Domesticated sheep grazed Fergana millennia earlier than thought – new paper New technologies have allowed archeologists to re-examine how domestic animals spread from the Middle East to Asia. David Trilling Apr 21, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Ballet troupe walkout shines light on culture underspending Protesting artists chose the visit of their better-paid Russian colleagues to make their point. Chris Rickleton Mar 9, 2021
Turkmenistan: Rebuke to the future The president seems troubled by the well-documented shortage of hard currency. This and more in our weekly briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Feb 9, 2021
Kyrgyzstan: Zere returns with new plea for action on women’s rights The artist expects to face more harassment for her song. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Nov 27, 2020
Perspectives | Now comes a Karabakh war over cultural heritage Fears are growing in particular for Armenian monuments being handed over. Thomas de Waal Nov 16, 2020
Turkmenistan: Parthian shot Reliving ancient glory, exaggerating modern accomplishments, and introducing ATMs that demand to see birth certificates: This and more in our weekly Turkmenistan briefing. Akhal-Teke: A Turkmenistan Bulletin Sep 15, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Drama about mining protests banned from cinema screens Censors objected to scenes showing "corruption and bribery" by government officials. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 28, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Security services summon stand-up for questioning Alymkulova posted a video appearing to show Jeenbekov singing a profanity-laced song. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva Jul 15, 2020
Huge match-fixing scheme uncovered in Armenian soccer The conspiracy involved many players from around the former Soviet Union who have previous records of match fixing. Ani Mejlumyan Jul 8, 2020
Kyrgyzstan: Rapper voices nation’s angst in the time of coronavirus Sayasat is based on stories pulled straight from the headlines. Ayzirek Imanaliyeva May 13, 2020
Turkmenistan vs. Netflix Officials believe 6 Underground may be a plot to undermine the Turkmen state. Jan 8, 2020
Kazakh and Kyrgyz stuntmen feature in Disney’s Mulan Almaty-based Nomad Stunts is behind many of the action shots. Aliya Uteuova Jul 12, 2019
Behind blockbuster Armenia! exhibit, the hand of the old regime The new government has embraced the New York show while underplaying the role played by its political enemies. Grigor Atanesian Mar 22, 2019
Feminist song draws supporters and death threats in Kyrgyzstan Pleas for civility and respect from Zere Asylbek, a songwriter in Bishkek, have been drowned by rage over her clothing. Bermet Talant Sep 18, 2018
Perspectives | Kyrgyz pop stars succor Kyrgyzness Kyrgyzstan’s radio waves are a stage for twisting and pulling at the notion of national identity. Colleen Wood Sep 13, 2018