysts analyzed the main points of this research, shedding light on the preferences and values of the younger generation in Kazakhstan. According to the survey, 78% of respondents view formal marriage registration as essential, while only 15% accept civil unions. When selecting a life partner, key considerations included age (53.9%), appearance (45.4%), and nationality (39.4%). Notably, factors such as mutual love and moral values were cited by fewer than 1% of participants. Gender-Based Preferences Women prioritized their partner's age, financial stability (30.6%), career prospects (22.9%), and even gender (18.7%). Men, meanwhile, focused on their partner's physical attractiveness and youth but also emphasized the social status of the future spouse's family (17.1%) and lineage (24.6%). Trends in Marriage and Divorce Kazakhstan has seen a decline in its marriage rate, dropping from 9.9 marriages per 1,000 people in 2013 to 5.7 in the first half of 2024. Analysts attribute this to the smaller generation born between 1995 and 2000, which tends to marry later in life. The average age at first marriage has increased from 26.7 years in 2003 to 27.8 years for men in 2023, and from 23.9 years to 25.2 years for women. Divorce rates have fluctuated over the past 20 years, correlating with marriage statistics. Between 2013 and 2018, over 51,000 divorces were registered annually. However, this number dropped to 40,200 in 2023, before rising again in the first half of 2024 - 2.3 times higher than during the same period in 2023. Causes of Divorce The survey identified adultery (61%), physical violence (51%), and substance abuse (48%) as the leading causes of divorce. Women were more likely to cite physical (62.1%) and psychological (37.7%) violence, as well as gambling addiction (37.1%). Men highlighted personality incompatibility (36%) and lack of love (30.2%). The Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD) corroborated these findings, adding a lack of mutual understanding (24%), interference from parents (10.4%), infertility (11%), and cohabitation with relatives (5.6%) as additional factors. Despite these challenges, 14% of respondents stated that divorce is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Youth Social Education

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...

English Language Teachers Language Teaching Social Education

English Proficiency Index: Kazakhstan Still Among Least Fluent Countries

Kazakhstan ranks 103rd out of 116 countries in the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), improving by just one position from the previous year. Despite this slight progress, the country remains in the group of nations with very low English proficiency, according to Ranking.kz analysts. Leading the global rankings was the Netherlands, scoring 636 out of 700 points, followed by Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and Croatia. In the Eurasia region, Belarus and Russia performed best, achieving scores of 539 and 532 respectively, while Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan showed comparatively low results. Regional and Historical Context In Kazakhstan, the highest proficiency scores were recorded in Almaty (476 points) and the Almaty region (475 points), with Astana, Akmola, Kostanai, and Pavlodar regions also performing relatively well. Since Kazakhstan’s first appearance in the EF EPI rankings in 2011, where it ranked last among 44 participants, little progress has been made. Current scores remain similar to those recorded over a decade ago. Globally, English remains the most widely spoken language, with over 1.5 billion speakers in 2024, according to Ethnologue. The Cost of Learning English in Kazakhstan English education costs in Kazakhstan vary widely depending on the method of instruction: Individual lessons: Average 96,000 KZT ($182) for a course of 12 sessions. Private tutors: Range from 15,300 KZT ($29) to 54,000 KZT ($102) per month. Online tutors: Cost between 48,000 and 96,000 KZT ($91 to $182) monthly. AI-assisted classes: Start at 5,000 KZT ($9.5) and go up to 25,000 KZT ($47), depending on the number of assignments. Group lessons: Range from 36,000 KZT ($68) to 64,000 KZT ($121) for 12 lessons. In major cities, free courses and conversation clubs organized by libraries and language centers provide alternative learning opportunities. The low level of English proficiency in Kazakhstan continues to be a pressing issue, requiring systematic reforms. Analysts emphasize that improving the situation will demand enhanced educational programs, more accessible learning opportunities, and greater public engagement in mastering the language.