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This article explores the Uyghur doppa from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to understand Uyghur cultural life and identity. It links the doppa to Uyghur history and the evolving sense of ‘Uyghurness’, reflecting its cultural significance today, both in Xinjiang and through the diaspora. The limited scholarly work on the doppa, spanning 150 years, suggests a gender bias in documenting female-associated crafts. Ironically, at a time when the doppa holds increasing importance, especially with the creation of Doppa Day (5 May), this lack of resources opens up space for creative discourse on Uyghur identity. The study also reveals a tendency to adapt through cultural experiences while maintaining a deep connection to the homeland. Ultimately, this research demonstrates how a small cultural object can provide profound insights into community sensibilities and material culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women engaged in sex work (WESW) who use drugs are a key population in Kazakhstan's HIV epidemic. Global research suggests susceptibility to HIV varies by sex work environment. This study aims to identify evidence-based typologies of WESW and examine their associations with HIV risk. We surveyed 400 WESW who use drugs in two Kazakhstani cities, including questions on sociodemographic characteristics, social, physical, and economic risk environments, and sexual risk behaviors. Latent class analysis identified four distinct typologies of sex work practice: occasional sex work (n = 61, 15%), professional sex work for money (n = 187, 47%), sex work in exchange for drugs, goods, or other services (n = 117, 29%), and managed sex work under a boss/pimp/madam (n = 35, 9%). We then used logistic regression to examine associations between typologies and risk behaviors. Compared to professional sex work, occasional sex work was associated with lower odds of multiple sexual partners (aOR:0.46[95%CI:0.24,0.90]), of multiple paid clients (aOR:0.25[0.13,0.49]), and of > 1 instance of unprotected sex with a paying partner (aOR:0.33[0.17,0.63]). Compared to professional sex work, sex work for nonmonetary items was associated with higher odds of multiple sexual partners (aOR:1.85[0.96,3.67]) and of > 1 instance of unprotected sex with a paying partner (aOR:1.71[1.01,2.93]). Results suggest heterogeneity among WESW who use drugs in Kazakhstan, and that typologies of sex work are associated with varying HIV risk environment factors and risk behaviors. Effective HIV prevention efforts must be tailored to address these varying risk environments and the resulting variety of needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most national programmes of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are at a critical juncture for building their sustainability due to decreasing support from the Global Fund and other international HIV funders. Therefore, it is timely to identify the status, trends, opportunities and risk factors of OAT preparedness in the face of donor transition. Methods: The study assessed the OAT sustainability progress in 4 countries: Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine. The study used a comparative country case study design with qualitative methods and two data points in 2020 and 2022–2023. In total, 363 sources were reviewed and used, 83 interviews with key informants and 13 focus groups were conducted with clients, using a joint methodology and a defined Framework with three dimensions: 'Policy & Governance'; 'Finance & Resources'; and, 'Services'. Results: All four countries have made improvements to increase OAT sustainability, though it varied. In 2022, Ukraine had a substantial degree of sustainability, followed by Belarus and Moldova with a moderate degree, while Tajikistan's sustainability was at moderate-to-high risk. No country achieved a high degree of OAT sustainability in any of the three dimensions measured. However, a high degree of sustainability was reported for at least one indicator in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine: 'Medicines'; 'Financial resources'; 'Evidence and information systems'; 'Service Accessibility'; or, 'Service integration & quality'. On average, the greatest improvement between 2020 and 2022 was seen for 'Availability & coverage'; 'Financial resources'; 'Service quality & integration'; and, 'Service accessibility'. The highest risks across the countries, notably in Belarus and Tajikistan, were recorded for the indicator, 'Availability and coverage'. Of concern is that the least progress, or even a decline, was found in 'Human resources'. Conclusions: OAT sustainability in the 4 analysed countries remains at risk, despite progress in all countries. Managing HIV donor transition can have positive effects in addressing financial sustainability, especially inspired by Ukraine's continued progress despite economic contraction and Russia's invasion. More attention is needed to non-financial aspects of OAT sustainability in donor transition planning. The directions that could have multifaceted positive influence for OAT long-term resilience and scale up for impact on drug problems include decentralisation outside of health settings and broader drug treatment financial and management transformation, together with drug policy reforms. Thus far, viable solutions for sustainability of OAT in conflict areas appear unlikely. Building OAT resilience should remain high on the agenda of national stakeholders, technical partners and donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research indicates that political stability is a prerequisite for good governance and economic development in Central Asia. All five countries in the region are authoritarian regimes but it is unclear which factors impact on political stability. Using data for the period 2002–2022, this paper examines the variables which make a significant contribution to political stability and finds that the rule of law, personalist rule, a free media, freedom of assembly, political polarization and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, respectively have a positive effect on political stability while government accountability, exclusions by social group and civil society participation have a negative effect. Some of the findings are at odds with other studies on autocratic regimes, illustrating the importance of geo-political context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of modernization, traditional bazaars have encountered challenges, such as diminished vitality. Concurrently, the trend of integrating cultural spaces into bazaars has become increasingly evident. Understanding the relationship between bazaars and cultural spaces, as well as the preferences of users of these spaces, is crucial for enhancing bazaar vitality. Employing field research, questionnaire surveys, cross-analysis, and the narrative preference method, this paper compares the bazaar cultural spaces of Central Asia and Chinese from four perspectives: the current state of the bazaar, development overview, user preferences, and cultural space type preferences. This aims to deepen the understanding of the commonalities and differences between the two regions, and to explore the development trends of bazaars and their cultural spaces. The study reveals that (1) Spaces with diversified functions, high accessibility, and openness can enhance the vitality of the bazaar; (2) There exists a synergistic, mutually beneficial relationship between the bazaar and the cultural spaces; (3) Central Asian residents place greater emphasis on the environmental quality of the bazaar and the engaging content of its cultural spaces. In contrast, Chinese residents are more focused on the accessibility of the bazaar and the openness of the cultural spaces; (4) The function of art and culture is the preferred type of cultural space in the bazaar among residents of both regions. This study significantly contributes to the planning, design, and optimization of bazaars and their cultural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International & Comparative Education is the property of International & Comparative Education Editorial, Beijing Normal University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Russian word Imperskost’, which can be translated into