Loading

Central Asia JMC 201 Final project

Current Government, History, Geography, Population, and Languages in Central Asia

Justice Yuille

Central Asia is a very big region with lots of land. It consists of 5 specific Central Asian countries, which are Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. These 5 countries are each similar, and different from each another in one or more ways.

Turkmenistan:

Population: 6.118 million (2021)

Languages: Turkmen

Current Government: Republic, Authoritarianism, Unitary state, Presidential System

Geography: 70% of the county of Turkmenistan is desert, which then connects to the low mountains around the border of Turkmenistan and Iran.

History: Turkmenistan used to be a part of the ancient Persian Empire. In the 1920’s Turks fought alongside Uzbeks, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz in the Basmachi Revolt. In 1924, the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic was formed and in 1948 the Ashgabat earthquake killed over ⅔’s of the population of Turkmenistan, which is over 100,000 people.

Photo Description: map of all 5 Central Asian Countries and their capitals

Kyrgyzstan

Population: 6.694 million (2021)

Languages: Kyrgyz, Russian

Current Government: Republic, Presidential System

Geography: 94% of the country is mountainous. There are many glaciers and high-elevated lakes that are high up in the mountains, and these mountains have snow-covered peaks.

History: Kyrgyzstan, is also known as the Kyrgyz Republic. Before the Kyrgyz settled in Kyrgyzstan, the land was conquered by groups called the Mongol Oirat. In the early 19th century, “The Kyrgyz came under the jurisdiction of the Uzbek khanate of Kokand.” What is now known as Kyrgyzstan was annexed from Russia in 1876. 2 previous presidents were pushed out due to mass protests. The current president of Kyrgyzstan is Sadyr Japarov, elected a year after the two previous presidents were removed in 2021.

Photo Description: Kyrgyzstan moutain range

Tajikistan

Population: 9.75 million (2021)

Languages: Tajik, Russian

Current Government: Unitary State, Presidential System, Semi- Presidential system

Geography: some of the highest mountains in the world are here. 93% of the country is mountainous, a lot like Kyrgyzstan. Altitudes can range from 1,000 feet to 25,000 feet. Half of the county of Tajikistan is over an elevation of 10,000 feet.

History: Tajikistan became ruled by Russia sometime in the 1860s. Then the Basmachi revolt broke out, which was the Muslim people of Central Asia coming together and starting an Russian and Soviet conquers. Began in 1916 and ended in 1934. Tajikstan became a part of the Tajik ASSR in Uzbekistan in 1924 and in 1929 changed to the Tajik SSR. In 1991 Tajikistan gained independence and became a free country.

Photo Description: Iskanderkul Lake, located in Tajikistan

Kazakhstan

Population: 19 million (2021)

Languages: Kazakh, Russian

Current Government: Republic, Presidential System

Geography: 26% desert, 44% semi-desert, 6% forest, and 24% steppe terrain

History: Kazakhstan was initially conquered by the nomadic tribes but was taken over by the Mongol Empire when they invaded Kazakhstan in the 13th Century. Genghis Khan invaded the country, and later they began to take in and fully understand the Turkic ways and tribes. Kazakhs became an ethnic group in these parts of Central Asia in the 15th Century.

Photo Descripition: Almaty, Kazakhstan, largest metropolis, set in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.

Uzbekistan

Population: 34.92 million (2021)

Languages: Uzbek

Current Government: Republic, Presidential System

Geography: Steep terrain, but also very flat. Southwest and northwest is where the plains and deserts are, making them very flat.

History: In 1924, Uzbekistan became known as the Soviet Republic. The Uzbeks are known to be one of the oldest ethnic communities on Earth. Russia invaded Uzbekistan in the ’60s and was conquered and lost the battle. And in 1991, on August 31st, Uzbekistan gained its independence from Russia. Later, Uzbekistan joined the United Nations and changed its form of government from a Republic to a democracy.

Photo Description: picture of beautiful buildings in Uzbekistan

Geography sources: https://asiasociety.org/countries-regions/central-asia

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia

History sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Central-Asia-102306

https://pacificaffairs.ubc.ca/book-reviews/central-asia-a-new-history-from-the-imperial-conquests-to-the-present-by-adeeb-khalid/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-16186907

Current Events and Media Climate in Central Asia

Makenna Hymowitz

Central Asia is a region that stretches from the Caspian Sea to the mountains of Western China covering several unique and successful countries. The information below focuses on the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Kazakhstan

What is currently happening in Kazakhstan?

This year has been the most eventful year in the history of Kazakhstan since it gained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

There have been extensive changes in Kazakhstan's society and government since the second President, Kassym-Jomart Toakyev, was elected in 2019. President Tokayev is aiming to reform attendants in the country’s law and build a new Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan’s economy has survived the effects of the geopolitical tensions and issues earlier on in the year. The country remains a free market and is economically stable.

