Central Asia
Uzbeks in trouble abroad to get help through the Online Mahalla platform
At a 2 November meeting the president put special focus on protecting the rights of citizens abroad: those in difficulty can leave a message on the Online Mahalla platform, and ambassadors will personally take up the case when needed; the system launches within 10 days.
Mirziyoyev orders overhaul of labour migration: 'We need quality, not numbers'
At a 2 November meeting the president ordered better public awareness of overseas jobs, a migration centre in every region, and vocational and German-language training for young people; Germany requested 45,000 specialists but hired only 2,000.
The U.S. Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2): How Tourist and Business Travel Is Arranged
An Uzbekistan citizen travelling to the U.S. for tourism, to visit relatives, or for business needs a B-1/B-2 visa — because Uzbekistan is not in the visa-free program (Visa Waiver / ESTA). Here is a practical guide to the DS-160 form, the $185 fee, the interview, and how long you may stay.
Uzbekistan and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: From the Shanghai Five to the SCO (1996–2001)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) grew out of the 'Shanghai Five', formed in 1996 by China, Russia, and three Central Asian states. When Uzbekistan joined on 15 June 2001, the group became the SCO and Uzbekistan became one of its founding members. Here is that history — with precise dates and facts.
Cyberattack hits emergency-alert apps in Ukraine and Russia: fake nuclear warning in Kyiv
On Sunday both countries' emergency-alert mobile apps were hit by cyberattacks; users in Ukraine received a false warning of a nuclear radiation danger in Kyiv, while Russia said its ministry app had been breached.
Refugees After the 2005 Andijan Events: The UNHCR Evacuation and a New Diaspora in the West
After the May 2005 events in Andijan, a group of Uzbek refugees crossed into neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. UNHCR airlifted 439 of them to Romania, and they were resettled to the United States, Canada, Australia, and European countries — forming a distinct wave of the Uzbek political diaspora in the West. Documented facts only.
The 1944 Deportation of the Meskhetian Turks to Central Asia: Life in Uzbekistan and the Blocked Road Home
In November 1944 Stalin's regime deported the Meskhetian Turks, Kurds, and Hemshils from the Meskheti region of Georgia on the Turkish border to Central Asia. Roughly 90,000-115,000 people were removed, and tens of thousands died in transit and in the first years. Here is the documented history of their homeland, the deportation order, life under the special-settlement regime in Uzbekistan, and the return to Georgia that stayed closed.
Ecological Migration: The Aral Sea Disaster and the Exodus from Karakalpakstan
The drying of the Aral Sea was not only a natural catastrophe but a human one: as the fishery collapsed and the air and water turned toxic, tens of thousands left their homeland in Karakalpakstan. Here is the history, the figures, and the present state of this "ecological migration".
US moves to deport Afghan refugees to Pakistan: the Qatar camp and the Taliban risk
The US administration is preparing to send Afghan refugees to Pakistan, with a first flight possible as early as Monday. The camp figures, the return risk and the timeline — verified facts only.
Uzbekistan: 1.1mn citizens returned from abroad in 9M26, 172,000 found permanent jobs
More than 1.1 million Uzbeks returned from abroad in January–September 2026. According to the Ministry of Employment, 172,000 found permanent jobs and 349,000 became self-employed, but 257,000 remain unemployed.
Uzbek Labour Migration to Poland: The Rise of a New European Destination
Over the past decade Poland has become one of the most important European destinations for Uzbek labour migrants. The war in Ukraine, Poland's labour shortage, and Uzbekistan's diversification policy shaped this new wave — with the numbers.
Uzbekistan sets up nuclear classes at two Tashkent academic lyceums — Uzatom
The Tashkent branch of the MEPhI nuclear university is opening specialised nuclear classes at the I. M. Gubkin and International House-Tashkent academic lyceums to prepare students for the country's nuclear energy sector.
How International Sanctions Work: An Explainer
Sanctions are economic and political restrictions used by a state or group of states to achieve a goal. Here are their types, who imposes them, their financial mechanisms, and their impact on Central Asia.
Japan-built water system in Tajikistan ran only 10.9 hours a day — external review gave it the lowest 'D' rating
JICA's external evaluation gave the Khatlon water project the lowest possible rating: designed for 24-hour supply, service was limited by leaks and excessive use. Even so, Japan has signed a new grant for another district.
UNICEF study: in migrant families, one in three children takes on housework and sibling care
Of 702 children aged 11–17 surveyed in families where parents had left for labor migration in Uzbekistan, about a third took on duties parents used to perform; most stayed in school, but UNICEF recorded a decline in mood.
The Deportation of the Volga Germans to Central Asia (1941)
On 28 August 1941 a decree dissolved the Volga German Autonomous Republic and deported over half a million Germans to Kazakhstan, Siberia, the Altai and Central Asia — including Uzbekistan. A history of the deportation, the Labour Army, the special-settlement regime and rehabilitation.
The Aral Sea Disaster: Why It Dried Up, Its Consequences, and Its Status Today
Once one of the largest inland bodies of water on Earth, the Aral Sea almost entirely disappeared within half a century. This is a factual explainer of the causes, consequences, and current restoration efforts.
Migration and Urbanization in Turkestan under Tsarist Russia (1865–1917)
The flow of Russian settler colonists, the cotton economy, railways and the rise of new cities in Turkestan from the capture of Tashkent in 1865 to 1917.
Climatologist explains why air pollution rose in Central Asian cities in October
An institute analysis found that on 26 October the air quality index topped 100 in six of the region's eight major cities; climatologist Erkin Abdulakhatov explained the causes.
Uzbek citizens going abroad to study fall 33% in first nine months of 2026
According to the National Statistics Committee, 16,522 citizens left Uzbekistan for study in January–September 2026 — down a third year on year. Russia led the list while Tajikistan dropped from first place.
Uzbekistan summons Iranian ambassador over posts on Samarkand's heritage
The Foreign Ministry handed a note of protest to Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Ali Eskandari over social-media posts by Iranian diplomatic missions describing Samarkand's monuments as part of "Persian" or "Iranian-Islamic" civilization.
Number of Uzbeks going abroad to study fell 33% in nine months
In January–September 2026, 16,522 citizens travelled abroad for study. Russia overtook Tajikistan as the most popular destination.
Kazakh women break the silence under #IAmJaneDoe
Thousands of women are speaking out about childhood sexual violence. A law exists — but gaps remain.
Kazakhstan's new parliament restricts journalists' access to officials
In the Kurultai, questions are allowed only at scheduled briefings. An off-topic question brings a warning; two violations mean a 6-month loss of accreditation.
The Turkestan Legion and postwar emigration (1941–1945): from captivity to the Western diaspora
In World War II, Nazi Germany formed the "Turkestan Legion" from Soviet prisoners of war — Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Turkmens, Kyrgyz and Tajiks. For most it was not ideology but a forced choice to survive starvation. This neutral history, on the basis of sources and verified facts only, recounts the legion's formation, the roles of Veli Kayum Khan and Mustafa Chokay, and how survivors became part of the Western diaspora.
The deportation of the North Caucasus peoples to Central Asia (1943–1944): Karachays, Chechens, Ingush and Balkars
During the Second World War, Stalin's regime deported whole peoples of the North Caucasus — Karachays, Chechens, Ingush and Balkars — in railway wagons to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and, in part, Uzbekistan. This fact-based historical reference sets out the dates, numbers and the 1957 rehabilitation.
Germany recruits Uzbek truck drivers: €1,800 monthly after tax
Uzbekistan's Migration Agency, with German firm RecruitMed, opened a competition for 50 positions, requiring C and CE licences, with six months of free German-language training and online interviews on 6 and 10 November.
The establishment of Uzbekistan–Russia relations (1991–1996): diplomacy, a treaty and an independent path
After independence in 1991, how did Uzbekistan build its relationship with its former center, Russia? This fact-based historical reference sets out, with dates, the establishment of diplomatic relations, the 1992 Treaty of Friendship, monetary independence and the emigration of the Russian-speaking population.
New Imkon centre opens in Samarkand: preschool for 150 children and rehabilitation for 100 a month
The new centre in the National Agency for Social Protection's network combines education and treatment; the network provided over 546,000 treatments in 2025.
Ohio: after Haitian migrants lost protection, Springfield began to empty out
After the Trump administration ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, Springfield — home to roughly 15,000 migrants — is seeing workers dwindle and some businesses close.