English as ‘imperiality’, is a useful theoretical concept for scholarly writing in English that addresses individuals’ and countries’ imperial ambitions. In this note, I explore the meaning and relevance of this concept to our daily lives. Contrary to some existing definitions of Imperskost’ in terms of political economy, history, psychology (as an unconscious bias) and its primordial origins, I argue that this feeling is primarily personal and located in the human body. Imperskost’ is thus embodied as an emotion articulated and expressed as a sense of privilege, superiority and/or entitlement. Confronting Imperskost’ – whether one is a Russian citizen, a Russian speaker or not – is essential for overcoming it. Since scholarly works, including Central (Eur)Asian ethnography, can be sites for the formation and maintenance of Imperskost’, internal disciplinary criticism and reflection are necessary for its undoing. However, this process begins with the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Europe, mortality rates from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among persons 30–69 years of age ("NCD premature mortality rates") have declined significantly, except in twelve countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Data on long-term trends in NCD mortality in these countries are limited. We analyzed NCD premature mortality rates, identified change points in NCD mortality trends and forecasted how likely countries are to achieve the global NCD targets, stratified by gender and NCD type. Methods: We used the 1990–2019 Global Burden of Disease database to analyze NCD trends and identified country-specific change points by using piecewise linear regression. We assessed the likelihood of achieving the global targets for reducing NCD premature mortality rates among persons 30–69 years of age from four NCDs: cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. The global NCD targets are 25% reduction in mortality from 2010 to 2025 (WHO 25X25 target) and 33%—from 2015 to 2030 (SDG 3.4.1). We applied the analysis to both genders and four NCDs. Results: Only Kazakhstan and Russia are likely to achieve the global NCD targets. For Kazakhstan, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets for mortality rates were 494.3 and 374.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding predicted values (PVs) were 360.6 [CI 260.1–461.1] and 245.1 [CI 113.4–376.8]. For Russia, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets were 560.5 and 442.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding PVs were 427.7 [CI 270.3–585.1] and 311.0 [CI 102.8–519.1]. Achieving NCD global targets is less likely for Kyrgyzstan, while it is unlikely for the rest of countries. Most countries had higher mortality rates and slower progress among men compared with women. The likelihood of achieving overall global NCD targets was mainly explained by reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions: In most Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries, progress towards achieving NCD global targets is slow, or there's a reverse trend. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to understand the underlying reasons. Separate indicators are needed to monitor trends for cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminist principles in research emphasize acknowledging differences to address power imbalances. Taken at face value, discussions on positionality tend to prioritize differences, often turning into mere declarations of the researcher’s social privilege. To counterbalance this tendency, I highlight the critical importance of also focusing on shared experiences between the researcher and research participants. Based on my feminist ethnographic fieldwork, this research note reflects on my positionality as an Uzbek musofir (migrant) kelin (daughter-in-law) conducting doctoral research on the lived experiences of women in Tashkent’s bazaars. It illustrates how my complex, intertwined identity as a locally raised and foreign-educated musofir kelin initially posed challenges in accessing the field and building trust with participants. Yet, it also highlights how, in addition to the shared experience of musofirchilik, the oppressive experience of kelinhood can be subverted to build solidarity and rapport with the women in the bazaars, transforming an oppressive experience into subversive solidarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a thorough examination of the past evolution and present conditions of Islamic education in Kazakhstan. It commences with an examination of the influence of the Hanafi school within Sunni Islam and traces the evolution of the Islamic educational system throughout various historical periods until the present day. Particular focus is given to blending Islamic teachings with contemporary educational structures. The researchers heuristically analyzed the current state of the field, identified the main problems, and suggested prospects for Islamic education for further development. In this study, the PRISMA methodology is adopted to systematize the literature, enabling a detailed examination of the characteristics and nuances of Islamic education within the historical and cultural traditions of Kazakhstan. The current study utilizes the historical method, which uses primary and secondary data sources. This method prioritizes historical analysis as a means to assess past occurrences. This paper examines the axiological importance of madrasas and Islamic universities, as well as the pedagogical approaches employed in these educational establishments. We have presented infographics that contribute to a detailed understanding of the field. From the heuristic analyses, we formulated practical recommendations for the government designed to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Islamic education. This paper highlights the importance of Islamic education as an important component of the cultural and scientific space of Kazakhstan, offering strategies for its sustainable development in the context of globalization and the transformation of educational systems. The results of this work are of significant interest to academics, madrasas, colleges, and higher education institutions specializing in Islamic education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union has sparked interest in voluntary withdrawals from regional organisations (RO). While Brexit is a well-researched subject, other exits from ROs around the globe have been somewhat neglected. We still know relatively little about states' motivations to leave and how such exits play out in the short and long run. This article addresses both gaps. First, it conceptualises withdrawals from ROs as differentiated disintegration to better grasp the pre- and post-exit dynamics. Second, it puts forth three factor groups explaining states' reasoning composed of (i) geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions, (ii) intra-regional tensions and (iii) domestic factors. Third, it applies this framework to Uzbekistan's exit from the EurAsEC, Mauritania's departure from ECOWAS and the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Despite great differences in the regional setup and level of institutionalisation, we find that strong parallels can be drawn between all three cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A binary, geopolitical narrative of a new "Great Game" for power in Central Asia may be too simplistic. It remains unclear what regionalisation trends will become embedded in Central Asia, with the apparent rise of China. The paper examines potential for China's Belt and Road Initiative to build new Eurasian economic interdependence through connectivity infrastructure and to reduce dependency for some actors on Russia. A political risk and grounded theory approach is taken, utilising in-depth interviews with local experts and stakeholders to develop a risk/opportunity framework. Conclusions from the research indicate China is unlikely in the foreseeable future to replace Russia as regional hegemon, but is likely to drive greater economic integration. Empirical investigation of dynamics on the ground - including the spectrum of options available to actors - is recommended for realist understanding of economic and other international connectivity trends across