Kazakhstan Takes Part in Meeting As Part of Global South Summit

ASTANA — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, at the invitation by India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Subrahmaniyam Jaishankar, participated in...


Trade and Commerce Relations Rising Between Pakistan and Kazakhstan

In recent years, Central Asia has become a shining beacon of global collaboration, a nexus of alliances, and a thriving center for trade and commerce. Kazakhstan, among...


One Year of Tokayev’s Presidential Tenure: A Year of Reforms and Transformation

ASTANA — Exactly one year ago, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev secured a resounding mandate from the people, receiving over 80% of the votes in the presidential elections. Since then,...


Dimash Kudaibergen Set to Premiere New Music Video for His New Single

ASTANA –Kazakh popstar Dimash Kudaibergen has announced the upcoming release of a new music video, “When I’ve got to you” on his Instagram page on Nov.18. “A...


US and Central Asian Countries Launch B5+1 Business Platform to Boost Economic Integration

ASTANA — To foster economic cooperation, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States (US) inaugurated the B5+1 business platform on Nov. 16, announced the U.S....


Kazakhstan Sparks Green Energy Momentum in Collaboration with Foreign Partners

ASTANA – The Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu held discussions with representatives of foreign companies to advance joint investment projects in Kazakhstan, reported...


Kazakhstan Charts Course for Sustainable Regional Growth at KGIR 2023

ASTANA – Sustainable regional growth is a priority for Kazakhstan in its business activities in the transit sector and digital technologies. The Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR)...


Kazakhstan Showcases Tourism Potential at Exhibition in China 

ASTANA – The Kazakh delegation presented the country’s tourism opportunities at the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) exhibition, which is taking place on Nov. 15-17...


Transforming Urban Spaces: Need for Climate-Resilient Governance, Sustainable Urbanization in Central Asia

In the heart of Central Asia where rapid urbanization meets the challenges of climate change, lies a pivotal opportunity for transformation. Transition economies in this region are...


TikTok, Kazakh Tourism Unveil Virtual Journey Initiative Through Nation’s Hidden Gems

ASTANA ­­– TikTok and Kazakh Tourism have launched a large-scale initiative, under the GuideToKazakhstan hashtag, that promises a virtual journey to the country’s major sights, reported the...


US Consortium Plans to Embark on Film Projects Worth Over $200 Million in Georgia and Kazakhstan

ASTANA – A consortium led by the United States (U.S.)-based investment and advisory firm ESTech, in collaboration with film and television production studio WonderHill Studios (WHS), plans...


Kazakhstan Exports 2.8 Million Tons of Oil from Aktau Port in Ten Months

ASTANA – KazTransOil national oil transporter exported 2.8 million tons of Kazakh oil from the Aktau port in January-October, 981,000 tons or 54% more than in the...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Middle Corridor, Visa-Free Regime with China and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media across the world. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles...


Prime Minister, International Partners Address Kazakhstan’s Investment Landscape and Sustainable Infrastructure

ASTANA – Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov, leaders of top international companies, and experts reviewed Kazakhstan’s emerging opportunities and challenges in building investment infrastructure for long-term...


ACWA Power Unveils Vision for Renewable Energy and Water Solutions in Kazakhstan

ASTANA — In an interview with The Astana Times, Marco Arcelli, the Chief Executive Officer of ACWA Power addressed Kazakhstan’s potential in renewable energy and water shortages...


99 Kazakh Citizens Evacuated from Gaza Strip Arrive Safely in Almaty

ASTANA – A special evacuation flight safely transported 99 Kazakh citizens and their family members from the Gaza Strip to Almaty on Nov. 17, reported the Kazakh...


Kazakh President Signs Law on Children’s Payments from National Fund

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the law on introducing amendments and additions to some legislative acts on allocating funds to children from the National Fund of...


Subsoil Users, Kazakh Producers Sign Offtake Contracts Worth $124.9 Million

ASTANA – Large subsoil users, represented by companies including Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Kazakhmys, Kazzinc, and KAZ Minerals, signed offtake contracts, long-term agreements and memorandums totaling 58...


Malaysia’s AirAsia Х Plans to Launch Direct Flights to Kazakhstan in 2024

ASTANA – Malaysian low-cost airline AirAsia X plans to operate direct passenger flights on the Kuala Lumpur – Almaty route from Feb. 1 next year, reported the...


Kazakhstan Launches Digital Tenge at Financial Congress in Almaty

ASTANA – Kazakhstan launched the initial phase of the digital tenge project at the 11th Financial Congress on Nov. 15 in Almaty, reported the National Bank of...


