· March, 2009

Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from March, 2009

Azerbaijan: Novruz in absentia

  25 March 2009

Scary Azeri in Suburbs recounts celebrating Novruz in London with her friends from Azerbaijan. The blog says that for a moment she felt as if she was in Baku and also reflects on married life in the U.K.

Azerbaijan: Referendum warning

  24 March 2009

Following last week's controversial referendum in Azerbaijan, Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines comments on news that the Council of Europe has warned Baku that it could be expelled from the international body as a result of the conduct of the vote. However, the blog notes, it is unlikely that the...

Armenia: The price of success

  24 March 2009

Blogian says that passengers on local transport in the Armenian capital, Yerevan were recently impressed by the vocal talents of his 6-year-old niece. However, the blog notes, while talent is not enough to succeed in Armenia, money is.

Azerbaijan: Cultural Clash

  24 March 2009

Scary Azeri in Suburbs remembers a visit from her teenage years to the mountain village of Ismailli. The blog says the trips were always a welcome escape from the summer heat of the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, but the blogger also remembers that they also highlighted the cultural differences between the...

Armenia: Ruben Mangasaryan R.I.P.

  21 March 2009

Mark Grigorian [RU] announces the death of his long-time colleague and friend, veteran local photojournalist Ruben Mangasarian. The journalist-blogger says Mangasarian was more than just a friend and remembers some of the stories the two worked on together.

Azerbaijan: Novruz

  21 March 2009

Prohibited but celebrated discreetly during its years as a Soviet republic, Novruz is now one of the most anticipated holidays to be openly marked in Azerbaijan. Local and expat bloggers comment on the festival.

Azerbaijan: Referendum results

  19 March 2009

Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines says that the votes from yesterday's controversial referendum in Azerbaijan have now been counted. The blog sarcastically remarks on the high turnout and approval rate for the changes to the constitution and says that friends advise being patient for change to come. However, the blogger...

Azerbaijan: Bloggers react to controversial referendum

  19 March 2009

Yesterday Azerbaijan went to the polls to vote on amendments to the country's constitution less than six months after its president, Ilham Aliyev, won re-election to a second term in office. With the changes — and especially one lifting the two-term limit on the presidency — stirring up controversy from the very beginning, local and foreign bloggers alike comment on the conduct and outcome of the referendum.

Global: Bubbles, Bailouts and Stimulus Plans

  18 March 2009

Identifying the economic woes of the United States is crucial. But we should also understand that other countries are also grappling with bankrupt companies and shrinking economies. Many countries are also implementing their own stimulus plans. What are some of the examples used by bloggers around the world when they discuss the bubble economies, bailout of banks and stimulus plans of their countries?

Azerbaijan: Voting

  18 March 2009

Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines details voting in today's referendum to amend the constitution in Azerbaijan. Although most consider the result a foregone conclusion, the blogger explains why she decided to vote.

Kazakhstan: Filtering of the blogs expands

  18 March 2009

Blogs on mail.ru – popular Russian information, entertainment and mail portal – have become the second victim of blockage campaign in Kazakhstan after LiveJournal. Access via national telecom operator is denied only to blogs, all other services of the portal work fine. Access to the blogs section is possible via...

Azerbaijan: A strange country

  17 March 2009

On the eve of tomorrow's constitutional referendum to remove the two-term presidential limit, Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines says her country is “strange.” On the one hand, as a bridge between East and West, Azerbaijan has a lot going for it. On the other, however, it continues to experience significant...

Armenia: The virginity debate continues…

  17 March 2009

Following posts by the Frontline Club and Global Voices Online, Jezebel also comments on the tradition of the red apple in Armenia. In particular, the post has initiated further discussion by Armenians and foreigners alike of a custom which promotes the virginity of the bride but not the groom.

Azerbaijan: Novruz Eve

  16 March 2009

Sheki, Azerbaijan continues to update its readers on the coming holiday of Novruz with today marking Earth Tuesday. The blog says that the evening is marked by candle-lit meals on the eve of the coming Spring.

About our Central Asia & Caucasus coverage

Nurbek Bekmurzaev
Nurbek Bekmurzaev is the Central Asia editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.

Arzu Geybullayeva
Arzu Geybullayeva is the South Caucasus editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.