Central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of bilig: Journal of Social Sciences of the Turkish World is the property of bilig: Journal of Social Sciences of the Turkish World and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Alternative Politics / Alternatif Politika is the property of Alternatif Politika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to climate change and human activities, land desertification, a major environmental issue in arid regions, has exerted an impact on ecosystem services (ES). However, previous ES assessments in arid regions lacked the integrated assessment and trade‐off analysis of soil‐related ecosystem services (S‐ES). To address this, we developed a S‐ES‐Bayesian network (S‐ES‐BN) model to analyze the trade‐offs and synergies between the complex relationships between S‐ES and their multiple influences in Central Asia (CA). The results showed that (1) there is a large spatial and temporal heterogeneity in S‐ES, with the most significant changes in water yield service (WY, −30%) and soil conservation service (SC, −26%) in the past 30 years (1990–2020); (2) land use and land cover change (LUCC) area shifts can have a gaining or weakening effect on the S‐ES. Among them, water to wetland had the most obvious gain effect on SC (+5.1 t·km2·yr−1) and water to forestland had the most pronounced effect on carbon fixation service (CF, +251.22 t); and (3) based on the S‐ES‐BN, an optimal configuration of S‐ES in CA demonstrated that the intensification of a future "warming and wetting" scenario in CA might lead to significant decreases in WY (−37%) and sand fixation (−7%). In addition, the clarification of the land allocation structure (cropland, forestland, and grassland) in LUCC will enhance the spatial demand for CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study introduces a concentration estimation model for indoor inhalable fine particles (PM2.5) during cooking activities in typical Kazakh houses, which are generally poorly ventilated with high emission levels. The aim of the present work is to identify factors influencing PM2.5 concentrations during cooking and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the build‐up and reduction of PM2.5 concentrations. These are achieved through a methodology that combines PM2.5 sampling, monitoring, and modeling to predict household PM2.5 levels and estimate daily concentrations. Specifically, USEPA's IAQX v1.1 was employed to simulate the one‐zone concept (kitchen) for concentrations related to cooking activities in several households. The results reveal that PM2.5 concentrations varied between 13 and 266 μg/m3 during cooking activities. Factors such as kitchen size, air exchange characteristics, and the type of food and cooking style were identified as important, influencing the observed concentrations. The model accurately captured concentration trends (R > 0.9). However, certain predictions tended to overestimate the measurements, attributing to inaccuracies in selecting air exchange and emission rates. Cooking activities contributed to household air pollutant (HAP) PM2.5 levels ranging from 9% to 94%. Notably, during the non‐heating period of the year (corresponding to the warmer half of the year), the impact of cooking became more significant and was identified as a major contributor to indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Conversely, during the heating period (i.e., the colder part of the year), outdoor PM levels and household ventilation practices played primary roles in regulating indoor air concentrations. This present study presents one of the initial efforts to assess household air pollutants in Central Asia, providing foundation and insights into the indoor air quality of Kazakh houses, where the understanding of indoor air quality remains limited. Future research recommendations include developing advanced models that account for individual activity patterns and specific house types for improved accuracy and representativeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Transforming the World 2030 agenda stresses the interconnectedness and indivisibility of sustainable development goals. This presents a major challenge for authoritarian states, specifically in implementing SDG16: promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing justice for all, and building effective and inclusive institutions. Existing research points to good governance as a sine qua non for implementing SDGs. Using Central Asia as a case study, we investigate the link between good governance and the implementation of SDGs in authoritarian states. We find variable but overall weak performance on governance indicators across Central Asia. If SDGs are indivisible, then autocracies are destined to fail the global sustainable development agenda because SDG16 challenges the type of regime in place. This is not to deny the SDG commitments made and some progress that has been achieved in these autocracies but rather to highlight that weak governance in autocratic states and those characteristics which define them are major impediments to long‐term sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diaspora has long been regarded as an empowering, egalitarian community, with its internal inequalities largely overlooked. In particular, little is known about how socioeconomic status affects intradiasporic relations. The current study challenges the romanticised perception of the diaspora by shedding light on its internal class disparities. Focusing on the Central Asian diaspora in Russia, the research demonstrates that diaspora elites may be involved in capitalising on the precarity of vulnerable diasporans. More specifically, Central Asian migrant entrepreneurs have been found to weaponise diaspora solidarity to exploit and subjugate migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this article is to analyse the effects of external debt accumulation on economic growth amongst Central Asian countries. We have applied a time-series methodology utilising annual data from 2000–2017 to show that external debt has had a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Central Asian countries. We found that debt overhang will cause a higher marginal tax rate on the future output of each country, thus leading to an investment slowdown and reducing output growth by limiting productivity expansion. Moreover, we can affirm that the negative effect of external debt is often associated with the poor level of institutions and governance of Central Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fritillaria is a taxonomically complex genus of Liliaceae that contains many important ornamental and medicinal species. In this study, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of ten Fritillaria species distributed in central Asia and compared them to previously sequenced Fritillaria cp genomes. Comparison of 36 Fritillaria species' cp genomes identified as useful potential molecular markers due to their high level of divergence three coding regions and 11 intergenic spacers. Effective single sequence repeats (SSRs) for population genetic studies of Fritillaria were also identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two recently described species, F. baisunensis and F. rugillosa belong to F. subg. Rhinopetalum, and that the belonging of F. ussuriensis and F. meleagroides in F. subg. Fritillaria should be revised. These two species and F. camschatsencese currently assigned to F. subg. Liliorhiza, should be members of the same taxonomic unit. Fritillaria subg. Liliorhiza, although a small group, is more complicated than it was previously thought, and apparently comprises species too distant to be in one subgenus. Fritillaria maximowischii, currently assigned to F. subg. Liliorhiza should be treated as a new subgenus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tajikistan has embarked on health reforms to orient the health system towards primary health care (PHC). The health labour market analysis (HLMA) was initiated by the Ministry of Health with the World Health Organization (WHO) on policy questions related to the PHC workforce team. This article presents the results with focus on family doctors as a critical part of the PHC team, providing lessons for strengthening family medicine and PHC in the European Region and central Asia. Methods: The HLMA