Kazakhstan has recently been dealing with the effects of the Russian versus Ukrainian War. Kazakhstan has no interest in supporting Russia's attacks on Ukraine and are actively dismantling its alliance with Russia in an attempt to escape its grip.

Media Issues

Independent media is currently at high risk in Kazakhstan. Given its authoritarian roots in the Soviet Union ere, Kazakhstan has struggled to adapt to the new media climate and lift restrictions on certain media rights. The Kazakh media climate is among the most restricted countries in the world. The limited free and independent media sources that exist are still heavily censored by Kazakhstan officials. Journalists and media outlets are forced to abide by the restrictive legislation and are often targets of defamation lawsuits and wrongful imprisonment.

On top of the corrupt laws being enforced, the Kazakh government possesses extreme control over online communications and content censorship. This country’s government has blocked approximately 30,000 websites to fuel their political, social, and economic motivations. Despite the constitution prohibiting censorship, it is extremely prevalent in Kazakhstan. Journalists reporting against the government agenda are threatened and attacked. If journalists do not surrender to the government’s restrictions, they risk imprisonment and death.

The media climate is dominated by pro-government and state-owned sources because major media outlets are controlled by elected officials instead of investigative journalists.

State-Run Media Sources

Independent Media Sources

Professional journalists have created alternative projects on social media such as YouTube and Instagram. There are a few influential accounts that are independently reporting against pro-goverment media and censorship such as:

Uzbekistan

What is currently happening in Uzbekistan?

Recently, Uzbekistan has put 22 anti-government protesters on trial with accusations of the citizens “undermining constitutional order” through anti-government protests in the Karakalpakstan republic.

During the protests, 21 people died in the rallies that were ignited as a result of the change to the constitution that would undermine the region’s right to self-determination. The protesters are fighting to protect their rights. Journalists are authorized to cover the trial, but it is difficult to gain access to the area of this republic.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, blamed “foreign forces” for the unrest in the community before dismissing the proposed changes. Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016 after the death of his predecessor, Islam Karimov.

He has forced notable social and economic reforms, but his regime seems targeted toward stripping away people's basic rights instead of improving Uzbekistan’s human rights laws.

In news between Uzbekistan and Russia, Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, announced that a proposed gas union involving Uzbekistan did not impose “political terms” on the Central Asian nation. Tensions are high and countries are on guard during this unpredictable time of war between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia said last month it was proposing a “gas union” with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to support transportation between the three countries and other buyers. Uzbek Energy Minister Jorabek Mirzamahmudov said Uzbekistan had not received the proposal, and they “we will never agree to political conditions in exchange for gas”.

The two countries are connected by a gas pipeline to Russia, and a separate pipeline crosses both countries on a route to China. Russia is a major natural gas exporter, but Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan produce approximately as much as they consume.

Yuri Ushakov, the foreign policy advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that the idea of the common regional gas market would be discussed at a summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). Ushakov said Uzbekistan’s prime minister will be in attendance at the summit.

Media Issues

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s biggest media markets. The state controls newspaper and media material distribution to the public. Uzbekistan has a history of suppressing free media through government-controlled social environments and policies. Journalists and citizens have fought against the corrupt tactics that the Uzbekistan government uses to influence the media but are often been silenced by illegal deals and bribes.

The freedom of independent media had declined significantly since the death of Uzbekistan's former president Islam Karimov in 2016. Shavkat Mirziyoyev's 2021 presidential election created strict controls and rules over media content.

Uzbekistan does not have a private television network. TV is the most popular form of media used in Uzbekistan and is completely state-owned. The state-owned networks broadcast approved propaganda. The state broadcaster operates the primary national networks in the region. Written press is created to promote state interests and government motives. News is mainly consumed by younger Uzbekistan citizens sharing information through websites online.

The authorities control the media along with many bloggers that have close ties and deals with the government. Independent media is severely restricted in Uzbekistan. The government controls the media, so they control the narrative.

State-Run Media Sources

Independent Media Sources

Kyrgyzstan

What is currently happening in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries in Central Asia that is allowed relative freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Despite an unstable economy and government corruption, Kyrgyzstan has privately owned media outlets that do not conform to the government's media agenda. While they have news outlets that are independent, state-run media is prominent in Kyrgyzstan’s society.

Television is the most popular medium of media in Kyrgyzstan. There are state-run networks ad more than a dozen private television stations. Most radio stations are privately owned. However, the written press of newspapers has been decreasing in popularity and sales. Kyrgyzstan has a freer media than its neighboring countries, but the polarization of Kyrgyzstan reflects in its media sources.

