Koranic rock song ignites debate over secularism in Azerbaijan The song used verses from the Koran, resulting in death threats from some religious Azerbaijanis. But the singer says he quoted the book respectfully. Durna Safarova Aug 7, 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
Eurovision shines a light into Caucasus identity politics This year, Azerbaijan embraces both the Orient and bisexuality, while Georgia complains about the West. Joshua Kucera May 14, 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
Post-Soviet world mourns passing of iconic Georgian composer Former Soviet states are coming together to mourn the death of Gia Kancheli, who personified a positive memory from their shared past. Giorgi Lomsadze Oct 4, 2019
The Fast and the Furious occupies Tbilisi The Georgian capital has become a stage set for a Hollywood action flick; some joke that the name of the film franchise is just driving as usual in the city. Giorgi Lomsadze Sep 6, 2019
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
Unearthed remains of Soviet poet at center of Azerbaijani power struggle The poet was executed in 1938, and the whereabouts of his remains had been unknown until an Azerbaijani-Russian oligarch claimed to have found them. Lamiya Adilgizi Nov 7, 2018
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
Kyrgyzstan hosts third Nomad Games, and passes the torch Kyrgyzstan is turning over the biennial event to other Turkic countries. Nicholas Muller, Chris Rickleton Sep 7, 2018
Greek death metal band arrested in Georgia on suspicion of Satanism and terrorism The band ultimately was able to play its Tbilisi show and thanked "all our Georgian metal brothers for their overwhelming support!" Bradley Jardine Apr 18, 2018