framework was used to guide the analysis. The data for analysis were provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. Descriptive means were used to analyse the data. A Technical Working Group guided the process. Results: There has been an increase in the number of health workers in the country over the last 7 years. However, there is a huge shortage of family doctors when compared with norms, with decreasing family doctor densities over the last 7 years. Family doctors have the highest vacancy rates among specialists and also constitute the highest proportion of specialists who migrate. There is inequitable distribution of doctors across the regions. Overall number of enrolments and graduates in family medicine are declining. Although salaries in PHC are higher than in hospitals, the overall health workforce salaries are lower than the national average. While there have been efforts to retain and attract doctors to PHC in rural and remote regions, challenges exist. The attraction of doctors to narrow specialties may be leading to undermining PHC and family medicine. While the optimal skill-mix and availability of nurses provide an opportunity to strengthen multi-disciplinary teams at the PHC level, shortages and unequal distribution of doctors are affecting health services coverage and health indicators. Conclusions: Application of the HLMA framework has helped identify the bottlenecks in the health labour market flows and the possible explanations for them. The policy considerations emerging out of the HLMA have contributed to improving evidence-based planning for retention and recruitment of the PHC workforce, improvements in medical and nursing education, and higher investments in the PHC workforce and particularly in family doctors. Implementation of the Action Plan will require political commitment, financial resources, strong inter-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder management, and cross-country learning of best practices. Through this process, Tajikistan has shown the way forward in implementing the Central Roadmap for health and well-being in Central Asia and the Framework for Action on the Health and Care Workforce in the WHO European Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a national opinion survey conducted in 2009 in Kyrgyzstan, we focused on responses from ethnic Kyrgyz respondents in the south where major riots between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks occurred in 1990 and 2010. We performed latent class analyses on these responses to assign Kyrgyz into Muslim religiosity categories and construct a social distance scale to measure Kyrgyz’ levels of acceptance of Uzbeks living in Kyrgyzstan. We discovered that, in spite of ongoing unresolved interethnic grievances in the south, Kyrgyz who were members of the highly active Muslim religiosity category exhibited a significantly higher probability for accepting the closest relations (kin through marriage) with Uzbeks than Kyrgyz who were members of the non-religious category. Because other researchers indicated that religion did not play any role in causing the riots in 2010, we believe that Muslim religiosity could potentially play a role in developing beneficial relations between these ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper looks at the development of Chinese exports to Central Asian countries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The analysis, which relies on export data from China to Asian countries at a general product level, shows that China's exports to Central Asia have significantly increased since the start of the war. In particular, exports to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan have increased significantly. The analysis focuses on exports in Harmonized System (HS) categories 84, 85, 87, and 90. Many of the products sanctioned by the West in trade with Russia belong to these categories, but the categories also include many non-sanctioned products. Although the value of China's exports to Central Asia is still smaller than direct trade with Russia, China's exports - especially to Kyrgyzstan - have seen dramatic increases in the HS 84, 85, 87, and 90 categories. Along with the export growth from China to Central Asia, exports in these categories from Central Asia to Russia have also increased significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit (2023) in virtual format only exposed the growing disconnect between India and the members of this multilateral framework. Given the precarious state of India's relations with its immediate neighbors, China and Pakistan, and the growing camaraderie between Beijing and Moscow, this article examines the reasons behind New Delhi's continued need to engage with this multilateral framework. While India seeks to use the SCO as a "bridge" to improve its ties with Central Asian nations and act as a "check and balance" within the organization, Beijing's ascendancy as the "primary" external actor in the Af‐Pak and Central Asia region has meant that India's ability to gain advantages from its association with the SCO will be severely limited. As the protracted war in Ukraine continues unabated, India's attempts to find a "middle ground" between competing interests and principles will be put to the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study examines the influence of topographic barriers on phytoplankton diversity in artificial water bodies in Central Asia. By analyzing water samples from 14 locations across the Altai and Tianshan mountains, we discovered that topographic features significantly impact environmental conditions such as water temperature and nutrient levels. These ecological differences lead to variations in the phytoplankton community structure, with areas of more complex topography supporting higher diversity (valley forests, wetlands, deserts, etc.). Our findings highlight the importance of considering topographic factors in managing and conserving water resources in the region. Artificial water bodies in Central Asia offer unique environments in which to study plankton diversity influenced by topographic barriers. However, the complexity of these ecosystems and limited comprehensive studies in the region challenge our understanding. In this study, we systematically investigated the water environment parameters and phytoplankton community structure by surveying 14 artificial waters on the southern side of the Altai Mountains and the northern and southern sides of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang region. The survey covered physical and nutrient indicators, and the results showed noticeable spatial differences between waters in different regions. The temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus of artificial water in the southern Altai Mountains vary greatly. In contrast, the waters in the northern Tianshan Mountains have more consistent physical indicators. The results of phytoplankton identification showed that the phytoplankton communities in different regions are somewhat different, with diatom species being the dominant taxon. The cluster analysis and the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) results also confirmed the variability of the phytoplankton communities in the areas. The variance partitioning analysis (VPA) results showed that climatic and environmental factors can explain some of the variability of the observed data. Nevertheless, the residual values indicated the presence of other unmeasured factors or the influence of stochasticity. This study provides a scientific basis for regional water resource management and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the discovery of large oil and gas deposits in Central Asia, the region has become a vital battlefield for major world powers' competing interests, resulting in a complex geopolitical and energy transportation interaction known as 'pipeline politics'. After independence, multinational energy companies and global powers contacted the Central Asian Republics. Chinese investment has dominated the region's energy sector throughout the past decade. India is strategically seeking Central Asia's energy resources as it becomes more global. This article compares China's and India's Central Asian natural gas strategy and identifies research shortcomings. The complex geopolitical landscape is