The government still controls traditional media while trying to implement its influence into the free media outlets in Kyrgyzstan. Radio and television are the country's main news sources. The media has expanded its Television production with more than 50 television stations running. Select media outlets are used by the government and political leaders to spread their corrupt personal agenda to the public. Public institutions deny Journalists in Kyrgyzstan access to crucial information and statics.

Independent media outlets in Kyrgyzstan receive correct information from abroad and financial support to run their organization but officials have threatened to propose a bill stating that independent media sources obtaining financial support from abroad will be seen and punished as “foreign agents.”

In recent years. Officials have been trying to enforce censorship and create laws to restrict the press’s freedom. After an unsuccessful attempt in 2020, President Sadyr Japarov enacted a law in 2021 restricting the distribution of “false information”. This law violated Krygstan’s constitution and international agreements they are involved in while diminishing the free media.

Independent media sources are punished when they criticize authorities and officials. They are regularly charged with defamation, and they are sometimes victims of cyber and physical attacks due to their reporting on corruption within the system. Investigative journalists and reporters are targeted at rallies and events.

Kyrgyzstan’s high level of corruption in its political system promotes the public to appreciate the investigative work journalists are doing to bring the reality of the news to the people. Some journalists in Kyrgyzstan share information and opinions that no one else will.

State-Run Media Sources

Independent Media Sources

Tajikistan

What is currently happening in Tajikistan?

The repressive reign of President Emomali Rakhmon, is slowly escalating. Journalists are frequently exiled from Tajikistan by the government for unjust reasons and those who choose to stay are forced to self-censor and are at risk of imprisonment or death.

Pressure from the government has pushed independent media sources to shut down and driven away honest journalists reporting on the government and society. The permanent blocking of major news sources, websites, and social media has forced many Tajikistan outlets to run their company outside of the country.

Content produced on the radio, television, and internet is closely monitored by government officials. Journalists who do not submit to self-censorship can be targeted, blackmailed, and harassed. Tajikistan officially categorizes some journalists who do not cooperate as “terrorists” in an attempt to ruin their reputations and life.

The Tajikistan authorities abuse the law to punish and prevent the dissemination of false information. These laws directly threaten journalists and construct a fearful environment that prevents journalists from sharing any important or controversial views of the world.

There are many economic obstacles that prevent the development of the media sector in Tajikistan. Bureaucratic and legal barriers combined with a weak advertising market and hefty taxes add to the struggle of gaining independent media outlets. In addition, the low salaries and working conditions force Journalists into other careers.

Journalists do not contribute to resolving the country's problems because the government blatantly disregards their work and pressing questions. Tajikistan media is refined by the government and usually does not address issues involving homosexuality or marital affairs.

Journalists in Tajikistan continue to fight for free media but are not able to properly investigate and report on the political, social, and economic hardships and issues in the country without exposing themselves to imminent threats or danger.

State-Run Media Sources

Independent Media Sources

Turkmenistan

What is currently happening in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan has one of the most restricted and controlled media climates in the world.

After President Serdar Berdymuhkamedov was given leadership from his father corrupt publications, surveillance, and censorship of journalists have gotten worse. Every media outlet is controlled and run by state officials and the government. All media sources are required to produce government-approved content and to always present Turkmenistan in a positive light.

Any criticism or negative information regarding the president or any government officials is prohibited and will be seen as slander and a criminal offense. Journalists who have risked defying the rules of the media have been fined, imprisoned, tortured, and killed.

The government has ultimate control of newspapers, radio, television, and the internet. Citizens in Turkmenistan are not allowed to access any worldwide news sources or VPN and they risk being tracked and fined.

TV is the most popular form of media in Turkmenistan. The authorities monitor the media and internet use while blocking websites and creating strict editorial policies to control the narrative. Some citizens try to escape the biased clutch of Turkmenistan’s media by watching Russian and Turkish TV via satellite. In response, the authorities removed the satellite dishes from private households.

Since there are no independent media outlets allowed, the people of Tajikistan have to endure twisted propaganda as their form of news and information. Despite the law created in 2013 that prohibited censorship, all news publications are completely run by the government. New media introduced into Turkmenistan society becomes blocked and banned quickly to prevent any creativity, conflicting ideas, or freedom of expression.

State-Run Media Sources

Most-Used News Publications, Verifying News, and Well-Known/Reliable Journalists

Dalton Ercolano

This section will go over the most-used news publications in Central Asia, how to verify news in the region, and who some well-known and reliable journalists in Central Asia are. Each topic will fall under their own subheading.