The 1944 deportation of the Crimean Tatars to Uzbekistan and the making of a community
In May 1944 the Soviet government deported the entire Crimean Tatar people from their homeland; most were resettled in Uzbekistan. This historical reference sets out the exact dates, figures, consequences and road to rehabilitation on the basis of sources.
Ziroat Mirziyoyeva named chair of global network supporting seriously ill children
The initiative was announced in Samarkand at the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer; Uzbekistan's First Lady will chair the network for two years and received a WHO certificate of recognition.
Russia steps up expulsions in Novosibirsk: 32 Uzbek citizens removed on October 16
Expulsions of foreign nationals from the Novosibirsk region rose about 59% in a year; Uzbek citizens make up a large share of those removed for migration violations.
Top destinations for Uzbek travelers: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan lead
Nearly 5.9 million Uzbek citizens traveled abroad for tourism in January–September 2026, with most choosing three neighboring countries.
The exodus of the 1990s: the emigration of Russians, Jews and Germans from Uzbekistan (1989–2000)
On the eve of independence and in its first years, Uzbekistan's European minorities — Russians, Jews and Germans — left the country en masse. This history reference explains the 1989 census figures, the reasons and destinations of the emigration (Russia, Israel, the US, Germany) and its demographic consequences, on the basis of sources.
Why sexual-harassment cases are hard to track in Kazakhstan
An incident on an Astana bus again highlighted the legal gap in recording and tracking public sexual harassment in Kazakhstan. With no dedicated criminal provision, such cases are not separated out in the statistics.
Labour flow to Russia falls 13.2% while remittances reach $9.3 billion
The Central Bank's H1 2026 Labour Market Review: fewer citizens going to Russia, remittances rising, and destinations shifting towards Europe and East Asia.
Mirziyoyev calls for faster ID-card border crossings with Tajikistan
On 19 October President Shavkat Mirziyoyev urged speeding up a system that would let citizens cross the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border with an internal ID card, citing growing trade, freight and close family ties.
Remittances reach $18.9 billion: a chance to channel migrant money to women entrepreneurs
According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, remittances reached $18.9 billion in 2025; a program by IFAD, the EU and Hamkorbank aims to direct that money into rural small businesses.
Rubio's Samarkand remark revives the Russian-language debate — but the clip was out of context
A brief exchange involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Samarkand reignited debate over Russian versus Uzbek. Kun.uz and Daryo found that the viral clip had been taken out of context.
The Uzbek diaspora in Canada: the making of a young but growing community
The Uzbek community in Canada is a young diaspora formed mainly after independence in 1991, to which a stream of ethnic Uzbeks from Afghanistan has been added. This article sets out the community's origins, its main streams, where it has settled and its figures, on the basis of sources.
Uzbekistan to establish Tashkent International Fashion Academy: specialists for five industries
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed Decree PP-378 on 16 October 2026. The new state higher-education institution is built on a joint programme of the Tashkent Institute of Textile and Light Industry and the Paris International Fashion Academy; classes begin in the 2026/2027 academic year.
Trump pauses Russia sanctions for 60 days: 72% of Uzbek remittances come from that country
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump has paused sanctions and tariffs on Russia for 60 days. Russia remains the largest single source of remittances flowing into Uzbekistan.
Collectivization and "dekulakization": the forced displacement of Uzbek peasants, 1929–1934
The Soviet collectivization that began in 1929 and the "dekulakization" policy (liquidating the kulaks as a class) led in the Uzbek SSR to the confiscation of land and property, the deportation of families and flight toward the border. This history article sets out the key dates, policies and consequences of the process on the basis of sources; disputed figures are flagged separately.
English-language theatre in Tashkent: Script Theatre brings British comedy to the stage
Script Theatre, an independent amateur company in Tashkent, is staging English playwright Ray Cooney's farce 'Out of Order' entirely in English at Human House; every performance has sold out, yet the project has not reached break-even.
Russia proposes an updated collective security concept for the Gulf
At the ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia–GCC Strategic Dialogue in Bahrain, Sergey Lavrov put forward an updated Gulf security framework; the GCC urged Russia to press Iran to halt its attacks.
Koryo-saram: the deportation of Koreans to Uzbekistan (1937) and the formation of the Korean community
In the autumn of 1937 the Soviet authorities forcibly relocated the Koreans living in the Far East en masse to Central Asia — mainly to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. It was the first case in the USSR in which an entire people was deported solely on the basis of ethnicity. This history explainer sets out, on the basis of sources, the reasons for the deportation, its scale and the formation of the Korean (Koryo-saram) community in Uzbekistan.
Astana Media Week: the opportunities and risks of AI for journalism
The 10th Astana Media Week was held on 14–16 October. It discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism; Kazakhstan called for labelling AI-generated content and adopting common standards.
Russia proposes charging migrant children for upper-secondary education
LDPR deputies propose that foreign citizens' children pay tuition for grades 10–11. Independent analysts say the party's figures are inflated; the measure would affect Central Asian migrant families.
The Basmachi movement and the exodus (1918–1934): Turkestan's resistance and the flight to Afghanistan
The Basmachi were an armed movement that fought Soviet rule across Turkestan and Bukhara from 1918 into the early 1930s. Their defeat drove tens of thousands of fighters and civilians across the Amu Darya into Afghanistan, forming Central Asian émigré communities. This history explainer sets out the movement and the migration it caused on the basis of sources, with contested figures clearly flagged.
Tashkent to renovate 400 mahallas by 2030 under the ‘15-minute city’ principle
Tashkent will modernise 400 neighbourhood (mahalla) complexes by 2030 under the ‘15-minute mahalla’ principle, with 100 renovated by 2027. The whole programme is expected to create about 130,000 jobs. The plan was reviewed at a meeting chaired by the President on 14 October.
Tashkent couriers and moped riders under police scrutiny: bikes being impounded
Tashkent traffic police have escalated checks on moped, scooter and e-bike riders, especially couriers. Registration has been required since October 2025 and an A1 licence since January 2026. According to Yandex, couriers have been fined more than 4.7 billion soums since the start of the year.
The Uzbek diaspora in Japan: from the first workers of the 1970s to today's community of students and trainees
The Uzbek community in Japan is small but one of the country's fastest-growing diasporas: from 184 people in 2000 to 7,362 by the end of 2025. This historical explainer sets out the community's Soviet-era roots, its growth after independence, its main cities and the labor-migration agreements concluded with Japan — on the basis of sources, with precise dates and figures.
Mirziyoyev unveils an economic philosophy called “O‘Z”: “Capital has no nationality”
At a 12 October meeting with entrepreneurs and investors in New Tashkent, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for an end to distinguishing between foreign and domestic investors and presented the “O‘Z” philosophy (Uzbekistan, change, identity, responsibility).
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to visit Samarkand with 200+ companies
Marco Rubio will take part in a C5+1 ministerial meeting with the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian states in Samarkand on 17–22 October 2026. According to the U.S. State Department, more than 200 business representatives will join the delegation.
Uzbekistan ranks 71st and Kazakhstan 34th among the world's most powerful countries
World Population Review has published its 2026 list of the 100 most powerful countries. From Central Asia, only Kazakhstan (34) and Uzbekistan (71) made the list. The ranking is based on the perception-based U.S. News “Best Countries” study.
New Tashkent allocates 100 hectares to each region
On 12 October, in a dialogue with entrepreneurs, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced that each region and Tashkent district will receive 100 hectares. The same day, seven facilities worth $1 bln opened.
Tashkent sets a green condition for greenhouses: filter or relocate
Greenhouses in and around Tashkent are being offered the chance to keep operating if they install filtered heating systems that meet standards. The reason: air pollution from coal heating.
The 1916 Turkestan revolt and the "mardikor" conscription: forced mobilisation, repression and mass flight
On 25 June 1916 (Old Style), Emperor Nicholas II of Russia issued a decree forcibly mobilising the native population of Turkestan and the Steppe region for rear-line labour in World War I (the "mardikor" call-up). It sparked Turkestan's largest anti-colonial revolt; the Jizzakh uprising was brutally suppressed, thousands died, and a mass flight began. This is a sourced historical explainer only.
The referendum of 26 March 1995: Islam Karimov's presidential term extended to 2000
On 26 March 1995 a referendum was held in Uzbekistan that extended President Islam Karimov's term — to which he had been elected in 1991 — until 2000, postponing the next presidential election. According to official results, 99.6% of those who voted said "yes." This is a sourced historical explainer only.
