In Kyrgyzstan, lawmakers have decided to address one of the people's problems - the celebration of events and rituals. The majority of the population prefers to go into debt to hold birthday parties, weddings, traditional Kyrgyz family celebrations, and extravagant funerals with a large number of guests while adhering to all traditions. Some borrow money, others take out loans from banks, and some even resort to crime for a wedding or a feast for their son's circumcision, inviting
Thirty participants. A few hours. No weapons, except for ingenuity and agility. No rules. The strongest and the cleverest wins. This is not an announcement for another blockbuster or adventure film. According to these rules, in mid-April, the first joint project of the creative development association "BOOM-Studio" and the paintball club "Scorpion" - the extreme project "Hunger Games" - will take place at the "Raketa" training ground near Bishkek. It
In Kyrgyzstan, the chairman of the Organization of War and Labor Veterans, Armed Forces, and Law Enforcement of the Republic, Taras Tokombaev, has passed away. The heart of the 86-year-old colonel stopped beating the day before. The Central Asian information portal IA expresses its deep condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Taras Alievich. Taras Tokombaev was born on July 5, 1930, in Moscow, in the family of the famous poet Aaly Tokombaev, and dedicated his entire life to his
Iran is considering the possibility of joining the Eurasian Economic Union and also intends to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This was announced at a meeting with journalists that took place in Bishkek last Tuesday by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kyrgyz Republic, Ali Najafi Khoshroudi. The beginning of 2016 marked the lifting of international and unilateral sanctions against the republic, as the IRI fulfilled all
The Kyrgyz capital is expecting a change in leadership. The current mayor, Kubanychbek Kulmatov, has submitted his resignation. The reasons for this step have not yet been disclosed: the press service of the mayor's office promised to provide a comment later, while Kubanychbek Keneshovich is currently unavailable for comments. Kubanychbek Kulmatov took the mayor's office in 2014. He was the only candidate (from the presidential party "SDPK"), and the voting became a mere
The scandal with Canadian investors has not yet subsided when a new one began – with the Chinese. January became a black month for the managers and workers of the oil refinery "Junda". At the beginning of the month, representatives of the financial police conducted an armed search at the Kara-Balta enterprise, after which representatives of the investigative group of the GSBEP and PCR arrested two employees of the company - Deputy General Director Yui Shanlin and Chief Accountant
On Tuesday, February 2, a meeting took place at the Iranian Embassy in Bishkek with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Kyrgyz Republic, Ali Nadzhafi Khoshroudi, and journalists. During the event, the diplomat spoke about the relations between the two countries and the prospects for cooperation between the IRI and Kyrgyzstan. In his welcoming speech, Ali Nadzhafi emphasized that the Kyrgyz Republic and Iran have a lot in common, particularly
Not long ago, Kyrgyzstan denounced the agreement with Russia on the construction and operation of the Kambarata HPP-1. After the scandal with Canadian investors, the gold mining company "Centerra Gold," the work of the Chinese oil refinery "Junda" was suspended in the Kyrgyz city of Kara-Balta. Regarding why this is happening, as well as why the investment attractiveness of Kyrgyzstan is declining, the news agency spoke with economist and EAEU expert Nikita Mendkovich. –
The International Charitable Foundation for Science and Culture "Atatürk" held an award ceremony for Kyrgyz citizens who contributed to the development of interethnic harmony, production, medicine, education, and culture in the country in 2015. - In our time, when the world is experiencing global crises and there is no consensus and peace, the "Atatürk" foundation considers it its duty to recognize the efforts of the best Kyrgyz citizens who help others live, smile, and
The semifinals of the first annual award – "Most Fashionable Awards 2015" will take place on February 29 at the "Saltanat Palace" restaurant in Bishkek. The short-list will be announced during an evening in a social event format. "The Most Fashionable Award" is a new project of the "World Beauty Congress," uniting countries in the Eurasian region to identify which brands, companies, large, medium, and small private enterprises, organizations, as well as
At the Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Maldybaev, the audience was delighted by a premiere. On January 31, its artists presented the updated ballet "Swan Lake" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. "Swan Lake" is perhaps the only classical work known not only to ballet enthusiasts but also to those who have never been to the theater or heard classical music. The plot is based on an ancient legend about the love of Prince Siegfried and the swan maiden
The school cafeteria is a special place, and the taste of the dishes prepared here is remembered for a long time. Grown-up former students usually fondly recall the pies, buns, and compotes for which they stood in line during breaks. What memories of school meals will the current generation of children have? Last week, the best school chefs from different corners of Kyrgyzstan showcased their professional skills at the "Culinary Duel" and had the opportunity to enhance their
Art, particularly painting, is going through tough times in the Kyrgyz Republic. However, despite all the difficulties, local masters of the brush continue to work. Their works can be seen at exhibitions and displays. The creativity of artist Jumabek Bazarbaev serves as an illustration of dedication to one's craft in the realities of modern Kyrgyzstan. Last week, an exhibition of easel painting titled "Karash 2" took place in Bishkek, featuring works by two local artists -