considered while examining their objectives and regional investments. This analysis reveals these methods' motivations and their effects on the Central Asian Republics and the world. China has an advantage over India in Central Asian pipeline politics, making the region vital to China's energy security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aims to conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of urbanization trends in Central Asian countries, considering two aspects: the expansion of urban areas and the intensive increase in population in urban agglomerations. To achieve this goal, an analysis of urbanization trends in Central Asian countries for the years 2010–2022 was conducted. The research results emphasize that the relationship between GDP and the urbanization index is complex and not always straightforward. The analysis of the correlation between GDP and the urbanization index in Central Asian countries highlights the complexity of urbanization processes, which depend on various factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for water, energy, and food, coupled with the imperative for sustainable development, necessitates innovative solutions to address the complex interdependencies within the water–energy–food nexus. In this context, agriculture and photovoltaics (Agri-PV or Agri–voltaics) systems have emerged as a promising approach to promoting sustainable agricultural practices while enhancing energy efficiency and food production. However, limited research, especially on the technical aspects of Agri-PV, has resulted in a knowledge gap regarding how to model and determine the suitability of Agri-PV for different crops based on local conditions. This study presents a novel approach to modeling and simulating Agri-PV systems for various major crops in developing countries, using Uzbekistan as a case study. It provides a blueprint for selecting suitable Agri-PV systems. The research investigates the technical feasibility of Agri-PV technology tailored to Uzbekistan's agricultural landscape, with broader implications for Central Asia. Employing a systematic methodology, the study begins by selecting appropriate sites and crops for Agri-PV system testing, ensuring the relevance and applicability of the research findings to the local context. Using advanced software tools such as PVSyst, the study accurately calculates photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values specific to selected crops, bridging a significant knowledge gap and providing empirical data essential for informed decision making. The methodology further incorporates an in-depth analysis of economic and technical considerations in selecting PV modules and inverters, enhancing the scientific accuracy of the study. By strategically modeling Agri-PV systems based on parameters like row density, module distance, and tilt angle, this research aims to optimize the integration of photovoltaic technology with agricultural practices in Uzbekistan. Moreover, this study helps to understand the impact of Agri-PV systems on the water–energy–food nexus, providing valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges specific to the region. The study identifies the positive impact of Agri-PV on major crops and provides a suitable design and modeling approach for sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During World War II, tens of thousands of Polish Jewish refugees spent several years in Soviet Central Asia. Yet, little of the intriguing character of the Silk Road remains in their memories. Rather, these convey the years of exile as a desperate attempt to survive in conditions where refugees' lives depended on the confusingly numerous and varied power actors in the region. Drawing on first-person narratives, the article describes how navigating between these actors affected the postwar identities of Polish Jews. Their refugee history ran the gamut from criminalization (by the Germans and Soviets) to discrimination (by the Polish state in exile). It turns out that the experience of Polish antisemitism and civic exclusion that caught up with them in this remote region was one of the strongest affects in their memory. By analyzing eastern destinations (Central Asia) as a space of refugee accommodation, we can appreciate the significance of this geography for the postwar disidentification of Jewish survivors with Poland. It was not only the attitude of fellow Poles in the German-occupied country during the war, but also their treatment of the citizenship of Polish Jewish refugees in Central Asia as significantly inferior that cast a lasting shadow over the emotions of surviving Jews toward their country of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students embarking on fieldwork across Eurasia, Africa and Latin America will encounter various political practices of regimes and conflicts involving varying levels of open violence. Although they leave their universities equipped with often stunning theoretical and methodological knowledge, surprisingly little attention is paid to practical preparation for uneasy situations. Fieldwork handbooks do exist, but they rarely offer positionality-sensitive guidelines and cannot provide ongoing mentoring during fieldwork or debriefing upon return. Drawing on previous scholarship initiatives and my experiences conducting field research in authoritarian Central Asia, I call for an open academic debate on fieldwork in challenging contexts and increased peer-to-peer solidarity at all academic levels. Addressing teaching professionals, advanced PhD students and anyone else involved in teaching and training newcomers in research and learning, I offer specific examples of what such a cooperation and support leading to a more resilient community may look like in everyday academic and research practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has a rich Central Asia studies literature and in recent years, it has seen an expansion in the number of research institutions with a regional focus. We apply a Structural Topic Model, a quantitative method that estimates thematic prevalence through machine learning, to analyse publications on Central Asia in Chinese academic and specialist journals to show how the field has evolved over time. Aside from the methodological contribution we offer an original dataset of 10,563 publications scraped from China's CNKI database. We test our strategy on two assumptions in Western literature on Chinese academics' understanding of Central Asia: (1) China's research institutes are primarily concerned with economics and (2) China's thinking on strategic regions is lacking in local context, unique cultural concepts and insights. We argue that while China's scholarship on the region is often Sinocentric, some research shows diversity and nuance, with more analytical depth that has been traditionally understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers conducting politically sensitive studies in the authoritarian region of Central Asia face significant obstacles beyond government control over knowledge production. These challenges include suspicion of espionage, journalism or being an 'info-killer'. While some scholarly accounts address the difficulties of accessing government officials in Central Asia, reflections by local scholars on effective interviewing strategies remain scarce. This research note explores these challenges and presents practical strategies for fieldwork based on my PhD dissertation, which involved conducting 25 in-depth interviews with government officials across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2021. I propose three key strategies to enhance the effectiveness of interviews with officials: leveraging insider positionality, 'de-ceremonializing' the interview process and depoliticizing sensitive research topics. Critically, the strategies not only facilitated access to respondents but also ensured ethical integrity and meaningful data collection. This work generates valuable insights for scholars navigating similar environments in Central Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing literature on higher education internationalization in Central Asia, such literature remains unexamined for its criticality. Our systematic integrative literature review helps address this lacuna. The article utilizes critical internationalization