Islamic funeral and burial rites: how ghusl, kafan, the funeral prayer and burial are performed
In Islam, seeing off the deceased consists of four core acts: ghusl (washing), kafan (shrouding in white cloth), the funeral prayer (salat al-janazah), and burial (dafn). This explainer sets out each stage, the structure of the funeral prayer (four takbirs, with no bowing or prostration), the rules of mourning, and practical points for Uzbekistan and the diaspora abroad — on the basis of sources only. A religious rite is not a substitute for legal or personal advice.
Uzbekistan Airways to increase Kuala Lumpur flights to up to four a week
From late October the Tashkent–Kuala Lumpur frequency rises; S7 Airlines begins a codeshare on 25 October. Flights use the Boeing 787, and a 30-day visa-free regime applies for both countries' citizens.
How closer Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan ties could reorient Central Asian integration
After the 8th Consultative Meeting in Avaza on 8 October, analysts say cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan on the Trans-Caspian corridor could become a new axis for regional trade.
How an Islamic marriage (nikah) is contracted: conditions, mahr, witnesses and the legal procedure in Uzbekistan
Nikah is a contract in Islamic law. Its core conditions are the free consent of both parties, an offer and acceptance (ijab and qabul), witnesses, and the mahr (dower) given to the bride. This explainer sets out the pillars of nikah, the differences between the legal schools, and how marriage is registered with the state in Uzbekistan (ZAGS/FHDYo) — on the basis of sources.
The 1989 Fergana events and the expulsion of the Meskhetian Turks
From 3 to 12 June 1989, mass violence against Meskhetian Turks erupted in the Fergana Valley. According to the official count, 103 people were killed, more than a thousand were injured, and hundreds of houses were burned. In the aftermath, roughly 90,000 Meskhetian Turks left the Fergana Valley. Sourced history with exact dates and figures.
Trump announces a Russia–Ukraine «energy ceasefire»; Zelensky says he was not informed
On 10 October, US President Donald Trump said both sides had agreed to an energy ceasefire. Ukraine's president said he had no prior knowledge; after the announcement Russia continued its strikes.
How the IMF and the World Bank work: structure, functions and Uzbekistan
The IMF and the World Bank were created at the 1944 Bretton Woods conference. The IMF deals with currency stability and balance-of-payments crises; the World Bank Group finances long-term development projects. This explainer sets out their structure, the quota and voting system, the SDR, and Uzbekistan's membership — on the basis of sources.
The National Program for Personnel Training and the Law 'On Education' (1997): Uzbekistan's education reform
On 29 August 1997 the Oliy Majlis adopted the Law 'On Education' (No. 464-I) and the National Program for Personnel Training (No. 463-I). The reform replaced the Soviet system with a model of continuous education — nine years of general secondary schooling, a three-year academic lyceum or vocational college, and a two-tier higher education. Sourced history with exact dates and facts.
The August 1991 coup (GKChP) and Uzbekistan's independence
The coup attempt in Moscow on 19–21 August 1991 — the GKChP — shook the central Soviet authority and accelerated the union republics' declarations of independence. Ten days after the coup collapsed, on 31 August 1991 the Supreme Council of the Uzbek SSR declared state independence. This historical article covers the course of the coup, its effect on Uzbekistan, the 31 August decision, the 29 December referendum, and the dissolution of the USSR — strictly on verified sources and exact dates.
Mirziyoyev: water scarcity is an increasingly serious constraint on Central Asia's development
At the 8th Consultative Meeting in Avaza, the president of Uzbekistan called for regional cooperation on water and climate: digital monitoring, modernised irrigation, water-saving technologies, chairmanship of the Aral Sea fund, and dialogue with Afghanistan.
Mirziyoyev: water scarcity is an increasingly serious constraint on Central Asia's development
At the 8th Consultative Meeting in Avaza, the President of Uzbekistan called for regional cooperation on water losses, irrigation, climate and air pollution.
The Uzbek diaspora in Turkmenistan: the historic community of Daşoguz and Lebap
The Uzbeks of Turkmenistan are the country's largest ethnic minority. They live mainly in the northern Daşoguz and eastern Lebap provinces along the Amu Darya, and they are not recent migrants but a historically settled population. This historical reference covers the community's size (about 5–9% by source), its location, its formation from the Khiva and Bukhara khanates to the 1924–25 Soviet border delimitation, and the heritage of Köneürgench — strictly on the basis of verified sources.
Drone strikes on Russia's Yandex data centers disrupt online services in Uzbekistan
On 11 October, Ukrainian drones struck a Yandex data center in Vladimir; as a result, Yandex Go and several services were down for hours in Uzbekistan. It was the third such strike in four days.
Mirziyoyev proposes a Central Asian critical minerals alliance
At the 8th Consultative Meeting in Avaza, the President of Uzbekistan proposed accelerating a regional alliance on critical minerals and creating a unified digital map of reserves.
Mirziyoyev proposes accelerating a Central Asian critical minerals alliance
At the Avaza summit, Uzbekistan's president proposed accelerating a regional alliance on critical minerals and building a unified digital map of the region's reserves.
Yandex Go outage boosts rival taxi services in Uzbekistan
On 11 October Yandex Go went down across Uzbekistan — because of damage to a data center in Russia. Rivals such as Uklon and MyTaxi reported a surge in orders.
Drone strike on a Russian data center disrupted Yandex Go in Uzbekistan
After Ukrainian drones hit Yandex's data center in Vladimir, Yandex Go stopped working for several hours in Uzbekistan; days earlier, Uzum Market also went down.
Trump strikes diesel deal with Putin: Russia to supply the US with 300,000 tonnes of fuel
US President Donald Trump announced Russia will immediately supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel — effectively reversing sanctions he signed a month earlier. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a 'gift to Putin'.
January 1992: the Tashkent student protests and the price reform
On 16–17 January 1992, in the first weeks of independence, a student protest against a sharp rise in prices took place in Tashkent. Long underdocumented, the event is recorded as one of the largest open protests in independent Uzbekistan. Below, the facts of the event — its date, cause, scale, official and alternative figures on casualties, and political consequences — are presented neutrally and strictly on the basis of reputable sources.
Kremlin: Putin conveyed Iran's position on ending the conflict to Trump
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin — in coordination with Iran's president — conveyed Tehran's views to US President Donald Trump. Iran's specific terms were not disclosed.
Pakistan strikes Afghanistan — why Uzbekistan and its neighbors stayed silent
On 1 October Pakistan struck Kunar and Helmand provinces in Afghanistan. China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan did not back Islamabad — Tashkent prioritizes its border and the Trans-Afghan railway.
How asylum and the immigration court work in the United States
Asylum is a form of protection for people who fear persecution and are already in the United States or at its border. This reference explains the legal basis of asylum, who may apply, the one-year deadline and Form I-589, the two pathways (affirmative through USCIS and defensive in immigration court), the EOIR and BIA structure, work authorization, and the path to a green card and citizenship — strictly on the basis of official sources. This is general information, not legal advice.
Uzbeks in Tajikistan: the historic community of Sughd and the south
Uzbeks in Tajikistan are the country's largest ethnic minority. They are not an immigrant diaspora but a settled community that has long lived here; their position on the other side of the state border resulted from the Soviet national-territorial delimitation of 1924. The community is concentrated mainly in the north — Sughd Province, around Khujand — and in the south — Khatlon Province. Below, the community's historic roots, demographics, and changes over recent decades are presented neutrally and strictly on the basis of reputable sources.
Wildberries to build a $140 million logistics hub in Tashkent region
Russia's largest online marketplace agreed with Uzbekistan to build a 67.3-hectare hub in Zangiata district; the project will create 7,500 jobs.
Uzbekistan: plague situation stable, no cause for concern
The sanitary-epidemiological committee reassured the public amid reports of a suspected death in Russia, saying 53 sanitary-quarantine points operate at the borders.
Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan: the historic community of Osh and the south
Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan are the country's largest ethnic minority (about 1 million people, roughly 15% of the population), living mainly in the south — the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken provinces, in the edge of the Fergana Valley. They are not an immigrant diaspora but a settled local community: their position on the other side of the state border resulted from the Soviet national-territorial delimitation of 1924. Below, the community's historic roots, demographics, the tragic events of 1990 and 2010, and its subsequent situation are presented neutrally and strictly on the basis of reputable sources.
