Traditions - The Times Of Central Asia

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How Women in Central Asia Celebrate International Women’s Day

March 8, International Women’s Day, holds a special place in Central Asia. Over the years, the holiday has evolved from its Soviet-era roots into a modern celebration that blends tradition with contemporary interpretations. The Soviet Past: March 8 as a Day for Working Women During the Soviet Union, March 8 was more than a celebration of spring and femininity, it symbolized the struggle for women’s rights and equality. The day honored working women, with official ceremonies highlighting their achievements. State-run enterprises and organizations staged formal events and presented flowers and gifts to female employees, and media outlets published articles about the country’s outstanding women. The Transition Period: The 1990s Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Central Asian countries began redefining their identities, which was reflected in how they marked March 8. The holiday took on a more personal and familial character, with less ideological emphasis. While state celebrations continued, they became more subdued. Men still gifted flowers and presents to women, but the political significance of the day gradually faded into the background. Modern Celebrations: Balancing Tradition and New Trends Today, March 8 in Central Asia is primarily a day to recognize women’s contributions and express gratitude. The holiday remains widely celebrated across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, though each country has developed its distinct traditions. Kazakhstan: Major cities host flash mobs, charity events, and cultural programs. In recent years, feminist activism has gained momentum, with some using the holiday to highlight gender inequality. “For me, March 8 is not just about receiving flowers, it’s a reminder that equality is not a privilege but a necessity,” Ainur, 24, from Almaty told TCA. Uzbekistan: The holiday remains warm and family-oriented. Women receive flowers, sweets, and gifts from colleagues and relatives, while government agencies organize concerts and celebrations. “My friends and I always celebrate March 8. It’s wonderful to receive gifts from my brothers, friends, and husband, but I wish there was more year-round appreciation for women,” Madina, 27, from Tashkent told TCA. Kyrgyzstan: Alongside traditional celebrations, women's organizations and activists hold marches and discussions on gender rights, reflecting a shift toward reinterpreting the holiday. “I participate in the women’s rights march every year because this day is not just about flowers; it’s about our opportunities and freedoms,” Gulzat, 23, from Bishkek told TCA. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan: March 8 remains an official holiday, but without any strong political agenda. “For me, this day is a time to gather with family, but I see that younger women are giving it a new meaning,” Zarina, 40, from Dushanbe told TCA. Changing Values and Perspectives Each year, debates over the significance of March 8 grow stronger. Some argue that it should remain a celebration of spring and femininity, while others emphasize its role in promoting gender equality. Regardless of interpretation, International Women’s Day remains an important occasion that unites different generations of women and reinforces the need for respect and support. Over time, the holiday in Central Asia has evolved from a Soviet...

Economy Religion Traditions Ramadan

Fast Now, Feast Later: The Culinary Traditions of Ramadan in Uzbekistan

You hear the darkness before you see it. As the late winter sky pales over Tashkent, the noise of thousands of motorbike engines, bicycle bells, and apartment buzzers mounts to a crescendo. Those who haven’t ordered in battle their way past the onrushing delivery drivers towards the nearest restaurant. At Xadra, in the city’s Chilonzor district, tables fill rapidly. Dates, walnuts, sweetened milk, and bottles of water await their parched and starved customers. Many eye their watches carefully, waiting for the moment, at precisely 18.17, when they can begin to eat. Ramadan, or ramazon in Uzbek, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. From dawn until sunset, Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical needs, only breaking their fast at sundown with a meal known as iftar. Though one might imagine a month of fasting would see a lull in activity across Tashkent’s catering sector, on the contrary, Ramadan is a month that is very much about food. [caption id="attachment_29505" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Dates and milk are a traditional fast-breaking snack for starved stomachs; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] The not-so-strict fast While the vast majority of the population are Muslim, Uzbekistan is a secular country, and there are no laws requiring restaurants or bars to close during daylight hours. Nevertheless, “cafes and restaurants are definitely less crowded; they’re at no more than 30 or 40% capacity during the daytime,” said Saodat Umarova, an economic analyst at the Center for Progressive Reforms. Shavkat, a kebab shop owner, observes a sharp decline in daytime custom. “I’m still open, but it’s certainly a more relaxed pace,” he said, pausing the film on his phone to talk to TCA. While a nearby university provides some business, his regular clients remain committed to their fasts. When asked if he finds it difficult being around food when he himself is fasting, Shavkat says that he does not mind. “On the first day or two, it is difficult, but you get used to it. This year is not such a difficult year.” He is referring to the season: in 2025, Ramadan began on March 1 and will end on March 30; the fasting period is a little over 12 hours, and the weather is mild. “When Ramadan falls in summer, you have long days, and it’s forty-degrees [104F], that’s when you really get tested.” Corporate accommodation The rhythm of business operations also shifts during the holy month. Oybek Shaykhov, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan-European Association for Economic Cooperation, tells TCA that while the economy doesn’t typically slow down, the nature of business meetings changes. “Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are central to the business community, and during Ramadan, these gatherings shift towards Iftar, which is more of a group engagement rather than bilateral discussions,” he said. “Many companies try to ease workloads for employees, particularly if Ramadan falls during the hotter months, to accommodate fasting” Gulmira, a lawyer at a construction company, echoes this sentiment. “The only real difference is the lunch hour; everyone who is...