Must-Attend Events in Astana This Weekend 

ASTANA — As the weekend approaches, the vibrant city of Astana is gearing up for a series of exciting events that promise entertainment, culture, and exploration. Whether...


Kazakhstan Capitalizes on Geopolitical Shifts to Emerge as Eurasia’s Transport and Logistics Hub

ASTANA – Amidst a complex web of geopolitical shifts, Kazakhstan is emerging as the veritable powerhouse in Eurasia’s transport and logistics landscape. In his previous state-of-the-nation address...


Kazakhstan Outlines SCO Priorities and Initiatives for Foreign Media

...drew attention to the events hosted by Kazakhstan to deepen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Stability, sustainable development, trade, digitalization, high technology,...


Kazakhstan Gears Up for KGIR, Highlights Investment Opportunities and Regional Development Focus

ASTANA — On the eve of the Kazakhstan Global Investment Roundtable (KGIR) scheduled for tomorrow, Deputy Foreign Ministers Nazira Nurbayeva and Roman Vassilenko provided insights into Kazakhstan’s...


Indonesian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Talks Trade Diversification, Flights to Bali

ASTANA – Indonesia and Kazakhstan have substantial potential to boost cooperation in areas such as energy, trade, tourism as well as investment cooperation between the sister-cities Astana...


Kazakhstan Produces 74.8 Million Tons of Oil in Ten Months

ASTANA – Kazakhstan produced 74.8 million tons of oil in ten months of 2023, Energy Minister Almasadam Satkaliyev said at a Nov. 15 meeting with President Kassym-Jomart...


UNESCO General Conference Adopts Kazakh-Initiated Resolution on World Metrology Day

ASTANA – The Natural Sciences Commission unanimously adopted a resolution, initiated by Kazakhstan, proclaiming May 20 as World Metrology Day at the 42nd session of the United...


Kazakhstan’s Population Reaches 20 Million

ASTANA – The population of Kazakhstan reached 20 million people on Nov. 14, reported the Bureau of National Statistics. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on this significant...


Kazakhstan to Become One of Europe’s Green Energy Exporters

ASTANA – Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to create a project to export green energy to Europe, the Kazakh Energy Ministry’s press service...


Kazakhstan’s Economy Grows Nearly 5% in Ten Months

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s economic growth reached 4.9% in January-October, with positive dynamics in the real sector totaling 3.8% and in the service sector – 5.4%, said Minister...


Kazakh-French Joint Venture to Commence Uranium Mining at South Tortkuduk at Year-End

ASTANA – KATCO, a joint venture of the French Orano Mining and Kazatomprom national atomic company, will start mining uranium at Kazakhstan’s South Tortkuduk site at the...


President Urges Law Enforcement Agencies to Strengthen Justice and Order

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with heads of law enforcement agencies on Nov. 15, stressing their massive responsibility for establishing justice and order in society, Akorda...


Kazakhstan Evacuates 92 Citizens From Gaza Strip

ASTANA – Kazakhstan evacuated 92 citizens and members of their families from the Gaza Strip to Egypt through the Rafah checkpoint on Nov. 15, reported the Kazakh...


How Tenge was Born

Thirty years ago, on Nov. 15, 1993, 16 million Kazakh people woke up to a radically new reality — Kazakhstan had introduced the tenge, its new national...


Kazakhstan, EU Seek Touchpoints in Critical Mineral Development

ASTANA – The cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Kazakhstan in critical minerals has a promising future, forging sustainable solutions in energy and transport. This was...


Kazakhstan Celebrates 30th Anniversary of National Currency Tenge

ASTANA — Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh national currency, the tenge, a significant milestone in the nation’s economic history. The introduction of the tenge...


Exhibition of Polish Photographer Features Kazakhstan’s Beauties in Astana

ASTANA – A personal exhibition of Justyna Całczyńska, a Polish traveler and photographer, was unveiled in Astana, featuring 30 photographs depicting the landscapes and attractions of Kazakhstan,...


From Dust Storms to Desertification: UN Experts Unveil Central Asian Struggle Against Land Degradation

SAMARKAND – The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) experts highlighted land management challenges specific to the Central Asian region, which include virgin lands history during...


Kazakhstan’s Rise as Premier Global Investment Hub

In the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is quietly making a significant mark on the global investment landscape. Over the past decade, the country has undergone a...