January 2016 was marked for the residents of Bishkek not only by abnormal warmth, long holidays, and relaxation after the festivities, but also by trips to ski resorts and outings to the cinema. The most popular active entertainment in the capital, the encounter, celebrated its anniversary. “Encounter” is an international network of active urban games that originated in the early 2000s in Belarus. In English, its name means “chance meeting,” “first experience,” “unexpected collision,” or
Last weekend, the first fashion event of 2016 - 'Fashion Night' - took place at the Sky Hall Terrace restaurant in the capital. The celebration was organized by the representation of the 'World Beauty Congress' in Kyrgyzstan under the leadership of Amina Yusurova. Guests were greeted by a press wall and a stand designed as a winter forest, against which they could take selfies or memorable photos on their phones or with the help of invited photographers. They then proceeded
The Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after A. Maldybaev is preparing for an evening in memory of the outstanding dancer, People's Artist of the USSR Cholponbek Bazarbaev. On Thursday, February 4, soloists and ballet artists will take to the stage in his honor, as well as students from the Bishkek Choreographic School, which bears his name. For more than twenty years, Cholponbek Bazarbaev was the premier of the national ballet troupe. His creative repertoire
A verdict has been reached in Kyrgyzstan regarding the introduction of OSAGO insurance policies in the republic, which are already in effect in all EAEU countries. On February 7, 2015, the law on mandatory insurance for vehicles and motorcycles will come into force. The cost of the policy is about 3,000 soms, with a maximum insurance payout of 550,000. The introduction of this new law has provoked a wave of outrage: car owners have been trying to reach the president, parliament, and
Members of the Kyrgyz Parliament, Janar Akaev and Askarbek Shadiev, have been invited to a formal breakfast with the President of the United States, Barack Obama. The traditional breakfast with American President Barack Obama will take place on February 3 of this year. The U.S. leader hosts formal breakfasts for representatives from various countries on an annual basis. The Jogorku Kenesh (Kyrgyz Parliament) noted that Janar Akaev will represent the parliamentary majority coalition in the
Residents of Bishkek who frequently use the social network "VKontakte" now have the opportunity to diversify their leisure activities. An open group called "Bishkek Meetups" has been established for finding new friends with similar interests and for those who are already 18 years old. The project was initiated by a Bishkek resident under the nickname Dmitry Cavalli. Offline, the guy studies and is passionate about motorsport, while online, he ensures that young people have
Fifteen-year-old resident of Kyrgyzstan Ermek Turdubekov took first place in the Russian literary club competition "Your First Book." This was reported on the official page of the literary club. A total of 32 works were submitted to the competition. The jury members, professional writers, selected the best pieces. Ermek Turdubekov won first place with his stories "Web" and "The Untold Story." Maxim Tikhonov came in second with the work "Where Dreams
The President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambayev, signed the Laws "On the Denunciation of the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Construction and Operation of the Kambaratinskaya HPP-1, signed on September 20, 2012, in Bishkek" and "On the Denunciation of the Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Government of the Russian Federation on the Construction and Operation of the
Discussions continue in Kyrgyzstan regarding the necessity of the OSAGO procedure for the republic. Officials insist on its necessity, while Kyrgyz citizens are outraged that the draft law is poorly developed and has numerous loopholes for profit-making by both insurers and government officials. Experts fear a new upheaval if the authorities do not meet the people's demands and refine all the nuances in the implementation of the law. The officials and civil servants have nothing to worry
On February 11, the Soloists of the World Opera Scene will perform in Bishkek for the first time at the A. Maldybaev Opera and Ballet Theater. They have conquered the most famous stages in the world - La Scala, Covent Garden, Carnegie Hall, Vienna Opera.... Conductor Manfred Hermann Lehner, soprano Jamila Raimbekova, and tenor Gary Davislim will perform works by G. Verdi, G. Puccini, G. Bizet, P. Mascagni, and G. Rossini from outstanding operas such as La Traviata, La forza del destino,
The first ski center in southern Kyrgyzstan has started operations in the Suzak district of the Jalal-Abad region. It is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level, 30 kilometers from Jalal-Abad. The new ski center, situated in the mountainous area of Markai near Kok-Jangak, is open to visitors even at night, as all slopes have a ski lift and lighting. Two runs of 450 and 250 meters in length are already open for skiers. For those who enjoy riding on inflatable sleds, a special
In Kyrgyzstan, lawmakers are proposing to introduce a moratorium on hunting until 2030. This proposal was made by deputies from the SDPK, Janar Akayev, and representative of "Ata-Meken," Emil Toktoshev. The politicians believe that a strict measure is necessary to somehow replenish the drastically reduced population of wild animals over the past twenty years—otherwise, their reproduction will be too costly for the treasury. - "In order to restore and ensure the full reproduction
Many call 2016 a decisive and turning point for the republic. In addition to preparing politicians of all sizes and stripes for the upcoming presidential elections by vying for the electorate, it is marked by new legislative norms. The IA portal has selected the most significant innovations that will appear in the republic and in the EAEU space, affecting all Kyrgyz citizens without exception. Insuring Everything!
