The Times of Central Asia

Founded in 1999 by Mr. Giorgio Fiacconi, a long-time Central Asia resident and Italian investor, The Times of Central Asia is the first English-language regional website dedicated to this area. Mr. Fiacconi also served as the First Honorary Consul of Italy in Kyrgyzstan for nearly 15 years. Our daily website, www.timesca.com, provides coverage on a variety of topics including politics, investments, the economy, commerce, culture, social issues, as well as corruption and terrorism across Central Asia. We have a team of writers and photographers in all Central Asian nations: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Additionally, we are expanding our network to include contributors from a broader region, extending from Turkey to Xinjiang.

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Is Central Asia China's Backdoor to Global Power?

1 week ago | timesca.com | Nikola Mikovic

As Russia remains preoccupied with the war in Ukraine and the United States is focused on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, China is seeking to increase its presence in Central Asia. In the current circumstances, the European Union and Beijing appear to be the most active players in the strategically important region; but who is in a better position? Central Asia has become a region where various foreign powers are competing for influence.
Central Asia Unites: Evacuations Amid Middle East Turmoil

1 week ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

As hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate in the Middle East, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have initiated a comprehensive evacuation of their citizens from high-risk areas, drawing on regional cooperation and humanitarian assistance to ensure their safe return. Regional Support in Evacuation Efforts Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have stepped in to aid the Central Asian nations' evacuation operations, providing transit routes and logistical support.
Rosatom Selected to Build Kazakhstan's First Nuclear Power Plant

1 week ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

Kazakhstan has announced that the Russian nuclear energy corporation Rosatom will take the lead in constructing the country's first nuclear power plant. This landmark project, which was greenlit following a national referendum, signals Kazakhstan's commitment to diversifying its energy sources and marks a significant step in its energy strategy following years of massive energy deficits, which are projected to reach 3.3 billion kWh in 2025.
The Ripple Effects of the Israel-Iran Conflict on Central Asia

1 week ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, with Israel launching large-scale strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military targets, including the killing of top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists. Characterizing these attacks as a " declaration of war," Iran has retaliated by deploying approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory, which have been intercepted.
Joint Military Exercises to Strengthen Ties Between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan

1 week ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

News sources in Azerbaijan citing the Ministry of Defense of the Republic report that five nations, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, are set to participate in a significant joint military exercise, signaling a coordinated effort to enhance military cooperation, strengthen regional security, and bolster strategic partnerships among the participating countries.
President Tokayev Dismisses Ministers of Defense and Transport

2 weeks ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

Kazakhstan's political landscape has undergone a significant shift as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced the dismissal of two key cabinet members, Ruslan Zhaksylykov, Minister of Defense, and Marat Karabayev, Minister of Transport. The decision marks a reshuffling within the country's leadership as the administration seeks to address critical challenges in defense and infrastructure.
Turkmenistan Contains 'Gate to Hell' Fire After Decades of Inferno

2 weeks ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

The fiery spectacle of the Darvaza Gas Crater, feared and revered as the 'Gate to Hell,' has dimmed significantly after over fifty years of continuous burning. Turkmenistan's government announced that the massive blaze, located in the heart of the Karakum Desert, is now largely under control, marking a historic milestone in environmental and resource management efforts for the country.
Interview: Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan Looks to Kazakhstan

2 weeks ago | timesca.com | Nikola Mikovic

ASTANA - War-torn Afghanistan, now led by the Taliban, is in desperate need of funding. The radical group is seizing every opportunity to secure not only financial support but also major infrastructure projects that could help rebuild the country. In late May, a delegation of Taliban representatives, led by Haji Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Trade and Industry, visited Kazakhstan to attend the Astana International Forum (AIF).
Where East Meets West: Seventh Eurasian Film Festival Celebrates Cinema in London

2 weeks ago | timesca.com | Stephen M. Bland

From May 22 to 27, the seventh Eurasian Film Festival brought a celebration of Eurasian cinema to London. Organized by Silk Road Media and the Eurasian Creative Guild (ECG), the event, held in partnership with the Romford Film Festival, showcased a range of artistic talents while fostering cultural and industry connections.
U.S. Veterans Exposed to Toxic Chemicals at K2 Uzbek Base Still Waiting for Recognition - The Times Of Central Asia

2 weeks ago | timesca.com | Sadokat Jalolova

After the 9/11 attacks, thousands of U.S. troops were deployed to Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan in support of operations in Afghanistan. But