perspectives to examine the extent to which the literature on internationalization in the region addresses the critical questions currently dominating the internationalization discourse globally. We analysed 56 peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2012 and 2022 to address the following themes: (1) internationalization as Westernization, (2) internationalization and the modernization of the university, (3) internationalization equals Englishization and (4) internationalization and the recreation of unequal relations. We assert that the published work does not promote the reimagination of dominant patterns of relationship, representation and resource distribution. By providing a systematic review, we hope to have helped academics, researchers, students, administrators and policymakers reflect upon and reimagine internationalization practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus is the museum development in Central Asia from 1991–2022, with the intent to identify the current trends in the development of museums, and to explore issues of museum cooperation in these countries. The main research method was historical periodization. This article includes information on the development of museums in five countries since 1991, the change of cultural policy with independence, general problems of museums, differences in the cultural policy of Central Asian countries, statistics on the number of museums, and funding issues related to museums in the region. The central thesis asserts that museums play a central role in cultural and historical conversations in Central Asia, emphasising their significance as cultural archives and vibrant hubs for education, interaction, and the development of identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the influence of electronic service quality (e-service quality) on customer satisfaction with the Welma application at PT Bank Central Asia, Tbk. The method used is a survey using a questionnaire distributed to customers of the Welma application. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The sample of this study is 400 respondents of Welma application customers who were selected by convenience sampling. The results of the study show that there is a positive and significant influence of electronic service quality on customer satisfaction with the Welma application. The implication of the results of this study is the importance of PT Bank Central Asia, Tbk to continue to improve the quality of electronic services to increase customer satisfaction of the Welma application so that it can retain and attract more customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bylye Gody is the property of Cherkas Global University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bylye Gody is the property of Cherkas Global University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bylye Gody is the property of Cherkas Global University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Access to health care remains suboptimal in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and continues to hinder survival in early childhood. We systematically assessed the association between problems accessing health care (PAHC) and under-five mortality (U5M). Methods Child mortality data on 724 335 livebirths came from the latest Demographic and Health Surveys of 50 LMICs (2013–2021). Reasons for PAHC were classified into three domains: 'money needed for treatment' (economic), 'distance to health facility' (physical), 'getting permission' or 'not wanting to go alone' (socio-cultural). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between PAHC (any and by each type) and U5M. Results In our pooled sample, 47.3 children per 1000 livebirths died before age of 5, and 57.1% reported having experienced PAHC (ranging from 45.3% in Europe & Central Asia to 72.7% in Latin America & Caribbean). Children with any PAHC had higher odds of U5M (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09), and this association was especially significant in sub-Saharan Africa. Of different domains of PAHC, socio-cultural PAHC was found to be most significant. Conclusions Access to health care in LMICs needs to be improved by expanding health care coverage, building health facilities, and focusing more on context-specific socio-cultural barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study providing an up-to-date account of the alien flora in Uzbekistan and analyzing the relationship between the invasion status (casual, naturalized, invasive) of alien plants in this country and their life histories, regions of origin, and habitat affiliations. The data were collected from literature, herbaria, and field surveys. The checklist includes 252 species, of which 44 are invasive (17.5%), 177 naturalized non-invasive (70.2%, giving 220 naturalized species in total), and 31 casual aliens (12.3%). The family with the highest number of alien species is Asteraceae (53, or 21% of all recorded species), followed by Brassicaceae (21), Poaceae (19), and Solanaceae (15). The most represented genera in the alien flora of Uzbekistan are Amaranthus (8 species), Centaurea, Malva, Solanum, and Vicia (5 each). The majority of the alien flora of Uzbekistan are annuals (138 species, i.e., 57% of the total), followed by perennials (52 species, 21.5%). There are only 13 alien woody species recorded. Invasive species originating from Africa, temperate Asia, and Europe are over-represented, as are naturalized species native to Northern America and Southern America. The majority of species are affiliated with agricultural (204 species) and ruderal habitats (164 species); riparian habitats (68 species) and grasslands (38 species) are also well represented. The pattern of invasions in the country is determined by the interaction of source species pools arriving from native regions, their habitat affiliations, and land use. Our study provides the first step toward science-based management of plant invasions in Uzbekistan. It can support policymakers, authorities, and managers in mitigating the current and future impacts of alien species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the intricate relationship between earthquake sources and seismogenic surface ruptures in a complex tectonic setting with active faults in the continental collision zone between the southern Tien Shan and the northern Pamir Mountains in Central Asia. The study focuses on the 2008 Mw 6.6 Nura earthquake along the Pamir Frontal Thrust, where the seismogenic surface rupture occurred unexpectedly within the footwall and 10 km away from the source thrust fault. This discrepancy raises questions about the interactions and potential trigger mechanisms between tectonic structures during earthquake rupture. Using unmanned aerial vehicle photography and field inspection, our investigation integrates detailed fault‐zone mapping with tectono‐geomorphic observations to unravel potential interactions between subsurface structures and surface‐deformation phenomena. Our findings suggest that a combination of slip along deep‐seated basement faults and remotely triggered flexural slip within folded Paleogene strata led to surface rupture of overlying Quaternary glacial deposits. Geomorphological and geochronological analyses coupled with systematic displacement measurements furthermore reveal evidence of similar past ruptures within the regional fault system, suggesting a recurrence interval of 1.7 kyr and a Holocene vertical offset rate of 0.4 mm/yr. The analysis of the Nura rupture zone contributes significantly to evaluate linkages between surface and subsurface structures regarding fault‐zone behavior and seismic hazard assessments. Importantly, our results highlight the critical role of on‐site investigations in regions with poorly defined surface ruptures, where misinterpretation may lead to the underestimation of the impact of seismic events and limitations in assessing earthquake history and strain accumulation. Plain Language Summary: This study investigates surface ruptures related to earthquakes in Central Asia, focusing on the 2008 Nura earthquake in south Kyrgyzstan, where the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains converge due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The surface rupture during that event occurred at a different