Russian strike on a Kramatorsk bus stop kills at least 30
On 8 October a Russian strike hit two public buses in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. Ukrainian officials say it deliberately targeted civilian transport.
Uzbek migration in the Soviet period: propiska, cotton and low mobility (1920s–1991)
Today's Uzbek labour migration — leaving for Russia and other countries — is mainly a post-1991 phenomenon. In the Soviet period the picture was different: movement was state-directed and limited, the propiska (residence registration) system tied people to a place, and the cotton monoculture bound rural Uzbeks to the kolkhozes. In their own records Soviet demographers noted that Central Asians, Uzbeks among them, moved far less across the union than other Soviet nationalities. At the same time Uzbekistan's cities — especially Tashkent — grew through the in-migration of Russians and other Slavs. Based strictly on verified academic and encyclopedic sources.
They went for work and ended up at war: how Russia recruits Central Asians
Uzbek, Tajik and Kazakh citizens who travelled to Russia for jobs are being deceived or coerced into Russian army contracts and sent to fight in Ukraine.
MrBeast to visit Tashkent on 9 October for a fan meetup
Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), the world's most-subscribed YouTube creator, will meet 200 fans in Tashkent on his first trip to Central Asia. The event is organised by Uzbekistan's Art and Culture Development Foundation.
The Tashkent Collective Security Treaty (15 May 1992) and Uzbekistan
On 15 May 1992 the Collective Security Treaty (CST) was signed in Tashkent — the organization that became the CSTO (ODKB) grew out of it. The six original signatories were Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The treaty entered into force on 20 April 1994 for a five-year term. Uzbekistan declined to renew it in 1999, rejoined in 2006, and suspended its membership in 2012. A foreign-policy concept adopted in 2012 set out non-participation in military blocs, no foreign military bases, and no sending troops abroad. Based on verified facts.
Uzbek labor migration to the Persian Gulf: the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia (2017–2026)
The Persian Gulf states — the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia — are a new, still small but growing labor-migration destination for Uzbekistan. It began taking shape after 2017, within a policy of reducing over-reliance on Russia and diversifying markets. Organized recruitment rose from 35,800 people in 2022 to 161,800 in 2024; of that, recruitment to the UAE rose from 18 people in 2023 to 319 in 2024 (official data). In December 2024 an agreement to send medical staff to Saudi Arabia was signed. The corridor's scale is still far smaller than Russia (~60%). Based on official sources.
Kazakhstan opens a radiation-monitoring centre with U.S. support
According to the Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan's Atomic Energy Agency opened a centre on 2 October to monitor radiation and coordinate responses to nuclear emergencies. The centre was set up with support from the U.S. NNSA.
Apartment block destroyed in Pryluky as Russia strikes on Putin's birthday
Overnight on 6–7 October Russia launched a mass attack on Ukraine with about 70 missiles and 130 drones. The deadliest strike hit a five-storey apartment block in Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast; at least 19 people, including four children, were killed nationwide.
Tajikistan turns to Iran for oil as Russia's fuel crisis deepens
Dushanbe has requested a total of 2.55 million tonnes of oil and fuel from Iran. It is an emergency hedge against Russia's fuel shortage — but it risks US secondary sanctions.
US envoy: Donald Trump wants to visit Uzbekistan
US Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli said in Tashkent that Trump intends to visit Uzbekistan. No date has been set. In mid-October, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead more than 100 American companies to Samarkand.
Sea Breeze Uzbekistan: Charvak resort clears second stage of environmental review
According to Times of Central Asia, the 577-hectare project on the Charvak shore has passed the first two environmental stages. A final assessment is required after construction.
US Temporary Work Visas: How H-1B, H-2A and H-2B Work
A reference guide based on the official pages of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of State (travel.state.gov). It explains how the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, the H-2A visa for seasonal agricultural work and the H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural work operate, the application process and the key rules. This is informational, not legal advice.
The Uzbek Diaspora in Kazakhstan: How the Southern Community Took Shape
A fact-based article on the historical formation of the Uzbek community living in southern Kazakhstan — the Turkistan Region, Shymkent and along the Syr Darya. It traces the period from the Kokand Khanate through the drawing of Soviet state borders to the present-day population in independent Kazakhstan, with dates and figures. Verified facts only.
Kazakhstan: Defence Ministry inspection leads to 13 criminal cases after 14 soldiers die
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered a sweeping inspection after the 24 September Caspian tragedy. The result: 13 criminal cases, a change of minister and a two-year military reform.
Industrial AI is reaching Kazakhstan's factories and mines, but many projects remain experimental
A 2025–26 government roadmap covers 41 projects at 11 major enterprises. ERG's autonomous haul trucks have already moved more than two million tonnes of rock.
World's largest AI film festival concludes in Astana, with the Grand Prix going to Latvia
The festival drew 8,067 entries from 125 countries; its $450,000 Grand Prix went to Latvian filmmaker Nikolay Shestak's 'The First Honest Day.'
How to Protect Yourself From Fraud and Scams in the USA: the Traps That Target Immigrants
A reference guide grounded in official guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the IRS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA). It explains government-impersonation calls, immigration and tax fraud, tech-support and phishing traps, and the payment red flags — how to spot them and where to report. This is a reference, not legal advice.
Uzbekistan as a Wartime Refuge: Evacuation and Deportation, 1941–1945
Between 1941 and 1945 Uzbekistan lived through one of the heaviest and most layered chapters of its migration history. On one side, hundreds of thousands of people, children, factories and institutions evacuated from the war zones; on the other, the forced deportation of entire peoples to the Uzbek SSR under Stalin. This article relies only on verified dates and figures; where sources disagree, a range is given.
Central Asian leaders and Azerbaijan to hold first formal summit in Avaza on October 8
Six heads of state will meet at Turkmenistan's Caspian resort of Avaza — the first formal summit since Azerbaijan became a full member of the format in November 2025.
Uzbek migration to Turkey: from historical roots to the modern community
In recent decades Turkey has become a major destination for Uzbeks. Below, the historical roots of the Turkestani émigrés, the 2018 visa-free regime, Turkey's migration-service figures on residence permits, the neighborhood restrictions and the 2026 labor agreement are set out using only verified sources.
Uzbekistan finishes fifth at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games with 70 medals
Uzbekistan won 21 gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze to place fifth overall. Central Asia's five states together collected 186 medals.
The revival of Amir Temur's legacy in independent Uzbekistan (1991–1996)
After independence, Uzbekistan began honoring Amir Temur as a national hero. Below, the unveiling of the Amir Temur statue in Tashkent (1994), the State Museum of the History of the Temurids (1996), the 660th anniversary in 1996 and other facts are set out with exact dates, using only verified sources.
Zelensky: the US wants a trilateral US–Ukraine–Russia meeting by the end of October
After meeting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Kyiv, Zelensky said the US side is proposing a technical-level trilateral meeting by the end of October. Merz announced about €1 billion in military aid.
Russia vows to step up strikes; Ukraine to retaliate against Russian oil refineries
Russia's Defense Ministry said it would intensify strikes, while President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to increase attacks on Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian drones have struck refineries about 70 times in 2026.
Kazakhstan plans a fourth major oil refinery by 2033
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy plans to commission a new refinery with capacity of up to 10 million tonnes a year by 2033 and to choose its location by the end of 2026.
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev proposes taking Trump's AI 'Washington Model' global
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev endorsed the voluntary AI accord signed in Washington by Donald Trump and major tech company leaders, and proposed making it the basis for an international treaty under the UN.
Kyrgyzstan now requires religious bloggers to obtain a "preacher's certificate"
Bloggers who systematically preach religion must obtain a special, one-year certificate based on religious education and Muftiate approval; single posts are exempt.
The Uzbek diaspora in Pakistan: how the Turkestani émigré community formed
The Uzbek community in Pakistan formed through two major historical waves: Turkestanis who fled to Afghanistan in the 1920s–30s after Soviet repression and the defeat of the Basmachi movement, and Afghan Uzbeks who crossed into Pakistan after the 1979 Soviet-Afghan war. Below, the formation of this community is set out using only verified sources.
The fourth wave of Uzbek migration (2010s–present): the widening of destinations
The post-independence third wave (1991–2010) was aimed almost entirely at Russia. From the 2010s, Uzbek labour migration entered a new — fourth — stage: destinations widened to South Korea, Turkey, Germany/Europe, the Gulf states and Japan, and state-organised legal migration grew. This wave continues the third. Set out below with verified figures and dates only.
