Stories about Kyrgyzstan
Digital education lags behind as Kyrgyzstan’s schools lack access
As the government attempts to provide education online or on TV, both children and teachers suffer from a lack of access to internet and devices.
What is the Kurultai: Kyrgyzstan's political body based on an ancient nomadic tradition
In an effort to strengthen control over the political process, the Kyrgyz leadership brought back the Kurultai, an institution centered around traditional values.
In Kyrgyzstan, an ultranationalist group thrives on rising anti-Chinese sentiment
Chinese enterprises are making home for themselves in Kyrgyzstan. Some parts of the Kyrgyz population see this trend as a threat.
What a Kyrgyzstan oil refinery reveals about China's Belt and Road Initiative
"We tried to reach the mayor, arguing that the plant is harmful to the environment...We tried our best but nobody was listening to us."
What Kyrgyzstan’s hasty transition to presidential governance says about the state of its democracy
Since its government fell last October, Kyrgyzstan has experienced a political whirlwind, with January elections consolidating the interim leader's position and a referendum that changed its system of governance.
In Kyrgyzstan, social media hate goes unchecked
In the wake of a contested election, Kyrgyzstan’s civil society activists, opponent politicians, and independent journalists are being heavily targeted online — with help from the country’s post-crisis leader.
Post-election protests spark another revolution in Kyrgyzstan
Opposition protesters enraged at electoral fraud have seized government buildings. The Prime Minister and other key figures have resigned. The electoral commission has annulled official results "to prevent tension".
Kyrgyzstan's journalists fear yet another hurdle to freedom of speech
Kyrgyzstan's parliament has passed a law against "manipulating information." Given their recent experiences, it's no surprise that the country's journalists worry what it might mean for freedom of speech.
Kyrgyzstan's civil society mobilises to fight COVID-19
As Kyrgyzstan struggles with the economic fallout of the coronavirus, ordinary citizens are organising on an impressive scale — delivering food to the poor and surgical masks to doctors.
As Uzbekistan thaws, the Uzbek language spreads its wings
A political thaw is underway in a nation eagerly going online — providing the perfect opportunity for the Uzbek language to thrive in new and unexpected ways.
Interview with Bektour Iskender, co-founder of Kyrgyz outlet under attack for corruption investigation
The story's whistleblower was shot dead in Istambul in November, and Kloop.kg battles a defamation lawsuit.
Will Kyrgyzstan call time on uranium mining?
The government says it has revoked the license of a company planning to mine in the Issyk-Kul region that is a beloved tourism spot.
Moscow human rights activists sue a Russian far eastern republic over ban on migrant workers
Human rights activists will have to fight Yasen Nikolayev’s act on purely legalistic grounds, arguing that regulating the local labor market in Yakutia is not actually required.
How Kyrgyz authorities almost banned a women's rally on International Women's Day
A nationalist vigilante group had pledged to break up the rally but the event went ahead without interruption.
#MeTooSebat: Kyrgyz take to social media to debate controversial ‘Gulen schools’
The schools are among the best in Kyrgyzstan but have powerful enemies, including Turkey, and a reputation for secrecy.
Dota 2 stormed Kyrgyzstan's state opera house and left a trail of destruction in its wake
A theatre boss looked to a cybersport tournament to generate much-needed revenue and got sacked for his troubles.
Has Kyrgyzstan's new fine for spitting violated the country's ‘social contract'?
"If you don't touch us, we won't touch you."
Kyrgyz artist calls on girls to ‘create our own freedom’ in breakout song, *drops mic*
Zere's debut hit 'Kyz' comes after years of debate over how women in the Central Asian country should dress and behave.
Authorities blame air conditioning as Azerbaijan plunges into darkness
"As soon as he got on the phone, all he could talk about was the heat inside the jail."
Kyrgyz Children's Author Remakes Old Fables, Drives New Narratives
“There are no fairytale weddings in my stories and no handsome prince. None of my characters are especially waiting for him, either.”
