Uzbekistan’s traditional wordsmiths seek legacy in a changing world Changing tastes threaten askiya, a centuries-old Uzbek tradition that prizes wit, improvisation, and mastery of language. Dec 16, 2021
Tajikistan: Little person’s bigtime courts controversy A charismatic, handicapped singer has gone viral, triggering appearances with Russian superstars and a member of the ruling family. Dec 13, 2021
Uzbekistan pulls the plug on ‘negative influence’ TikTok festival Tashkent is regretting its early embrace of the Chinese app. Dec 8, 2021
Uzbekistan: Sex, politics, and videotape An outspoken local deputy says police are trying to shame her into silence, using techniques evocative of the late Islam Karimov’s dictatorship. Dec 1, 2021
Standoff in eastern Tajikistan ends peacefully Both sides have agreed to initiate a joint investigation into a recent police shooting. Nov 29, 2021
Uzbekistan: Trade tops agenda as president visits Russia The question of whether Uzbekistan should join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, with its single market of 184 million people, has provoked fierce debates. Nov 22, 2021
Uzbekistan’s president further sidelines old guard Rustam Inoyatov was once considered the kingmaker of Uzbek politics. Nov 16, 2021
Uzbekistan: People no longer in the dark about power shortages Until now, officials had been silent about ongoing power cuts, even calling them a thing of the past. Nov 10, 2021
Uzbekistan undermines reformist credentials with ban on foreign journalist The day before, the president promised accountability for officials who interfere with media freedoms. Joanna Lillis Nov 8, 2021
Uzbek president pledges constitutional reform Under a new constitution, Shavkat Mirziyoyev could argue that he is eligible to run again in future elections. It's worked before. Joanna Lillis Nov 7, 2021
Uzbekistan: Outraged netizens win partial victory over social media blocks The president signed legislation that shuttered the sites. Then after an outcry, he saved the day. Joanna Lillis Nov 3, 2021
Uzbekistan: Mirziyoyev romps to victory, but with reduced vote share Tashkent sought to promote the election as more democratic than in the past, despite the absence of opposition. Oct 25, 2021
New Uzbekistan holds old-style election Some voters feel manipulated by being asked to play along in the choice-free election. Oct 21, 2021
Uzbekistan: Yes to political thaw, no to political opposition The president is popular. But he’s still not ready to allow a genuine opponent in elections this Sunday. Joanna Lillis Oct 18, 2021
Uzbekistan: Spot the invisible election campaign The incumbent dominates TV screens and frontpages, while his ostensible challengers are barely visible. Joanna Lillis Oct 12, 2021