Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from June, 2014
Angela Garipova: The Internet Promotes Peaceful Dialogue in Kazakhstan
Angela Garipova, presenter of the program Bloggers on Kazakhstan's state television channel 24.kz, tells Global Voices about the changes happening in Kazakh society, many of which are being reflected online.
France Sees Escape From Russian Energy Dependence in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, wishing to reduce energy dependency on Russia, welcomes French president for talks.
These 5 Experts Explain Why Alexander Sodiqov's Arrest in Tajikistan Is So Troubling
Civic activists and journalists fear the arrest of Global Voices' Alexander Sodiqov could have worrying consequences on research in Central Asia.
National Heroes Get a Postmodern Makeover in Kazakhstan's #Selfie Statue Scandal
This week the eyes of the Kazakh Internet have been fixed on an ill-fated statue of two national heroes caught between historical greatness and the trappings of the 21st century.
‘Tajikistan's Detention of Alexander Sodiqov Cuts to the Core of What Research Scholars Do’
"The detention of Alexander Sodiqov cuts to the core of what research scholars do. They rigorously collect data, analyze them, and disseminate knowledge."
Tajikistan's GBAO Region – an Incredible Place
In the last few weeks Global Voices has published and republished several articles about the unlawful arrest of our community member Alexander Sodiqov. Those pieces are here, here, here and here. But the Pamir region (known administratively as Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, or GBAO) where Alex was conducting academic research is not...
Kyrgyzstan's First Full Length Animation to be Released
Neweurasia.net report on the upcoming release of Kyrgyzstan's first animated film, Aku, drawn by Tolgobek Koichumanov. Judging by the trailer Koichumanov's illustrations will offer the perfect introduction to Kyrgyzstan, capturing both the republic's startlingly beautiful nature as well as the less startlingly beautiful aesthetic of its capital city, Bishkek. According...
Alexander Sodiqov Is Not the First Person to Be Arrested in Tajikistan for Doing His Job
The Tajik government's arrest of Alexander Sodiqov for conducting academic research in Tajikistan's troubled GBAO region echoes the arrest of a BBC journalist in the same country three years ago.
Tajik Government Silent on “Disappeared” Global Voices Contributor
Tajik authorities have allegedly paraded University of Toronto researcher Alexander Sodiqov, who disappeared three days ago, on television in an apparent attempt to discredit him and an opposition politician.
Why Conducting Academic Research in Khorog, Tajikistan is a Criminal Offense
What does the Tajik government have to fear by arresting scholar and Global Voices author Alexander Sodiqov? Chris Rickleton explains.
9 Quietly Profound Photos From Kyrgyzstan That Foreshadow Central Asia's Water Wars
By 2030, nearly half the world’s population will inhabit areas of “high water stress."
Tajik Authorities Detain Global Voices Contributor
Former Global Voices Central Asia Editor Alexander Sodiqov was detained by authorities in Khorog, Tajikistan while conducting research for his PhD thesis. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
Afghans Survive Severed Fingers to Cast Second Round Votes
In April, Afghans participated in the first round of historic presidential elections. In the second round, Taliban militants sliced off Afghan fingers, but millions of votes were cast anyway.
Between Ukraine and Russia, Kazakhstan's Chocolate Might Come Out a Winner
Kazakhstanis can be very, very patriotic about their national chocolate, Rakhat. With Ukrainian chocolate disappearing from the lucrative Russian market, some hope it is Rakhat's turn to shine.
Russian Emigration in the Internet Age
Russia’s emigration in the Internet Age: people leave—to escape, to explore, and to unwind—but nobody really disconnects.
Kazakhstan Has an Antelope That Can Predict the World Cup Winner (or Does It?)
Kazakhstan's most mischievous satirical blog, Kazaxia, is up to its old tricks again, reporting on the saiga antelope that has potentially ruined bookmakers worldwide by predicting the winner of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with its timeless steppe wisdom. As Kazaxia writes: A shaman contacted kazaxia about the psychic saiga – it...
Kazakh “Bloggers” Program Gets to the Real News
Kazakhstan's online program Блогеры (bloggers), presented by Angela Garipova does [ru] a good job of covering socially relevant themes that the country's state-directed media doesn't always get to via funky footage and the views of Kazakhstani social media users. This week the program looked at the decision of the regional government of...
Some Young Soldiers in Tajikistan's Army Are Being Hazed to Death
The Tajik army experience is one of abductions, humiliations and occasionally lethal violence. But many continue to justify these practices in the name of character building.
Kyrgyzstan's Anti-Gay Bill Preserves “Historical Values”, Violates Constitution
Kyrgyz lawmakers will soon vote on "mystical" legislation set to make life even more challenging for the country's harassed LGBT community. But don't they have more important things to do?
Informal Wedding “a Small Victory” for Gays in Tajikistan
Tajikistan may just have had its first informal gay wedding. Many Tajiks are unhappy with what they see as "western propaganda".
Man Arrested for ‘Insulting’ Tajik President on Facebook
Security agencies in Tajikistan have detained a Facebook user on charges of “insulting” the country's president. According to a local news agency, the 30-year-old man was arrested [ru] after posting “slanderous” images and texts on the social networking website.
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