Uzbekistan proposes a "one-stop center" for labor migrants heading to Russia
Citizens could complete medical exams, biometrics and Russian-language testing in one place before departure; the center has not yet been approved.
Kyrgyzstan requires a certificate for religious preachers as Central Asia tightens religious regulation
People who publicly preach religion online must now obtain a special certificate; clothing and other religious-life restrictions are also expanding across neighboring states.
At the CAMCA forum in Baku, Uzbekistan proposes a stronger regional body for Central Asia
Senate First Deputy Chairman Sodiq Safoev called for transforming the heads-of-state Consultative Meeting into an institutional structure.
14 servicemen die in Caspian drill: Kazakhstan dismisses its defense minister and detains five officers
After the September 24 tragedy, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev replaced the defense minister; the Navy chief of staff and other officers are under investigation for negligence.
Uzbekistan proposes a one-stop center for citizens heading to work in Russia
The Migration Agency wants to combine pre-departure testing, medical exams, biometrics, document checks and the Russian-language exam in a single center. The center has not yet been approved.
Uzbekistan joins the CIS: the Alma-Ata Protocol (1991)
On 21 December 1991, in Alma-Ata (Almaty), Kazakhstan, 11 former Soviet republics signed the Alma-Ata Protocol and Declaration, formally establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The documents declared that the USSR 'ceases to exist as a subject of international law and geopolitical reality.' For Uzbekistan, the protocol was signed by President Islam Karimov. It was the first multilateral framework after independence. Based only on verified facts.
Uzbekistan's president rewards Chess Olympiad winners: $200,000, a house and a car each
Each member of the gold-winning open team received $200,000, a Volkswagen Teramont Pro and a house; the bronze-winning para-chess team received $50,000, a car and housing each.
Why Russia's fuel export ban matters for Uzbekistan
Ukrainian strikes cut Russian petroleum output by more than 30%; Russia banned gasoline and diesel exports through January 31, 2027. Uzbekistan sources about half of its imported petrol from Russia.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the UAE to study the CASA rail route to the Indian Ocean
The three sides signed a memorandum to study the feasibility of a railway through Afghanistan to Pakistan's seaports.
The Uzbek diaspora in Germany and Europe: how it formed
The Uzbek community in Europe — especially in Germany — is younger and smaller than those in Russia and the US, but it is growing. Mid-20th century: Turkestani political émigrés; after independence: students and professionals; from 2015: asylum seekers. A key turning point: on 15 September 2024 Germany and Uzbekistan signed a migration and mobility partnership in Samarkand. In 2024 Germany issued the most EU Blue Cards — 56,252. Facts only, sourced.
Tokayev in Berlin: Ukraine, Russia, and Germany's growing economic interest in Kazakhstan
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on 29 September, discussing the war in Ukraine, energy, critical minerals and investment; cumulative German investment in Kazakhstan exceeds $8 billion.
UN: Terror groups in Afghanistan remain a threat to Central Asia
According to UN Security Council monitoring reports, Islamic State Khorasan Province is developing a network of cells capable of projecting a threat across the region and internationally; its propaganda is produced in Uzbek and Tajik.
The U.S. Social Security Number (SSN): how to get it and what it is for
What the Social Security Number (SSN) is and why it matters (work, wages, taxes, benefits, banking, credit); who can get one and how immigrants obtain it (through the immigrant-visa process or Form SS-5, usually in person); the three card types (unrestricted; “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION”; “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT”); the documents needed; SSN vs. ITIN; the fact that it is free; and protection from fraud. Based on the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) and the IRS, as of 2026.
Putin caps cash rubles taken out of Russia; Uzbekistan is on the list
Under the new decree, an individual may not take more than 1 million rubles (about $12,300) in cash from Russia to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and EAEU states; for legal entities, exporting cash rubles is banned regardless of amount.
China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway: a 486-km, $4.7 billion corridor takes shape
Running from Kashgar to Andijan via Kyrgyzstan, construction began in December 2024; the line bypasses Russia and opens a new route from China toward Europe.
Bukharan Jews: a history of migration to Israel and the USA
The Bukharan Jews are an ancient Central Asian Jewish community that formed around Bukhara and Samarkand and speaks Bukhori (Judeo-Tajik), a Persian dialect. This piece traces the community's life under the Emirate of Bukhara, the changes after the 1868 Russian conquest, the founding of the “Bukharan Quarter” in Jerusalem in the 1890s, Soviet-era suppression and — above all — the mass migration of the 1970s and after 1991 to Israel (the largest center) and the USA, especially Queens, New York. All population figures are estimates.
Russia launches ~4,000 strikes on Ukraine in a week: at least 8 killed, dozens injured
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says nearly 4,000 drones, aerial bombs and missiles were fired in one week; the conflict touches the main source of Uzbekistan's remittances.
Uzbekistan wins the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
Uzbekistan's open team took gold on home soil in Samarkand with 20 match points and first place — the nation's second Olympiad title.
Pakistan and Afghanistan on the brink of open war: dozens killed, border shut
September strikes and clashes have killed dozens and now threaten Uzbekistan's $7 billion Trans-Afghan railway.
The US F-1 student visa: how it works, step by step
What the F-1 academic student visa is and how it differs from M-1 and J-1; the steps from admission (Form I-20) to visa issuance (the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, DS-160, the $185 visa fee, the interview); the proof-of-funds requirement; work rules (20 hours/week on campus, CPT, 12 months of OPT, a further 24 months for STEM); duration of status (D/S) and the 60-day grace period; and F-2 dependents. Based on the US Department of State, USCIS, and ICE (SEVP), as of September 2026.
Mustafa Chokay and the Turkestani political emigration (1917–1941)
The life and émigré history of Mustafa Chokay (1890–1941), a leader of the Turkestan (Kokand) Autonomy: the autonomy proclaimed in November 1917, its suppression in February 1918, his route Baku–Tbilisi–Istanbul–Paris into France, the journal “Yash Turkestan” printed in Berlin 1929–1939 (117 issues), his stance in the Second World War, and his death in 1941. The Promethean movement and other Turkestani émigrés. Verified facts only; disputed details are flagged.
How US health insurance works: the basics for immigrants
The US has no single universal public system — coverage is a mix of employer-sponsored insurance, the individual marketplace (ACA/HealthCare.gov), and public programs (Medicaid, Medicare). Key terms: premium, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum ($10,600 for an individual in 2026). The ACA Marketplace, subsidies, and metal tiers; Medicaid and the five-year waiting bar; Medicare (65+); emergency care and EMTALA; in- vs out-of-network (HMO and PPO). Based on HealthCare.gov, CMS, Medicaid.gov, and KFF (as of 2026).
US naturalization (N-400): the process, the test, and the oath
How a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) becomes a US citizen: eligibility (5 or 3 years), the N-400 application and fee, the English and civics tests (a new 128-question version from 20 October 2025), the Oath of Allegiance, and the dual-citizenship question. A reference based on USCIS — not legal advice.
Assistant Prosecutor Detained Taking a $4,700 Bribe in Tashkent Region
Prosecutors say $12,000 was demanded in total. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court.
Russian Strikes Kill at Least Four in Ukraine; Trump Urges a Deal
Casualties in Zaporizhzhia and Sumy; injuries in Kyiv. About 10 people were reported killed in strikes by both sides that day.
The Uzbek community in Russia: how labor migration formed
From Turkestan's incorporation into the Russian Empire (1865–1873), through Soviet-era internal movement, to the mass labor migration after independence — how the Uzbek community in Russia took shape. Figures: in 2024 Russia supplied 77% of Uzbek remittances ($11.5bn); the patent system (2015), the 2021 census (323,278), and recent restrictions. Sourced history.
Tajikistan Considers Withdrawing From the International Criminal Court
The lower house reviewed a draft resolution on 16 September; the trigger is the ICC warrant against Putin.
Uzbek labor migration to South Korea: history and the EPS system
The history of Uzbek labor migration to South Korea: from the flawed 1990s Industrial Trainee System to the state-run EPS (Employment Permit System) launched in 2004; the EPS-TOPIK test, the E-9 visa, the numbers and the turning points. Fact-based, sourced history.
ICT Week Uzbekistan 2026: 300+ Companies From 51 Countries Gather in Tashkent
The 22–25 September event focused on artificial intelligence, startups and the venture capital market.
