In the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan, thousands of young girls and women are kidnapped every year to be forced into marriage. Although the practice was outlawed in 2013, bride kidnapping continues to exist, with destructive consequences for society. By Iris Oppelaar With WILDNESS, Iris aims to de-sensationalize the practice of bride kidnapping and instead reveal the motives and societal …

When we talk about the carpets of Central Asia, we typically mean those produced by Turkmens. However, the production of this homemade handicraft was historically widespread among other peoples of the region: Karakalpaks, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Arabs, Tajiks, and Uzbeks, Emira Gyul. She focuses specifically on the Uzbek tradition of carpet weaving. by Elmira Gyul Carpet-weaving is an amazing art with which mankind …

Zaynab Mukhammad-Dost The Turkish and Turkic Collections at the British Library are the largest collections of manuscript and printed material from the Turkic world housed anywhere in the United Kingdom, says Michael Erdman in an Interview with Zaynab Mukhammad-Dost. What is special about the British Library’s Turkish and Turkic collections? What is the most treasured item? Does the British Museum, …

Herald Report Experts, academics and government representatives have called for sustainable exploration of mineral deposits and safeguarding the interests of indigenous communities and environment. They discussed the environmental and economic challenges in mining sector at a roundtable conference organised by the University of Central Asia’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA) of the Graduate School of Development in Bishkek, …

Herald Report Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan authorities have signed agreement to ease tension on the borders of the two Central Asian countries after three days’ negotiation at the Chorkuh village of Khoji Alo Jamoat (municipality). The road that connects the Voruh exclave with the city of Isfara was opened today, after a five-day blockade. The road, previously blocked by the Kyrgyz side, was …

Two Tajiks killed, over 30 wounded in two days clashes; Kyrgyz authorities evacuate two villages on the border area Herald Report Tense situation on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border continues amid talks between the authorities of the two neighbouring countries. Kyrgyz authorities have evacuated residents of two villages near a disputed section of its border with Tajikistan following deadly clashes in the area. …

Four others were injured and 20 affected in clash over construction in disputed area. People gather at the Isfara town of Chokuh municipality on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border where a Tajik teacher was killed and four others injured in skirmish.One Tajik national was killed and at least four others were wounded in a skirmish along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border on Wednesday (March …

Labour remittances are 30% of Kyrgyzstan GDP HAH Report Government representatives, development partners, and experts on March 1st, 2019, shared inputs on the formation of a long-term migration policy for the Kyrgyzstan, said a press release issued by the University of Central Asia (UCA). The dialogue on  developing “Comprehensive Long-Term Evidence-Based Migration Policy for the Kyrgyz Republic”, the second in …

Grievances are the most important factor of vulnerability of Kyrgystan youth to radicalisation, says a new research study. HAH Report Youth occupies a special place in radicalisation processes, says the study, titled: “Vulnerability and Resilience of Young People in Kyrgyzstan to Radicalization, Violence and Extremism: Analysis Across Five Domains” The authors — Emil Nasritdinov, Zarina Urmanbetova, Kanatbek Murzakhalilov, Mametbek Myrzabaev …