Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from March, 2009
Azerbaijan: Novruz in absentia
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
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
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
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...
Uzbekistan: Enemy of the Internet
Yelena writes that Uzbekistan was called an ‘enemy of the Internet’ in recently published survey by Reporters Without Borders.
Kyrgyzstan: The Opposition’s Smoking Gun
Kyrgyz opposition figure Alikbek Djekshenkulov’s prize pistol is at the center of a murder trial, reports Elena.
Kyrgyzstan: Who Died in the Burnt Car?
A high-ranking Kyrgyzstani official has may have died in a horrible car wreck, reports Elena.
Kazakhstan: Underdog Billionaires
Slavasay reports that this year’s list of billionaires in the Forbes journal features only four representatives of Kazakhstan.
Kyrgyzstan: Annual ‘Tulip’ Protests
Michael Hancock argues about the reasons of popular dissatisfaction with the authorities in Kyrgyzstan, where street protests have already become a tradition.
Tajikistan: A Slow Collapse or Not.
Joshua Foust writes about Tajikistan’s social and economic problems, which have worsened dramatically against the bachground of the global economic crisis.
Afghanistan: Buzkashi National Game
Nasim Fekrat tells about Buzkashi (“goat grabbing”), the national sport of Afghanistan.
Armenia: Ruben Mangasaryan R.I.P.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…
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
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.