location than expected, causing us to investigate more closely the complex interactions between faults during earthquakes in this region. Based on detailed mapping on a high‐resolution digital surface model and on‐site observations, our analysis suggests that movement along hidden tectonic fault structures in the subsurface caused the bending of overlying folded sedimentary strata, which in turn resulted in the breaking of the ground. Through geomorphological analysis and geological age determination, we conclude that similar events in the regional fault system occurred in the past, in intervals of 1,700 years and with a vertical growth rate of 0.4 mm/yr within the last 12,000 years. Understanding such geotectonic processes is important for a better assessment not only of earthquake hazard in this region, but also of faulting processes elsewhere that have a similar deformation character, thus emphasizing the importance of field investigations in regions where the understanding of tectonic structures is limited. Key Points: Field survey of the 2008 Mw 6.6 Nura earthquake surface rupture in Kyrgyz Pamir shows evidence of secondary flexural‐slip faultingOur results suggest similar events in the eastern Pamir‐Tien Shan collision zone with a recurrence interval of approximately 1.7 kyrWe propose a rupture model where slip along deep‐seated tectonic structures remotely triggered flexural‐slip along shallow folds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central Asia (CA) is a young integrated region formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with most of its infrastructure based on fossil fuels. The traditional energy and water infrastructure is facing huge inefficiency and technical losses. This study investigates the transition of the green, blue, and energy economies in Central Asia using a small-dimensional panel dataset on five countries, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, over the period 1995–2018. The authors analyze the impact of ecological footprint, water withdrawal, and energy consumption on gross domestic product. In applying the Panel Vector Error Correction Model, evidence was found supporting the long-running association between variables. Furthermore, the adjustment coefficients suggest that only GDP growth will adjust toward equilibrium. Overall, the findings suggest a more effective role of green transition compared to blue and energy transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of public debt in developing countries in recent years and the increasing risks associated with this process emphasize the importance of research in this area. The article examines one of the key aspects of public debt management — the structure of creditors’ debt portfolio. The object of the study is the public debt of four countries of Central Asia and three countries of the South Caucasus. The states of this region are important foreign economic partners of Russia, their contribution to mutual trade and realization of joint projects is growing. Their role in the global and regional economy is also expanding, including participation in major transport and logistics projects designed to increase the connectivity of Eurasia. The study is based on the data of international organizations on the total volume of public debt, debt to individual external creditors and the dynamics of macroeconomic indicators. The article examines changes in the structure of the main groups of creditors for each country over three long-term periods and analyzes similarities and differences in the observed structural shifts. It also decomposes the indicator of public debt dynamics and estimates the contribution of the economic growth factor and the effects of changes in countries’ debt to certain groups of creditors. The study identified the following key trends in public debt structural changes: 1) the declining role of bilateral loans from developed and developing countries since the 2000s; 2) the continued strong influence of debt raised from international financial organizations and development banks in most countries throughout the period under study; 3) in a number of countries, a gradual increase in market sources of debt financing (domestic and Eurobonds); the increasing role of loans from China — in the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan, etc. The study identifies reasons for these structural changes, and concludes with a discussion of the risks associated with the observed shifts in the structure of public debt.

This article examines China’s increasing investments in Kazakhstan amid its declining soft power and growing public dissent. Focusing on Kazakhstan's strategic position within the Belt and Road Initiative, it analyzes how Chinese economic influence persists despite widespread protests and negative public opinion. Using a qualitative approach, the study synthesizes academic literature, policy analyses, news reports, and firsthand accounts to understand local views on Chinese influence. Findings show that while China’s economic power supports continued investment, the lack of soft power presents long-term risks. Without efforts to improve its image and build trust, China’s reliance on hard power may fuel anti-China sentiments, potentially leading to organized resistance and policy changes in Kazakhstan. The study emphasizes that China must incorporate soft power elements into its foreign policy to sustain influence in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia.

Abstract Background Most national programmes of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia are at a critical juncture for building their sustainability due to decreasing support from the Global Fund and other international HIV funders. Therefore, it is timely to identify the status, trends, opportunities and risk factors of OAT preparedness in the face of donor transition. Methods The study assessed the OAT sustainability progress in 4 countries: Belarus, the Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan and Ukraine. The study used a comparative country case study design with qualitative methods and two data points in 2020 and 2022–2023. In total, 363 sources were reviewed and used, 83 interviews with key informants and 13 focus groups were conducted with clients, using a joint methodology and a defined Framework with three dimensions: ‘Policy & Governance’; ‘Finance & Resources’; and, ‘Services’. Results All four countries have made improvements to increase OAT sustainability, though it varied. In 2022, Ukraine had a substantial degree of sustainability, followed by Belarus and Moldova with a moderate degree, while Tajikistan’s sustainability was at moderate-to-high risk. No country achieved a high degree of OAT sustainability in any of the three dimensions measured. However, a high degree of sustainability was reported for at least one indicator in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine: ‘Medicines’; ‘Financial resources’; ‘Evidence and information systems’; ‘Service Accessibility’; or, ‘Service integration & quality’. On average, the greatest improvement between 2020 and 2022 was seen for ‘Availability & coverage’; ‘Financial resources’; ‘Service quality & integration’; and, ‘Service accessibility’. The highest risks across the countries, notably in Belarus and Tajikistan, were recorded for the indicator, ‘Availability and coverage’. Of concern is that the least progress, or even a decline, was found in ‘Human resources’. Conclusions OAT sustainability in the 4 analysed countries remains at risk, despite progress in all countries. Managing HIV donor transition can have positive effects in addressing financial sustainability, especially inspired by Ukraine’s continued progress despite economic contraction and Russia’s invasion. More attention is needed to non-financial aspects of OAT sustainability in donor transition planning. The directions that could have multifaceted positive influence for OAT long-term resilience and scale up for impact on drug problems include decentralisation outside of health settings and broader drug treatment financial and management transformation, together with drug policy reforms. Thus far, viable solutions for sustainability of OAT in conflict areas appear unlikely. Building OAT resilience should remain high on the agenda of national stakeholders, technical partners and donors.

