Latest posts by Akhal-Tech Collective
Reckless Diplomacy: Turkey-Netherlands #TulipCrisis Is Scary Viewing for Minorities in Europe
A rally, a crackdown and a diplomatic standoff that stands to benefit nationalist politicians in both countries, but almost no-one else.
Georgian Town of Batumi Suffers Riots Over a Parking Ticket, Local Grievances
Social media users have been tweeting about the situation in the city under the hashtag #BatumiRiots.
Silicon Valley Giant Uber Caught up in Kazakhstan Wooden Stool Scandal
"Uber. Are you completely nuts? Is this what a Californian startup looks like?"
In Kyrgyzstan, Gender Discrimination and Violence Get a Boost from Popular Culture
A popular new reality TV show and an advert for a construction company have enraged feminists by trivialising abuses against women.
In Georgia, Concern Mounts as Tussle over Key Broadcaster Reaches Endgame
"#Media is a natural ally of society. It can show flaws! Never make mistakes already made by your opponents. Support #Rustavi2"
Whale-Themed ‘Suicide Groups’ Present Opportunity for Internet Crackdown in Central Asia
Despite no clear link to actual suicides in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, authorities are dreaming up restrictions.
Morgan Freeman Makes Surprise Cameo in Uzbek Film. Oh, Wait. No, He Doesn't.
Move over 'fake news', here come 'fake trailers'.
Travel Blogger Faces Eight Years in Azerbaijan Prison Over Nagorno-Karabakh Visits and Posts
One blogger, three passports and the intricate international relations of the Caucasus region. This gets pretty complicated.
In Kazakhstan, Police Detain a Man Handing out Free Money
"What sect? Do I need documents to help people?"
Listen to the Tranquil Sounds of the Jetigen, One of Central Asia's Forgotten Instruments
The instrument was once popular across the Turkic world, but its present stronghold is the Russian Republic of Khakassia.
Day of Mourning in Kyrgyzstan After Cargo Plane Crashes, Killing Dozens
The dead are mostly local Kyrgyz from a nearby village, and some of the stories are harrowing.
Tajik President's 29-Year-Old Son Becomes Mayor of the Capital
"A 29-year-old general, a fighter of corruption, [Rustam Emomali] just became Dushanbe's mayor. And what have you achieved?"
Mistaken Identity?: Kyrgyzstan's Name Tarnished in Attack on Istanbul Nightclub that Killed 39
Whatever the truth, the damage to the little-known country's image has already been done.
Central Asia in 2016: The More Things Change…?
"Why do they mess about? They should just appoint themselves immortals and pass a law banning death from visiting them."
‘The Long Arms of the Kremlin?': Kazakh Man Goes to Prison for Insulting Vladimir Putin on Facebook
With traditional media in the country heavily restricted, social media is an obvious forum for information warfare between the Kazakh nationalists and ethnic Russians.
Watch TED Fellow Bektour Iskender's Talk on the ‘Mega Force’ of Youth Journalism in Kyrgyzstan
In the era of fake news and 'information warfare', the story of Kloop.kg is one that both inspires and reassures.
Russian Ambassador to Turkey's Assassination: A Bullet from Aleppo?
A Russian opposition politician fires a rare volley of dissent regarding his country's involvement in the war in Syria.
Kazakh TV Channel Famed for Fake News in Hot Water after Fake Interview
The interview with a self-promoting Kazakh news presenter that never happened was quickly disowned by the purported interviewer.
Now That's Epic: Kyrgyz Woman Singer Remakes Poem Traditionally Sung By Men
"The whole might of the Kyrgyz Nomadic Spirit, the intimate, magical fluid of our mountainous country."
Will Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Make Plov, Not War in 2017?
A new Uzbek president can change a lot of things between the two countries.
Kyrgyzstan's President and the Little Personality Cult that Couldn't
"Atambayev, father of the nation? No, he's some kind of surrogate."