Kazakhstan Deploys Peacekeeping Contingent to UN Mission in Lebanon

ASTANA — Kazakhstan sent the tenth peacekeeping contingent on Nov. 13 to assume duties in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following their predecessors’ completion...


Kazakh Delegation Strengthens EU Ties at 20th Parliamentary Cooperation Committee Meeting in Brussels

ASTANA – The Kazakh delegation led by Aigul Kuspan, сhairwoman of the Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security of the Mazhilis, the lower house of the...


Kazakh Film Receives Coveted Award at Africa International Film Festival

ASTANA — The acclaimed Kazakh film “Brothers,” directed by Darkhan Tulegenov, secured the Best International Feature Film award at the prestigious 12th Africa International Film Festival held...


Saudi Arabia Investors to Build Wind Power Plant in Zhetisu Region

ASTANA — In a high-level meeting focused on advancing collaborative investment ventures with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Nov. 14, Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov revealed...


Kazakhstan, OSCE Forge Media Collaboration

ASTANA – The representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro is on a visit to Kazakhstan...


It is Time to Measure Pulse of Planet, UNCCD Leader Says

SAMARKAND – With 100 million hectares of land degraded every year, it is time to measure the pulse of the planet, said Ibrahim Thiaw, the Under-Secretary-General and...


Kazakhstan Launches Construction of Key Railway Bypass in Almaty to Enhance Transit Efficiency

ASTANA —  Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov launched the construction of a vital railway line in the Almaty region during a Nov. 14 ceremony marking the commencement...


Kazakhstan’s Smart Policy: National Development and Progressive Reform Agenda

In late October, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered an insightful speech on the eve of the country’s Republic Day holiday. Not only did the address reflect on...


Kazakhstan’s Radmir Khaibullin Wins International Competition for Accordion

ASTANA – Radmir Khaibullin, an 11-year-old accordionist, took the Trophée Mondial de l’Accordéon, securing first place in the Classique category of 12 and under, the competition’s press...


Kazakhstan Anticipates 5% GDP Growth by Year-End, Reaches Record SME Contribution

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expected to achieve a 5% growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) by the year-end, said Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov at...


CICA, Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs Promote Green Growth Agenda at Business Council Plenary Session

ASTANA – The Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Secretariat and the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs hosted the sixth plenary session of...


Kazakh FM Attends League of Arab States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation Summit in Riyadh

ASTANA – Kazakhstan fully supports the legitimate rights of Palestinians to self-determination, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu said at a Nov. 11 extraordinary joint...


China to Host SCO Year of Tourism 2023 Forum Next Week

ASTANA – The Year of Tourism 2023 forum will take place from Nov. 23 to 26 in Ürümqi, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China, announced Secretary-General...


KIA Starts Building New Full-Cycle Plant in Kazakhstan, Marks First Direct Investment Beyond South Korea

ASTANA – KIA initiated the construction of a new full-cycle plant in Kostanai, marking a historic move with its first direct investment in a joint venture outside...


Astana as Financial Center of Turkic World: Elevating Economic and Investment Potential in Central Asia

ASTANA — Designating Astana as the financial center of the Turkic world will enhance the city’s standing as a vital economic and financial hub in the region,...


IMF Backs VAT Rise for Enhanced Competitiveness During Meeting with National Economy Minister

ASTANA — The Kazakh Minister of National Economy Alibek Kuantyrov convened with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Nicolas Blanchet, on Nov. 10. According to...


Tenge Turns 30: Astana Exhibition Marks Viability of Kazakhstan’s National Currency

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Presidential Center unveiled an exhibition on Nov. 10 dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the country’s national currency tenge. It showcased the history of...


Kazakh Artisans Showcase Cultural Heritage at Berlin Bazaar

ASTANA – Kazakh craftspeople took part at Berlin Bazaar, the world’s largest international fair, on Nov. 8-12 to promote Kazakh tourism through arts and crafts, reported Kazakh...


Security Council Focuses on Kazakhstan’s Transport and Logistics Capacity

ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Security Council addressed the strategic risks of unlocking the transport and logistics potential at a Nov. 10 meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, reported...


UN’s Review Session to Combat Desertification Kicks Off in Uzbekistan

SAMARKAND – The 21st session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Committee on the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC21) kicks off...


Almaty Aport: Kazakh Signature Apple Achieves Global Recognition with Geographic Indication Status

ASTANA – The Kazakh unique brand Almaty Aport (a type of apple) was officially registered in the State Register of Geographic Indications on Oct. 13, said the...