Folklore Traditions national traditions

Celebrating Global Family Day: Honoring Uzbek and Kazakh Traditions That Unite Generations

Every year, January 1 marks Global Family Day, an idea first introduced in 1997, when the United Nations launched the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. By 1999, the had UN invited its members to dedicate the first day of the year to developing strategies for peace, and since then this day has been observed annually as a reminder of the role families play in fostering a peaceful and compassionate world. This year, The Times of Central Asia takes a closer look at family customs in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, nations where family values are deeply woven into the fabric of life. In Uzbekistan, family is at the heart of society. Respect for elders and care for the young are not just taught — they are lived and celebrated daily. Parents and children share close relationships, turning to one another for advice and support. [caption id="attachment_27179" align="aligncenter" width="1217"] Chimildiq canopy; image: Facebook Discover Kashkadarya[/caption] Traditions add a rich layer to these connections, keeping families united. Weddings, for example, are deeply symbolic. One notable custom is the Chimildiq, a ceremonial canopy for newlyweds which marks the start of their life together and serves as a space for blessings and well-wishes for their future. Another beloved tradition is the Beshik tuyi, a joyous celebration of a baby’s first cradle wherein relatives and neighbors come together to share in the happiness of welcoming a new life, underscoring the communal nature of Uzbek culture. “As an Uzbek woman, I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty and meaning behind our customs,” Rohila Mullayeva told TCA. The mother-in-law to three brides, for more than 20 years Mullayeva has been serving as a kayvoni, one appointed by women to preside over table work at weddings and other ceremonies. “They’re not just rituals but expressions of love, respect, and hope for the future,” she said. “Take Chimildiq, for instance - a special moment for young couples starting their journey together. One of the rituals in the ceremony is when the bride and groom give each other honey on their fingers. This is a sweet symbol of the joyful moments they hope to share in their life ahead. Another part of the ceremony is both meaningful and playful — when the groom attaches boiled eggs his bride’s dress. This gesture is a heartfelt wish for the couple to have many children. “Then there’s the Beshik tuyi, the cradle ceremony, which is one of the most cherished traditions in our culture. When a bride gives birth to her first child, she is honored in a beautiful custom called Sallabandon, which is part of Beshik tuyi. An elderly grandmother, someone respected for having a big family, places a salla, a headdress wrapped in a special cloth, on the bride’s head,” Mullayeva explained. “During this ceremony, a kurpacha — a soft, colorful quilt — is placed under the bride’s feet, a gesture of respect and care. The meaning behind Sallabandon is deeply symbolic; it...

