Global Voices · Citizen media stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from May 2013

As tensions surrounding elections slated for November continue to poison the political mood in Tajikistan, a video of President Emomali Rahmon singing and dancing at his son's wedding has gone...

21 May 2013

Laughing at Russia's Eurovision Shooting Spirit

Written by Kevin Rothrock · Eastern & Central Europe

Earlier today, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on his country's fifth place finish in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. At a press conference, Lavrov denounced supposed voting irregularities, claiming...

19 May 2013

Does Kyrgyzstan need Russia's Customs Union?

Written by Aiganysh Ibraimova · Kyrgyzstan

Discussions surrounding potential membership of the Customs Union that currently comprises Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan are not new to Kyrgyzstan's public. Having come into effect in July of 2011 the union aims to...

13 May 2013

Kyrgyzstan Celebrates, Debates Victory Day

Written by Bermet Zhumakadyr kyzy · Kyrgyzstan

Victory Day on May 9, marking the end of World War II, is a national holiday celebrated vibrantly in many former Soviet countries, including Kyrgyzstan. This year, Kyrgyzstani Internet users...

12 May 2013

Wikipedia to Appear in Shughni

Written by Chris Rickleton · Quick Reads · Kyrgyzstan

10 May 2013

VIDEO: Turkmenistan's Pop Music Makes Love, Not Politics

Written by Anna Fergana · Turkmenistan

In Turkmenistan, pop musicians tread a difficult path between carving out a distinctive image for themselves and ensuring they don't fall foul of the state.

7 May 2013

Avoid Mycetism, Mushroom Pickers!

Written by Chris Rickleton · Quick Reads · Kyrgyzstan

6 May 2013

Stop Somonizing Tajikistan!

Written by Mahina Shodizoda · Quick Reads · Tajikistan

4 May 2013

‘Uzbek Princess’ in Social Media

Written by Alexander Sodiqov · Quick Reads · Uzbekistan

3 May 2013

From Russia with No Love .. for Central Asia

Written by Dildori Bedil · Kazakhstan

Migrants from Central Asia and the Caucasus are the usual victims of racist sentiment in Russia. Aware of deepening anti-migrant feelings, many of Moscow's politicians promote right-wing policies. But there...

Turkmen Leader Falls off Horse

Written by Alexander Sodiqov · Quick Reads · Turkmenistan

1 May 2013

“Women Can Change Afghanistan”: Interview with Noorjahan Akbar

Written by Omid Bidar · Afghanistan

Noorjahan Akbar, 22, is an Afghan women's rights activist and a prolific blogger. She believes that there has been a lot of positive change for women's rights in Afghanistan over...