Kazakh Scientists Discover Earliest Human Burial in East Kazakhstan

ASTANA – The excavations in the Koken settlement of the East Kazakhstan Region unveiled the earliest known human remains, according to the Archeology of Kazakhstan international peer-reviewed...


Kazakhstan’s Adai Horses Gallop Towards International Recognition

ASTANA — In a remarkable stride towards recognizing and preserving Kazakhstan’s equestrian heritage, the Adai horse has officially been acknowledged as a distinct breed by the international...


Aigerim Abilkadirova Demonstrates Grace and Power as Kazakhstan’s First Grappling Champion

ASTANA – Women’s judo in Kazakhstan is progressing steadily, with accomplished athletes representing the country at international competitions. The sport continues to gain popularity, and more opportunities...


Outlook for Green Energy Growth in Central Asia

ASTANA – Renewable energy development in Central Asian countries is progressing unevenly. Some states have long been exploring the opportunities presented by alternative energy sources, while others...


Kazakh YouTube Thrives Locally, Eyes Global Expansion, Says Entrepreneur

ASTANA – Kazakh-language content on YouTube is picking up steam in the domestic media space. At the same time, it should venture into overseas markets, said the...


Central Asia-Based Film Awards Announces Short List of Nominees for 2023 

ASTANA — The Alternativa Film Awards, a highlight of the renowned Alternativa Film Project initiated by the global tech company inDrive in 2023, have unveiled their list...


News Digest: Foreign Media on Kazakhstan’s Policy, Visit of Russian President, and More

ASTANA – The Astana Times has picked a selection of articles on Kazakhstan published in international media worldwide. This week’s foreign media digest includes articles on President...


Kazakhstan to Increase Number of Flights to China

ASTANA – The Kazakh Ministry of Transport collaborates with airlines to boost the number of flights to China, anticipating increased demand for air travel following the mutual...


Kazakhstan – China Visa-Free Travel Comes into Effect, Intends to Boost Tourism Ties

ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the agreement on mutual exemption from visa requirements between Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China officially...


Kazakh Football Museum Unveils its Legacy: Triumph in Preserving 110 Years of Sports History

ASTANA — The Kazakh Football Museum opened its doors on Nov. 4 at the House of Football in Astana, marking the 110th anniversary of Kazakh football and...


Kazakhstan and San Marino to Establish Visa-Free Regime

ASTANA – Kazakhstan and San Marino signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption to boost tourism, enhance business relations, and foster international cooperation, opening new prospects for...


Kazakhstan’s Employment Soars to Nine Million People

ASTANA – The 2021 census reveals that the overall employed population surpassed 9,188,000 people, showing a growth of 39.2% compared to the 2009 census, according to a...


Kazakh PM Urges Enhanced Regional Integration and Transport Systems at ECO Summit in Tashkent 

ASTANA – Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov called for removing administrative barriers and deepening the integration of transport and logistics systems at the 16th Economic Cooperation Organization...


Journey from West to East and Appreciating Interfaith Harmony

A road trip of 98 days from London to Singapore by a group of Singaporeans in a convoy of 12 cars organized by the Automobile Association of ...


Five Unique Experiences to Try in Astana This Weekend

ASTANA —  This weekend, the Kazakh capital promises an exciting array of events that cater to diverse interests, making it an ideal time for residents and visitors...


Kazakh-Russian Partnership Prioritizes Development of New Logistics Directions Through Central Asia

ASTANA – Kazakh-Russian partnership prioritizes the development of new logistics directions through Central Asia and the capacity enhancement of existing routes to China, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said...


Kazakh Companies Sign Contracts Worth $74 Million at China International Import Expo

ASTANA – Kazakh companies signed three memorandums of cooperation and 15 export contracts worth $74 million in the first two days of the China International Import Expo...


Kazakh Officers Teach Foreign Students Civilian Protection Principles

ASTANA – Kazakh military instructors teach foreign students the principles of civilian protection through a training course certified by the United Nations (UN), Kazakhstan Peace Operations Center’s...


Kazakhstan Reaffirms Readiness to Enhance Cooperation With UNESCO

ASTANA – Kazakhstan is committed to strengthening cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), State Counselor Erlan Karin said at the General Policy...


Kazakhstan Participates in First Ministerial Meeting Between Central Asia and G7 Countries

ASTANA – Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko took part in the first ministerial meeting of Central Asia – Group of Seven (G7) countries online on Nov....