Culture Traditions Cultural Heritage national traditions

How Christmas is Celebrated in Central Asia

In predominantly Islamic countries, celebrating Christian Christmas reflects a spirit of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. On December 25, people of all backgrounds are welcome to join the celebrations. Catholics and Protestants are minority Christian groups in Central Asia. Catholicism was introduced to the region as early as the 12th century, but Christianity was eradicated during the Timurid era and later revived under the Russian Empire. Today, Catholics and Protestants in the region are largely descendants of German and Polish immigrants, as well as employees of foreign embassies and international companies. Kazakhstan In Kazakhstan, unlike Orthodox Christmas on January 7, December 25 is not a public holiday. There are no large-scale national festivities, but many Kazakhstani people extend warm greetings to their Catholic neighbors. According to the 2021 census, Catholics account for 0.57% of the population (about 19,000 people) and Protestants 0.28% (approximately 9,500) within a total Christian population of over three million. Despite the small number of adherents, festive services are held in major cities. The Church of the Holy Trinity in Almaty hosts Midnight Mass and other celebrations, and St. Joseph's Church in Astana also offers services. Both cities organize organ music concerts that attract many non-Catholic attendees. Other cities, including Karaganda, Atyrau, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk, Kostanai, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, also have Catholic parishes. Kazakhstan’s Catholic communities observe traditions that appeal to many, regardless of religion. Christmas fairs, nativity scenes, and festive dishes such as roasted goose, ducks, pies, and Christmas cookies add to the celebrations. Carols and children’s theatrical performances are also a highlight. Christmas services are conducted in Russian, Polish, and English, reflecting the region’s diversity. Kyrgyzstan Catholic communities in Kyrgyzstan are notably multi-ethnic. At the Roman Catholic parish of St. Michael the Archangel in Bishkek, attendees include professionals and students from India, Pakistan, and other nations. According to estimates, the Catholic population in Kyrgyzstan is approximately 1,500, with numbers growing due to newcomers. A unique tradition in Kyrgyzstan is the preparation of twelve fasting dishes on Christmas Eve, symbolizing the months of the year and the twelve apostles. This tradition marks the end of the four-week Advent fast and the beginning of the festive mass on the evening of December 24. Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan The Catholic community in Tajikistan is small, numbering about 100, mostly foreigners. The two parishes in the country include one in Dushanbe, while missionaries manage a kindergarten at a correctional labor colony in Nurek. In Turkmenistan, the congregation in Ashgabat is also small, with Christmas services conducted in Russian, English, and Turkmen. In Uzbekistan, Christmas celebrations are held in Tashkent and Samarkand, with services occasionally conducted in Korean. The Catholic communities in these countries, while small, maintain vibrant celebrations, with Protestants and some Orthodox Christians also participating. A Time for Unity and Celebration In Central Asia, Protestant and Orthodox Christians often join Catholic Christmas celebrations. The festivities on December 25, featuring Santa Claus and other traditions, mark the beginning of winter holidays and are cherished by people of all faiths.

national traditions Silk Road Treasures Ethnic Kazakhs Cultural Heritage Traditions Food