Uzbekistan's state symbols: how the flag, emblem and anthem were adopted
How and when independent Uzbekistan's three state symbols were adopted: the State Flag on 18 November 1991; the State Emblem on 2 July 1992; the State Anthem on 10 December 1992. The meaning of each, what the colors and symbols stand for, and who created them. A facts-based, sourced history.
Russian Drone Hits 16-Storey Building in Central Kyiv: 14-Year-Old Killed
At least 7 people were injured in the 25 September morning strike; Ukraine's president said 282 drones were launched overnight.
What inflation is and why prices rise: a full guide
Inflation is a general, sustained rise in prices and a fall in the purchasing power of money. How it is measured (the consumer price index), its types and causes (demand, cost, money supply), the difference between nominal and real income, and how the central bank controls it. A facts-based, sourced guide, using data from the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and the IMF.
World Bank: Uzbekistan's Poverty Fell From 17% to 5.8%, Middle Class Roughly Doubled
3.7 million people left poverty in 2021–2025; but most new jobs are informal and prosperity is uneven across regions.
Uzbekistan to Resume ATP and WTA Tennis Tournaments, Aiming for Asia's Top 5 by 2030
Under a presidential decree, ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments will be held regularly from October 1; costs will be covered by charitable donations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Visit Samarkand in October With Over 100 Companies
Rubio will take part in a C5+1 ministerial; the visit was announced by US special envoy Sergio Gor.
Uzbekistan to revive international tennis: ATP and WTA return from October 1
A presidential decree of 21 September orders Uzbekistan to resume ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments. By 2030 the country aims for 3,000 regular players, 200 coaches and a place among Asia's top five tennis nations.
The Uzbek diaspora in Afghanistan: how it formed
Afghanistan is home to the world's largest Uzbek community after Uzbekistan itself: an estimated 3.7–6.1 million Uzbeks live in the north. How this community formed — a Turkic population over centuries, the fall of Bukhara in 1920, the migration of the Basmachi and collectivization eras, and the situation today. A facts-based, sourced history.
'Enterprise Uzbekistan': English Law and Tax Breaks Through 2100 for Tech Firms
A separate legal regime based on English law, zero taxes and three-year visas is being offered to international technology companies.
The Bukharan émigrés: the Uzbek diaspora in Turkey and Saudi Arabia
The fall of the Emirate of Bukhara in 1920, the Basmachi movement and Soviet policy drove thousands of Central Asians into exile — via Afghanistan — to the Hijaz (Saudi Arabia) and Turkey. The formation of the "Turkistani"/"Bukhari" communities, with dates and sources.
Uzbekistan to Monitor Cotton Pickers' Working Conditions From 25 September
The Federation of Trade Unions will inspect farms with 65 specialists; figures on last year's violations were released.
Uzbekistan's national currency: the introduction of the som (1993–1994)
Leaving the ruble zone after independence, the introduction of the sum-coupon on 15 November 1993, and the launch of the national currency — the som — on 1 July 1994. With dates, figures and official sources: the history of a milestone of economic sovereignty.
Uzbekistan Beats India in Samarkand to Take Sole Lead at the Chess Olympiad
The team won all six of its matches; in round six it defeated defending champions India 2.5-1.5.
Uzbekistan citizenship and dual citizenship: the rules
Under the 2020 Law on Citizenship: Uzbekistan does not recognize dual citizenship; how citizenship is acquired; and what happens to someone who takes a foreign citizenship (it is not automatic). A practical, facts-based guide for the diaspora abroad.
Lithuania to Close Visa-Document Centers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
The centers will stop operating on 1 November; the interior minister cited security risks and the threat of terrorism.
How zakat is calculated and to whom it is given: a full guide
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. What the nisab is, which wealth the 2.5% applies to, to whom the money may be given — the eight categories — and the difference between zakat and zakat al-fitr. A facts-based, sourced guide, using the 2026 (1447 AH) figures of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan as an example.
At the UN, Saida Mirziyoyeva Says Uzbekistan's Choice Is Human Dignity
The head of the Presidential Administration addressed the 81st UN General Assembly in Uzbek, citing figures from economic and social reforms.
Russian Diesel Returns, but Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Remain Exposed
Russia sharply increased diesel supplies to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in August. Yet both import almost all their fuel and stay vulnerable to disruptions in Russia.
How the Hajj and Umrah are organized: quotas, queues and rules
The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Its timing and rites, the Saudi quota system, global pilgrim numbers, and how Hajj and Umrah are registered from Uzbekistan — a facts-only guide.
YouTube Monetization in Uzbekistan: Saida Mirziyoyeva Discusses It With Google
Uzbekistan's Presidential Administration head met Google VP Karan Bhatia in New York to discuss launching monetization. Per CERR, Uzbekistan loses up to $50 million a year.
A U.S. Green Card and the paths to it: the DV lottery and more
The main routes to a Green Card (permanent residence) — family, employment, the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery and asylum — plus the rules for becoming a citizen and how to avoid fraud. Uzbekistan leads the world in DV selections. A facts-only guide.
France's Internal-Security Attaché for Central Asia Starts Work in Tashkent
Cyril Gou is France's only internal-security attaché in the region. His mandate covers five Central Asian states and areas from organised crime and cybercrime to migration.
Saida Mirziyoyeva to Represent Uzbekistan at the 81st UN General Assembly
The head of Uzbekistan's Presidential Administration is taking part in the general debate in New York and met UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The Constitution of Uzbekistan (1992): its adoption and core principles
Adopted on 8 December 1992, independent Uzbekistan's first Constitution — its structure, core principles, the state bodies it created, and the later (2002, 2023) reforms. With dates and figures, a facts-based history.
Uzbekistan Puts Businessman Muminjon Yuldashev on Interpol's Wanted List
A Red Notice was issued for the former chairman of Madad Invest Bank's supervisory board over an alleged large-scale embezzlement charge. The allegation is unproven in court.
The Uzbek diaspora in the USA: a history of how the community formed
From the first association in 1958 to today's "Little Uzbekistan" — the formation of the Uzbek and Central Asian community in the U.S.: Turkestani émigrés, Bukharan Jews, the DV-lottery wave, and settlement in Brooklyn. Facts, with dates.
EU Removes Usmanov and Fridman From Sanctions List, Angering Ukraine
On 22 September the EU delisted Chust-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov and Alfa Group co-founder Mikhail Fridman while rolling over measures on some 3,000 others.
Kazakhstan to Build Its First Nuclear Plant: $16.5 Billion EPC Deal With Rosatom
On 3 September 2026, Rosatom and KNPP signed an EPC contract for Kazakhstan's first nuclear plant. Two VVER-1200 units (2,400 MW) will be built on Lake Balkhash; Russia will finance ~85%.
The third wave of Uzbek migration: post-Soviet labor migration (1991–2010)
The economic labor migration that began after the USSR collapsed — mainly to Russia, then Kazakhstan and Korea. A neutral history with dates, estimated figures and sources.
Uzbekistan Draws 9.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Eight Months as Tourism Exports Hit $4.6 Billion
Foreign arrivals rose 21.1% to 9.1 million in January–August 2026. Tourism service exports grew 53.5% to $4.6 billion, and average spending per tourist reached $503.
Islam Karimov: the first president of independent Uzbekistan (1938–2016)
Born in Samarkand in 1938, Islam Karimov led the state from 1991 until 2016. His biography, rule and contested events — a neutral, sourced history with dates.
Kazakhstan Offers Canada a $255 Million Export Package
On 16 September 2026, the trade ministers of Kazakhstan and Canada discussed a list of potential exports across 45 product categories and a joint economic action plan in a phone call.
U.S.–Uzbekistan Trade Tops $1 Billion: Washington Deals and New Investment
Bilateral trade reached $881 million in 2024 (+15%) and exceeded $1 billion in 2025. At the 6 November 2025 Washington meeting, deals on Boeing aircraft, critical minerals and agriculture were announced.
Central Asia's Regional Organizations Explained: SCO, CIS, EAEU, CSTO, ECO and OTS
A facts-based reference on the main organizations the Central Asian states belong to — the SCO, CIS, Eurasian Economic Union, CSTO, ECO and the Organization of Turkic States — their founding dates, members and Uzbekistan's status.
The Changed Aral: A Dried Sea, a Saxaul Forest, and the Aral School in Nukus
The Aral Sea has lost about 90% of its size, and a new desert, the Aralkum, has formed in its place. Now a forest is being planted on the dried seabed, and ACDF has opened the Aral School residency in Nukus.
