Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from January, 2016
The Rest of the World Is Finally Noticing the Touristic Charms of Central Asia
Often overlooked, five Central Asian Stans are home to magnificent natural beauty and rich culture.
Childrearing Traditions and Weak Policing Are Failing Armenia’s Abused Children
Domestic violence against children continues to be overlooked and underreported in Armenia. One group of activists is doing what it can to raise awareness.
Three Foreign Lawyers Have Returned Home Safely, But What’s Life Like for Local Attorneys in Tajikistan?
What's the difference between a Tajik and a non-Tajik lawyer? In Tajikistan, detained foreign attorneys have a better chance of remaining unharmed and securing a quick release.
Expand Your Movie-Watching Horizons With These 16 Films From Around the World
Follow the exploits of a transgender dad, a rotten tomato, Iranian rockers, a janitor-turned-mayor and others in this list of films that take you to the world beyond Hollywood.
The Strongmen of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan Don't Want to Leave Office Anytime Soon
"Why trifle? Better to directly announce yourself immortals and ban death from coming for them."
In Oil-Rich Azerbaijan, People Protest; Government Responds With Arrests
Riot police and internal troops used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters and arrested dozens of them, including opposition leaders.
Taxicab Confessions, Kyrgyz Style: Lawmakers Get Behind the Wheel to Chat With Voters
A public relations move, probably, but it's significant in the context of Central Asia, a region characterized by authoritarian politics.
Kyrgyzstan Staged its First Opera Flash Mob in a Bishkek Supermarket. It Was Magical.
"People who seemed to be average shoppers and store employees suddenly burst into song, regaling store patrons with a piece from Verdi's opera, La Traviata."
In Kyrgyzstan, a Foreigner’s ‘Horse Penis’ Faux Pas Exposes Cultural Rift
"At the root of the story is a profound problem [...] the fundamental lack of mutual understanding between Kyrgyz- and Russian-speaking sections of the population."
Afghanistan's National Football Team the Pride of a Nation, Even in Defeat
"Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai watched @SAFFSuzukiCup #football match from his home sitting on a mattress with green tea."
Kyrgyz Laugh, Cry, Fume After British Miner's Crass Horse Penis Joke Goes Horribly Schlong
Michael Mcfeat will soon learn whether or not he will face criminal proceedings for falsely claiming the Central Asian country treats horse penis as a delicacy.
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