Abstract Background In Europe, mortality rates from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among persons 30–69 years of age (“NCD premature mortality rates”) have declined significantly, except in twelve countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Data on long-term trends in NCD mortality in these countries are limited. We analyzed NCD premature mortality rates, identified change points in NCD mortality trends and forecasted how likely countries are to achieve the global NCD targets, stratified by gender and NCD type. Methods We used the 1990–2019 Global Burden of Disease database to analyze NCD trends and identified country-specific change points by using piecewise linear regression. We assessed the likelihood of achieving the global targets for reducing NCD premature mortality rates among persons 30–69 years of age from four NCDs: cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. The global NCD targets are 25% reduction in mortality from 2010 to 2025 (WHO 25X25 target) and 33%—from 2015 to 2030 (SDG 3.4.1). We applied the analysis to both genders and four NCDs. Results Only Kazakhstan and Russia are likely to achieve the global NCD targets. For Kazakhstan, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets for mortality rates were 494.3 and 374.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding predicted values (PVs) were 360.6 [CI 260.1–461.1] and 245.1 [CI 113.4–376.8]. For Russia, WHO 25X25 and SDG 3.4.1 global targets were 560.5 and 442.8 per 100,000 population respectively; the corresponding PVs were 427.7 [CI 270.3–585.1] and 311.0 [CI 102.8–519.1]. Achieving NCD global targets is less likely for Kyrgyzstan, while it is unlikely for the rest of countries. Most countries had higher mortality rates and slower progress among men compared with women. The likelihood of achieving overall global NCD targets was mainly explained by reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Conclusions In most Eastern Europe and Central Asia countries, progress towards achieving NCD global targets is slow, or there’s a reverse trend. Further quantitative and qualitative research is needed to understand the underlying reasons. Separate indicators are needed to monitor trends for cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

Abstract Background Tajikistan has embarked on health reforms to orient the health system towards primary health care (PHC). The health labour market analysis (HLMA) was initiated by the Ministry of Health with the World Health Organization (WHO) on policy questions related to the PHC workforce team. This article presents the results with focus on family doctors as a critical part of the PHC team, providing lessons for strengthening family medicine and PHC in the European Region and central Asia. Methods The HLMA framework was used to guide the analysis. The data for analysis were provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. Descriptive means were used to analyse the data. A Technical Working Group guided the process. Results There has been an increase in the number of health workers in the country over the last 7 years. However, there is a huge shortage of family doctors when compared with norms, with decreasing family doctor densities over the last 7 years. Family doctors have the highest vacancy rates among specialists and also constitute the highest proportion of specialists who migrate. There is inequitable distribution of doctors across the regions. Overall number of enrolments and graduates in family medicine are declining. Although salaries in PHC are higher than in hospitals, the overall health workforce salaries are lower than the national average. While there have been efforts to retain and attract doctors to PHC in rural and remote regions, challenges exist. The attraction of doctors to narrow specialties may be leading to undermining PHC and family medicine. While the optimal skill-mix and availability of nurses provide an opportunity to strengthen multi-disciplinary teams at the PHC level, shortages and unequal distribution of doctors are affecting health services coverage and health indicators. Conclusions Application of the HLMA framework has helped identify the bottlenecks in the health labour market flows and the possible explanations for them. The policy considerations emerging out of the HLMA have contributed to improving evidence-based planning for retention and recruitment of the PHC workforce, improvements in medical and nursing education, and higher investments in the PHC workforce and particularly in family doctors. Implementation of the Action Plan will require political commitment, financial resources, strong inter-sectoral collaboration, stakeholder management, and cross-country learning of best practices. Through this process, Tajikistan has shown the way forward in implementing the Central Roadmap for health and well-being in Central Asia and the Framework for Action on the Health and Care Workforce in the WHO European Region.

The paper reports on the results of reinterpretation of the Neolithic complexes of Hissar I–IV of the Ak-Tangi site, a field study of which was carried out in the middle of the 20th century. At the time of its discovery, only the Hissar Neolithic Culture had been studied in the mountainous part of Central Asia, which the Ak-Tangi materials were attributed to. At the new stage of the research, a comprehensive analysis of the archival materials and surviving collection, which comprises palaeofaunal materia and lithic and bone artefacts, was performed, and radiocarbon dating and ZooMS-analysis were employed on some of the bone artefacts.

The Muslim population of Siberia represented an ethnically heterogeneous community, which included Tatars, as well as immigrants from Central and Central Asia, the Caucasus and other regions. Such polyethnicity and proximity to the Asian region, as one of the centers of Muslim culture, contributed to building contacts between Muslims of Siberia and Central Asia. Expansion of the territorial borders of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th century. and the government’s special interest in Central Asia has influenced the development of relations between the Muslim population of the two neighboring regions. The purpose of this study was to identify the main areas of interaction between the Muslim population of Siberia and Central Asia in the second half of the 19th – early 20th century, as well as to estimate the role of the state in regulating this process. Based on archival material, the author found that one of the areas of interaction of the Muslim population was organizing spiritual life. Despite the fact that the government, in an effort to extend its influence to the Asian region, provided support to the Muslim population in the second half of the 19th century, the same building codes were applied to the construction of religious buildings for Bukharans, as for all other Muslims. The closest contacts between the Muslims of Siberia and the Bukharians were built within the framework of pilgrimage trips, since often the way to Mecca for them lay through the territories of Central Asia. In addition, there were holy places in the region, which the Muslims of Siberia aspired to. This fact was of particular concern to the Government. The reforms initiated in the country aimed at limitation of the rights of the Muslim population have reduced the migration flow from the Asian region to Siberia. The government paid special attention to the missionary activities of the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool for involving Muslims of Siberia and Central Asia in the socio-cultural space of the empire.