The First Years of Independent Uzbekistan: Building the State (1991–1994)
After the 31 August 1991 declaration of independence — the 29 December referendum, state symbols, the 1992 Constitution, UN membership and the introduction of the national som. A factual history with dates and figures.
What Remittances Are and Why They Matter: An Explainer for Uzbekistan
What a remittance is, the channels money moves through, the global scale, and the numbers for Uzbekistan (Central Bank and World Bank data) — a facts-based explainer.
Kyrgyzstan Is Building Its First GDP-Compliant State Pharmaceutical Warehouse
On 16 September 2026, construction began in Bishkek of the country's first GDP-standard state pharmaceutical warehouse and logistics complex for Kyrgyzpharmatsiya. Total investment is 650 million som.
The Second Wave of the Uzbek Diaspora: World War II and Post-War Emigration (1940–1960)
Wartime captivity, displaced persons, and the formation of Uzbek-Turkestani communities in the US, Turkey and Saudi Arabia — a neutral, factual history with dates and sources.
Central Asian States Are Expanding Domestic Drone Production
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are ramping up domestic UAV production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Kyrgyzstan and China Move Toward Mutual Recognition of Organic Product Certification
On 17 September in Bishkek, meeting a SAMR delegation, the two countries reached a principled agreement to work toward mutual recognition of organic certification systems. The aim is to simplify Kyrgyz organic exports to China.
Uzbekistan's Independence: The Road to 31 August 1991
From the Declaration of Sovereignty (1990) to the declaration of independence on 31 August 1991 and the December referendum — a factual history with dates, figures and the first steps of nation-building.
The First Wave of the Uzbek Diaspora: Emigration in 1917–1934
The political-refugee wave that followed the Russian Revolution, the fall of Bukhara and Khiva, the Basmachi movement and forced collectivization — a factual history of how the Uzbek and Turkestani diaspora took shape.
How Labor Migration Actually Works: The Rules for Russia, Korea and Europe
An explainer on the three main legal routes for Uzbek labor migrants — Russia's patent system, South Korea's EPS program and organized recruitment — how each is structured, its rules and its numbers.
Timur Turlov Runs for FIDE President: He Outlines His Platform at the Samarkand Olympiad
The 46th Chess Olympiad is under way in Samarkand, and the FIDE presidential election is set for 26 September. Timur Turlov is running on a ticket with Viswanathan Anand and has laid out a platform focused on education, technology and calendar stability.
Kazakh National University of Sports Joins Global Olympic Studies Network — First in Central Asia
The Astana-based university has joined the IOC-coordinated academic network of Olympic studies and will set up a Center for Olympic Studies, Education and Legacy.
Kazakhstan Postpones New Royalty System for Solid Minerals to 2029
The government moves the royalty from 1 January 2027 to 1 January 2029. Several technical questions remain unresolved.
Kyrgyzstan Is Cleaning Up the Soviet-Era Mailuu-Suu Uranium Legacy
Central Asia's largest uranium legacy site holds about 2 million cubic metres of radioactive waste. With an EBRD grant, remediation is set to run through 2032.
Five Activists Sentenced in Almaty: 5 to 5.5 Years in the Alleged "Akorda Seizure" Case
The Almaly district court delivered its verdict on 8 September. Prosecutors had asked for eight years each; the hearings were held behind closed doors.
FIDE Elects Its President in Samarkand: Three Tickets and ~200 Federation Votes
The vote falls on 26 September at the FIDE General Assembly held alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad. Incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich suspended his powers in July after EU sanctions.
Kazakhstan Exports Billions in Gold but Records Just $7.2 Million in Jewellery Output
Three destinations took roughly $2 billion of Kazakh gold in 2025. The government is tightening hallmarking and control over precious-metal turnover.
A $2 Billion Exploration Push in Ustyurt: bp, SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz Prepare the First Well
A managing committee meeting in Tashkent on 7 September confirmed that 3D seismic fieldwork is complete. The agreement covers six blocks in Karakalpakstan; bp holds 40%, SOCAR 30% and Uzbekneftegaz 30%.
Kazakhstan to Build Its First Food Cluster on the South Korean Model
Shin-Line Group, Central Asia's largest ice cream maker, signed a memorandum in Seoul with the Korea Food Industry Cluster Promotion Agency. The Korean side will provide consulting and expert support on cluster management.
Seoul Hosts the First Central Asia–Republic of Korea Summit
On September 16 President Lee Jae Myung received the leaders of all five Central Asian states. A cooperation forum that had run at ministerial level since 2007 was raised to the level of heads of state; a Seoul Declaration was set to be adopted.
EU–Uzbekistan: EPCA in Force Since 1 March, GSP+ Rules Change in 2027
The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was signed on 24 October 2025 and has been provisionally applied since 1 March 2026. Requirements under the EU's preferential trade scheme tighten next year.
Labour Migration From Central Asia to Russia Falls 15%; Kyrgyzstan Down 16.7%
Russian border-service data show work-related entries by citizens of three Central Asian states fell from 2.3 million to 1.9 million in the first half of 2026. Kyrgyzstan recorded 289,100 entries.
Karachaganak Halts for Maintenance: Kazakh Output to Fall by up to 450,000 Tonnes
The field is under planned maintenance from 7 September to 1 October. Kazakhstan had already cut its 2026 oil plan from 98 to 96 million tonnes because of attacks on CPC infrastructure.
Pax Silica vs WAICO: Kazakhstan Is in Both AI Blocs, Uzbekistan Has Applied
Kazakhstan joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative on 25 June and China's WAICO on 16 July. Reuters reported that Washington is preparing to ask dozens of countries to choose.
Why Is Uzbekistan Losing Its Women Engineers?
Women engineers are leaving the profession — especially in the energy sector — under family pressure, hiring barriers and poor workplace conditions. The attrition starts at the education stage.
Tokayev Meets US Envoy at BRICS — Trump Sends a Personal Message
On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Kazakh President Tokayev met US Special Envoy Sergio Gor, who conveyed a personal message from President Trump.
China Becomes Central Asia's Top Trade Partner — Russia Left Behind
In 2025, China–Central Asia trade crossed $100 billion for the first time, hitting a record $106.3 billion. China became the region's largest trade partner for the first time.
Is the Hijab Banned in Kazakhstan? The School Ban and the Secularism Debate
Short answer: there is no blanket ban — but in schools the hijab is prohibited under uniform rules. That restriction has sparked fierce debate over secularism and religious freedom in Kazakhstan.
Uzbekistan and South Korea Sign 13 Documents in Seoul
Talks between Mirziyoyev and Lee Jae-myung concluded with an exchange of cooperation documents on critical minerals, artificial intelligence and defense. The meeting came on the eve of the first Korea–Central Asia summit on Sept. 16.
Nearly 100,000 Uzbeks Returned From Russia in 10 Days
According to the Migration Agency, 96,415 citizens returned home between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5 — against the backdrop of Russia's tightening migration policy.
The Largest Chess Olympiad in History in Samarkand: 400 Teams, 1,980 Players
The 46th Chess Olympiad will be held in Samarkand from Sept. 15 to 27. According to FIDE, the number of participating teams is 20 more than the 2024 record in Budapest. Uzbekistan's men's team starts as the third seed.
Conference of Central Asian Women Journalists in Tashkent: A Regional Program Through 2029 Under Discussion
The second conference, held Sept. 14–15, brought together more than 100 journalists and media managers from five countries. The main themes were digital security and deepfakes.
Indian Company Brings Gold Mine Online in Kyrgyzstan: $34.2 Million Spent on the Altyn Tor Project
President Sadyr Japarov opened the processing plant in an online ceremony on Sept. 13. The project is expected to create close to 400 jobs.
Javokhir Sindarov Outscores Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi at the Global Chess League
At the tournament held in Bengaluru from Sept. 5 to 13, the Uzbek grandmaster scored the most points on the Icon board. His team finished third overall.
CSTO “Rubezh-2026” Exercises Begin in Kazakhstan, With a Cross-Border Incursion as the Main Scenario
From Sept. 12 to 19, rapid deployment forces are training in mountain and desert conditions at the Koktal range in the Zhetysu region.
Tokayev Meets U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor on the Sidelines of the BRICS Summit
Cooperation in artificial intelligence and digitalization was discussed at the Sept. 12 meeting in New Delhi. Gor conveyed Donald Trump's personal congratulations; Tokayev reiterated his invitation for Trump to visit Kazakhstan.