Most-Used News Publications in Central Asia

Countries in Central Asia use a mix of both state-run and independent news publications to distribute news throughout the region. However, the most dominant of the two is state-run media. This fact is due to most of Central Asia having authoritarian governments. Authoritarian governments thrive off of controlling the media and what the public sees. By controlling the media, these authoritarian countries can limit the possibility of an uprising in their country. More than that, they can spread disinformation and influence what the public thinks. With authoritarian governments seeing the power of controlling the media, state-run media has become the most dominant news type in Central Asia.

State-run media for this region include television, newspapers, radio, and news agencies. These news mediums are used because they are easy to control and manipulate. According to World Bank, most of Central Asia does not have access to the internet. This results in other news sources that are not controlled or influenced by the government (state-run) can’t be easily accessed. Thus, hindering the region’s ability to access news that isn’t state-run.

Source for the graphic to the left

As mentioned in the previous text, Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan, are shown to be slightly authoritarian. This explains why these countries predominantly rely on state-run media. According to BBC, some of Kazakhstan’s state-run media includes Kazakhstan Pravda (press), Yegemen Qazaqstan (press), Qazaqstan (television), Khabarovsk TV (television), El-Arna (television), Qazaqstan Radiocy (radio), and Kazinform (news agency). As you can see, Kazakhstan relies on state-run media to control what the Kazakh people see. Its media is very pro-government, and is easy to control due to television being the number one news medium in Kazakhstan.

Another example of a Central Asian country who predominantly relies on state-run media is Uzbekistan. According to RSF, Uzbekistan does not have any privately owned television networks. Instead, it relies on state-run radio stations. One of the only independent news outlets for Uzbekistan is Fergana Press which is located in Moscow. Additionally, about one-third of Uzbekistan’s press is sourced in Russia.

When it comes to independent news publications for the Central Asia region, people have to use sources located outside of the region. Some of these independent sources are IWPR, AP News, Eurasianet, AKIpress, and other small independent news agencies located outside of Central Asia .

Source for graphic to the right

How To Verify News From/About Central Asia

According to Albany Associates, they have been working with journalists in Central Asian countries in an effort to improve fact checking skills. Albany Associates created a training program for journalists that teaches them how to properly report news, how to distinguish fact from fiction, and many more useful skills. Albany Associates’ goal is to provide Central Asian journalists with the tools necessary to verify information they receive. This way they report reliable and accurate information to the public.

According to NPR, some ways you can verify news are to pay attention to the domain you are using and its URL, read the “About Us” page, and look at the quotes they use and who said them. Another way to verify news from the Central Asia region is to look up who owns the media outlet you are viewing. As seen in the first paragraph, many Central Asian countries use state-run media. Everything from television to the internet is state-run. By researching the owner of the media outlet, you can see if you are viewing state-run media or independent media. Many of the state-run media outlets spread propaganda and are very pro-government. This is a red flag to look out for. If you are viewing television broadcasts, radio stations, or newspapers in the Central Asia region, then you may want to fact check what you are seeing or hearing.

Well-Known/Reliable Journalists in Central Asia

Trying to find current and well-known journalists in Central Asia is quite difficult. This is due to countries in the region clamping down on independently owned media and their journalists. Journalists that speak out against the government or report on something that the government doesn’t want the public to know end up in prison or killed.

According to RSF, one example of a well-known and reliable journalist in Central Asia that was imprisoned because of his anti-government reporting is Otabek Sattory. Sattory is an Uzbek YouTuber who founded a popular YouTube channel called Xalq Fikri. Sattory was framed for extortion and defamation, which landed him a six and a half year sentence. Allegedly, any reporter that tried to cover his trial was sentenced or attacked. Another journalist who suffered an even worse fate than Sattory is Aron Atabek. According to Eurasianet, Atabek is a journalist and poet from Kazakhstan who was sentenced to 18 years in prison for allegedly organizing unrest over home demolitions in a suburb of Kazakhstan in 2006. Atabek received a lot of backlash from the government due to his criticism of Kazakhstan’s government. A third well-known and reliable journalist in Central Asia who faced criminal prosecution for his work is Al Welsapar. According to Calvert Journal, Welsapar was born in Turkmenistan, and is known for the work he did in the 1980s that spoke out against the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Welsapar was placed under house arrest for 18 months, kicked out of Writers’ Union and the Union of the Journalists of Turkmenistan, and had his books removed from the public.

Being a journalist in Central Asia is a risky and dangerous job. Not many journalists want to be on the opposing side of the government, because they risk prosecution and open themselves up to violent acts thrust upon them.

Appreciate

Credits:

Created with images by podgorakz - "Kazakhstan Almaty city" • Faraz - "Kyrgyzstan national flag cloth fabric waving on the sky - Image" • truba71 - "The territory of Hissar fortress. Tajikistan" • Velirina - "Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Monument to the president of Turkmenistan"