Kazakhstan’s Senate Chairman Highlights Global Role of Spiritual Diplomacy at Abu Dhabi Summit 

ASTANA – Maulen Ashimbayev, the chairperson of the Senate, an upper chamber of the Kazakh Parliament, spoke about the role of spiritual leaders in promoting the culture...


Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Tashkent Conference Reviews Anti-Terrorist Efforts

ASTANA – Uzbekistan hosted on Nov. 7-8 the ninth international scientific-practical conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to review the...


Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Invests $36 Million to Power Kazakhstan’s Green Economy

ASTANA — The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) finalized a significant $ 36 million loan agreement on Nov. 7 for developing, constructing, and operating the Shokpar 100...


Kazakhstan, Türkiye Solidify Military Collaboration in 2024

ASTANA — Kazakhstan and Türkiye have solidified their military collaboration by signing a cooperation plan for 2024 during the official visit of the Kazakh Minister of Defense,...


Dimash Kudaibergen Meets UNOG Director-General in Geneva 

ASTANA – World-famous Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen met with the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) Tatiana Valovaya on Nov. 6 to address the...


Kazakhstan Introduces SpaceX Starlink Internet, Accelerates 5G Regionally  

ASTANA – The Kazakh government approved the Accessible Internet national project on Nov. 7, which aims to provide the population with broadband access to the worldwide network...


Kazakh State Counselor Reiterates Commitment to UNESCO in Paris 

ASTANA — Kazakhstan remains steadfast in its commitment to expand cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to safeguard cultural and natural heritage,...


President Tokayev Meets Svevind Energy CEO to Address Green Hydrogen Production Project

ASTANA – Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Svevind Energy Group CEO Wolfgang Kropp on Nov. 7 to discuss the implementation of the project on green hydrogen...


Regional Forum in Astana Focuses on Joint Central Asian Strategy in Run-Up to COP28 in Dubai

ASTANA – Representatives of Central Asian countries and international organizations convened in the Kazakh capital on Nov. 7 to explore where the countries stand in their efforts...


Kazakh Films Take Over Asia Pacific Screen Awards

ASTANA – Three Kazakh films received awards in different nominations at the 16th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) 2023 on the Gold Coast, Australia, the APSA...


Kazakhstan Outlines Its Vision on Regional and Global Issues at World Policy Conference

ASTANA – At the 16th World Policy Conference held from Nov. 3-5 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko outlined Kazakhstan’s approach...


Kazakhstan Yields Sufficient Grain to Satisfy Bread and Flour Needs

ASTANA – Despite poor weather conditions, Kazakhstan expects 16 million tons of gross grain harvest this year, which, along with three million tons of transitional reserves, is...


Kazakhstan Allocates $1 Million Humanitarian Aid to Palestinian People

ASTANA – In response to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Kazakhstan provided $1 million in humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, Kazakh Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson...


Kazakhstan Puts Efforts to Return Citizens from Gaza Strip As Evacuation Temporarily Suspended

ASTANA – Kazakhstan faced the challenge of returning its citizens from the Gaza Strip, as the evacuation of foreigners and wounded persons through the Rafah checkpoint has...


Astana Hosts Fifth Meeting of Kazakhstan-US Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue

ASTANA – The fifth anniversary meeting of Kazakhstan – United States (US) Enhanced Strategic Partnership Dialogue (ESPD) took place in the Kazakh capital on Nov. 6, reported...


Navigating Work Revolution in Growing Asia: WEF Insights

In an era marked by rapid technological transformation and global change, the job market is witnessing unprecedented disruptions. The World Economic Forum’s report The Future of Jobs,...


Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: Nearly $1.8 Billion Recovered Since 2022

ASTANA – Since 2022, approximately 857 billion tenge ($1.8 billion) worth of property assets and funds have been returned to the budget and entities of the quasi-public...


From Extreme Heat to Wars, 2023 is Year of Many Health Challenges, Says WHO Chief

ASTANA – 2023 has witnessed a multitude of health crises from extreme climate conditions to wars, which have rendered healthcare inaccessible for a significant portion of the...


Kazakh Agricultural Export to China Doubles, Surpassing $650 Million 

ASTANA – The growth of agricultural exports from Kazakhstan to China has doubled and reached $653.3 million, said Kazakh Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov during an Oct.31 meeting...


Kazakh Elections Signal Groundbreaking Political Reforms in Central Asia, Says State Counselor Karin 

ASTANA — The recent elections of local akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan have made history as the inaugural experience of such democratic processes in Central Asia, wrote the...