Elena Rybakina Beats Sabalenka in the US Open Final and Becomes World No. 1
The Kazakh player won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final in New York on Sept. 12. It is her third Grand Slam title.
PISA 2025 Results: Uzbekistan Leads the Region in Science, Kazakhstan's Math Score Declines
In the OECD study, Uzbekistan posted the highest result in Central Asia with 438 points, a gain of 83 points over 2022 — the largest jump among all participants.
Mirziyoyev and Pashinyan Hold Phone Call: Trade Up 2.1-Fold Over Seven Months
The Sept. 11 conversation covered industrial cooperation and the unblocking of regional communications.
A $350 Million Fuel Processing Complex Is Being Built in the Talas Region
On Sept. 11, Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Economy and the Kazakh company QAZAQ BITUM Processing signed a memorandum of intent.
Two Men Given Two Aggravated Life Sentences Each for Killing Two Uzbek Women in Istanbul
The Istanbul Anadolu 17th High Criminal Court found Dilshod Turdimurotov and Gofurjon Kamolkhojayev guilty of murdering Durdona Hakimova and Sayyora Ergashaliyeva. The case began in January with a body found in a dumpster in the Şişli district.
Uzbekistan–Japan Economic Committees Meet in Tashkent: A Portfolio of 75 Projects Worth $12 Billion
More than 130 Japanese participants attended the 18th meeting. The priority areas are energy, chemicals, machine building, critical minerals, health care and IT.
Saida Mirziyoyeva Appointed Manager of the Tashkent International Financial Centre
Under a presidential decree, the head of the Presidential Administration will perform the new role concurrently. The center operates under a separate regime based on English law and is scheduled to launch in 2027.
Senate Approves New Version of the Uzbek Alphabet: 28 Letters and One Apostrophe
On Sept. 10, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a law replacing the letters Sh, Ch, O‘ and G‘ with Ş, Ç, Ö and Ğ. If the law takes effect, first-grade textbooks will switch in 2027, with the full transition completed by 2031.
The Sary-Tash Logistics Center Near the Chinese Border: Up to $100 Million in Investment Planned
Kyrgyzstan's National Investment Agency signed a memorandum on Sept. 10. The route covers the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan–Afghanistan corridor, with later access to Pakistan.
Summer 2026 Was the Second-Hottest in Uzbekistan's History
According to Uzhydromet, seasonal temperatures ran 1.2 to 2.6 degrees above normal. Some areas recorded their hottest summer on observational record; August was record-hot across much of the country.
Freight Along the Middle Corridor Rose 22 Percent, but Eastbound Cargo Lags
In January–August 2026, the westbound direction accounted for 80 percent of container flows on the Trans-Caspian route. Only 20 percent moved east.
“Space Days Kazakhstan 2026”: A Nine-Satellite International Constellation and Plans Beyond Baikonur
At the forum held Sept. 7–9 in Astana and Baikonur, Kazakhstan presented a plan to assemble a constellation of Earth observation satellites by 2030.
The 126-Megawatt Sarimay Solar Plant in Khorezm Comes Fully Online
184,328 panels have been installed at the plant; annual output is roughly 252 gigawatt-hours. Uzbekistan plans to add 6.7 GW of new capacity by the end of 2026.
Kyrgyzstan's Economy Grew 11.1 Percent in Seven Months, With Inflation Above 11 Percent
The growth rate remains the highest in the region. According to the National Bank, annual inflation stood at 11.7 percent as of Aug. 24.
Astana Finance Days: Debating How to Reduce Kazakhstan's Reliance on Banks
At the forum held on the AIFC platform on Sept. 9, senior financiers pointed to the need to deepen the capital market.
The Hijab Debate in Kazakhstan: Private Schools Could Lose Their Licenses
On Sept. 8, Education Minister Zhuldyz Suleimenova said private schools that permit the hijab could lose their licenses. The muftiate proposed finding a legal mechanism; the debate spread widely on social media.
Uzbekistan and Serbia Establish a Strategic Partnership: 20 Documents Signed in Belgrade
A joint declaration was signed at the close of Mirziyoyev's first visit to Belgrade. The two sides agreed to open negotiations on a free trade agreement, launch direct Belgrade–Tashkent flights and support the Middle Corridor.
HUMO Stablecoin Pilot Begins in Uzbekistan: Token Pegged 1:1 to the Soum to Be Tested at More Than 20 Retail Locations
The National Agency of Perspective Projects has registered Humo Digital. The token is backed by government securities, and the trial will run for 12 months.
Uzbekistan Appoints Its First-Ever Ambassador to Syria
Ayubkhon Yunusov presented copies of his credentials to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The two sides discussed creating an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation and a mechanism for political consultations.
“China Conference: Central Asia 2026” in Astana: China–Region Trade Passes $100 Billion
The forum held on the AIFC platform on Sept. 7 was organized in Central Asia for the first time by a Hong Kong publication. The themes were capital, resources and the digital Silk Road.
Nomad Games Conclude: Popularity Exposed Organizational Shortcomings
Problems with transport, sanitation and ticketing were recorded at the 6th World Nomad Games, which closed Sept. 6. Of 7,000 tickets sold for the kokpar final, 2,500 were found to be invalid.
World Nomad Games Conclude: 113 Countries, 3,000 Athletes, Kazakhstan Leads the Medal Count
The sixth World Nomad Games ran from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6 in Kyrgyzstan and were the largest edition in the competition's history. The opening was held in Bishkek and the closing ceremony in Cholpon-Ata.
Witkoff and Kushner Hold Three Hours of Talks With Putin in Moscow
The U.S. special envoys discussed Trump's proposal on Sept. 5. No official breakthrough was announced after the meeting; the Kremlin called the conversation “constructive.”
Uzbekistan Developing an “Adaptive Social Protection” Strategy With the World Bank and UNICEF
A discussion held Sept. 4 examined mechanisms for rapidly supporting families hit by climate, natural and economic shocks.
Kyrgyzstan Announces an $850 Million Climate Adaptation Plan
The national plan, running through 2035, has been put up for public discussion. According to the document, the country's glacier area has shrunk 16 to 17 percent since the start of the 21st century, and the rivers' peak flow period has shifted 50 days earlier.
Uzbekistan's Economy Over Seven Months: Retail Trade Up 20.2 Percent, Market Services Up 16.7 Percent
According to statistical data, consumer demand and the services sector were the main sources of growth. The number of operating enterprises passed 509,800.
Direct Almaty–Urgench Flights Launch, Shortening the Trip to Khiva
FlyArystan has been flying the route twice a week since Sept. 3. Flight time is 2 hours 35 minutes.
Construction Begins on Central Asia's Tallest Building in Dushanbe: 340 Meters, 77 Floors
Emomali Rahmon laid the foundation stone for the Dushanbe Tower complex on Sept. 3. The project covers 29 hectares and is scheduled for completion in five years.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Move From Trade to Production Chains: $2.8 Billion in Half a Year
Kazakhstan is Uzbekistan's third-largest trading partner. The two countries are carrying out 80 joint projects worth $1.8 billion.
Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan Sign 17 Documents in Bishkek, Targeting $200 Million in Trade
A transit trade agreement, an extradition treaty and a series of memorandums were signed during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit. Bilateral trade currently stands at around $16 million.
Migration Controls Widen in Moscow From Sept. 1: The “Amina” Requirement Now Applies to Non-Working Foreigners
The pilot regime has been extended to citizens of visa-free countries staying more than 90 days in Moscow and the surrounding region, including students. Entries from Central Asia for work fell 15 percent in half a year.
The SCO Summit in Bishkek: 28 Documents Signed, Strikes on Iran Condemned
The summit marking the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's 25th anniversary was held in Bishkek on Aug. 31–Sept. 1. The final declaration assessed the military strikes on Iranian territory as a violation of international law, and the chairmanship passed to Pakistan.
Mirziyoyev Proposes an “SCO-2040: Common Space of Development” Concept
At the Bishkek summit, Uzbekistan's president called for making the SCO Development Bank operational, creating an Industrial Cooperation Map, building an open multilingual data corpus and restoring regular dialogue with Afghanistan.
Russia's rules on wearing a hijab in document photos: what is and isn't allowed
Under a Russian Interior Ministry order in force since May 5, 2024, believers may be photographed for documents in a head covering — a hijab or headscarf — that leaves the oval of the face visible. A niqab or burqa that covers the face is not allowed.