Kumys, Beshbarmak, and Other Wonders of the Kazakh Feast

Autumn in Kazakhstan is traditionally a time of abundant treats. Today, local chefs and experts are trying to break the stereotype of Kazakhstan having a bland and unhealthy national cuisine, and are actively marketing it to foreign guests. The modern cuisine of Kazakhstan has absorbed a variety of Asian dishes, but also includes dishes from Soviet cuisine. Almost every Kazakhstani family is familiar with borscht and dumplings borrowed from Russians and Ukrainians, pilaf and samsa brought by Uzbeks, shashlik taken from the Caucasian peoples, and funchoza (Asian salad with noodles) and kuksi (cold noodle soup) adopted from Koreans. Of course, as in many parts of the former Soviet Union, Olivier salad is traditionally prepared on New Year's Eve in Kazakhstan. Turkish dishes have also become part of the daily diet in the years since independence. For example, it is impossible to imagine today's fast food without the doner kebab. International fast food, such as pizza, hamburgers, and sushi, have also become popular in big cities. Nevertheless, traditional Kazakh dishes form the basis of the country's eclectic cuisine. Beshbarmak is truly a Khan's dish. Any festive occasion is unthinkable without it, and restaurants specializing in traditional cuisine must include it in their menus. In its original version, beshbarmak is prepared from salted horse meat, including kazy, shujuk, and karta (horse intestines). Unleavened dough, potatoes, onions, and spices are also added. However, today, a variant using beef is also widespread. [caption id="attachment_25083" align="aligncenter" width="1254"] Kazakh national dish, beshbarmak; image: iStock[/caption] Beshbarmak, like many Turkic dishes, is the subject of constant dispute between Kazakhs and Kyrgyz. The neighboring peoples will always espouse different views on the question of whom created the dish. The differences in the recipe are not very significant; in Kazakhstan, the dough is usually cut into large rhombuses, and in Kyrgyzstan, into small oblong pieces. Tatarstan and Bashkiria also lay claim to the Khan's dish. There, mutton rather than beef is most often added to horse meat. Another pillar of Kazakh cuisine is kuirdak. Each family cherishes its version of the recipe, and kuirdak must be served in any restaurant claiming to serve the national cuisine. The dish starts with cuts of mutton and organ meat, such as heart, liver, and kidneys. These cuts are fried in sheep fat alongside potatoes, onions, parsley, and spices. [caption id="attachment_25084" align="aligncenter" width="1254"] Traditional dish kuirdak; image: iStock[/caption] Unfortunately, the most traditional Kazakh dishes are not always available to foreigners, as some can now be tasted only in villages. For example, in honor of the arrival of guests, before the main meal, guests are offered a boiled sheep's head. It is cut right at the table, and each part (ears, eyes, tongue, etc.) is served according to the status of the guests. Another dish rarely served in restaurants is baked mutton brains. Ethnographers continue to search for and re-popularize national dishes that were common before the Russian Revolution but have now virtually disappeared in cities. For example, the ritual dish Ylpershek was...

Tribal Unions Zhuz and Rus History Traditions

Kazakh Zhuz and Rus: From History to the Modern Day

The zhuz are tribal unions that have played an important role in the history and culture of the Kazakh people. There are three main zhuzes in Kazakhstan: the Senior Zhuz, the Middle Zhuz, and the Younger Zhuz. Each includes several tribes which have their own unique traditions and customs. In general, zhuz began to form in the XVI-XVII centuries, when Kazakhs united to protect their lands from external threats. The Senior Zhuz occupied the southern and southeastern regions, the Middle Zhuz occupied the central and northern regions, and the Younger Zhuz occupied the western and northwestern territories of Kazakhstan. Each zhuz had its own system of governance and societal norms. In addition, each zhuz had its own ru, which in Kazakh means patriarchal clan, descended from one ancestor of the seventh tribe or more. Some of the most common ru include: Dulat: One of the largest clans of the Senior Zhuz, known for its historical significance and large numbers. Naiman: An important clan of the Middle Zhuz, which has played a significant role in the history of the Kazakh people. Argyn: Another major clan of the Middle Zhuz, known for its warriors and cultural traditions. Adai: A clan of the Younger Zhuz which is famous for its traditions and history. Today, zhuz continue to play an important role in the life of Kazakhstan. People remain proud to belong to a particular zhuz and ru, passing on its culture to their children. For example, Kamila, a 20-year-old student from Almaty says she is honored to belong to the Argyny ru, and she and her family try to preserve its traditions. “Our tamga, which in Kazakh means ancestral family sign, is a sign of infinity, and everyone in our family has a sign of the clan hanging. We are very proud of it, and I feel a connection to this symbol.” Yerzhan, a 27-year-old, programmer and student of photography from Taraz, is proud of his Naiman background. “They often say about us that we’re brave, courageous and strong-willed, because our ancestors fought with the armies of Genghis Khan,” he told TCA. Asel from Shymkent, a 21-year-old student at the Taraz State University, an aspiring musician who plays the dombra, feels a connection with her ancestors from the Younger Zhuz, namely the Adai ru, and tries to follow their example. “My grandfather told me that many batyrs, Sufis, biys and akyns came from Adai. Beket-ata is especially famous. Perhaps that's why I began to study music. There is a story that it was Adai ru who developed a special technique of playing the dombra which is known as the Mangistau school.” Kazakh zhuz and rus remain an important part of the history and culture of Kazakhstan, and continues to live in the hearts and minds of people, preserving their traditions for future generations.