An unusual tent has been set up near the Ala-Too Central Office. Inside is the Moscow mobile dolphinarium, where residents and guests of the capital can meet the inhabitants of the "Kingdom of Poseidon": the sea lion Bob, the beluga whale Dandi, and two very agile dolphins, Aisha and Flint. Together with their trainers, these mammal performers delight the audience with various tricks, graceful jumps, and ball games, as well as vocal performances of their songs and dances in the
Legislative innovations coming into effect in February 2015 in Kyrgyzstan – voluntary-compulsory insurance of housing and the introduction of compulsory vehicle insurance (OSAGO), against which car owners are actively protesting, could lead the country to a crisis, potentially resulting in a new government coup. Such a grim scenario for the republic is quite possible, according to public figure and human rights activist Toktayym Umetalieva. The human rights activist draws parallels with how
Thanks to the intervention of diplomats, two children left without adult guardianship have found a roof over their heads for the first time in a long while. Five-year-old Timofey and his thirteen-year-old sister Anya, a citizen of Russia, were forced to earn a living by begging. The story attracted the attention of not only local but also Russian media. However, for some reason, in many cases, it was embellished with chilling details. Reports claimed that the children were allegedly forced to
The Kyrgyz National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Maldybaev is preparing for the premiere. On January 31, its artists will present the updated ballet "Swan Lake" by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The audience can expect new sets and costumes, as well as previously unperformed pages from the score of the work. The plot is based on an ancient legend about the love between Prince Siegfried and the swan maiden Odette, who has been cursed by an evil sorcerer. This love story, set
The rock band from Bishkek, "The Rolls Band," performed their song "And I Love Her" in Kyrgyz in honor of World Beatles Day. The cover band "The Rolls Band," founded in 2010, specializes in performing songs by "The Beatles," "The Rolling Stones," Elvis Presley, and others. The lineup of this musical group is as follows: Ulan Omorov – vocals, harmonica, Ersultan Alykulov – vocals, bass guitar, Daniyar Jumanzarov – vocals, guitar, Dmitry Sosedov
Kyrgyzstan continues to develop the denunciation of the cooperation project with Russia for the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 and the Upper Naryn cascade of hydropower plants. The bill has already been sent by the republic's government to the parliament for discussion and refinement. Following the statement about the need to denounce the agreement and seek new investors for the projects from the head of state, Almazbek Atambayev, Prime Minister Temir Sariyev also spoke on the same
The Public Fund "Fund of Progressive Initiatives" in collaboration with the international public fund "Rosa Otunbayeva Initiative" launched the "STEM" and "Student Development Center" projects in the Naryn region on January 18. These projects are aimed at students in grades 8-11. They will be offered to schoolchildren free of charge and will take place at Naryn State University. Students from Naryn will have the opportunity to participate in intensive
The energy crisis and rolling blackouts in Kyrgyzstan this winter are no longer a threat. One of the two hydro units of the Toktogul HPP, which was damaged in a major accident at the end of December 2015, has been put back into operation. The incident occurred at the Toktogul HPP just a few days before the New Year. The first of the four operational hydro units went offline on December 23 – the morning after energy workers celebrated their professional holiday. The second unit failed five days
In 2016, Kyrgyzstan will gain more opportunities to export its products to the Russian Federation by reorganizing old and creating new trade and economic ties. The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Andrey Krutko, spoke about what will be done in this direction at his press conference. - Cooperation between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation in 2016 will develop in several directions at all levels. We are participants in
Last week, a television project called "Parliament Taxi" was launched in Kyrgyzstan. The idea is that once a week, one of the deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh will get behind the wheel of a taxi and drive citizens to their desired destination in Bishkek for free. During the ride, passengers will have the opportunity to communicate with their elected representative and share their problems. The first to take on the role of taxi driver was Uzarbek Zhilkybaev, a deputy from the SDPK
According to Prime Minister Temir Sariev, mandatory housing insurance for citizens will come into effect from February 1 of this year. - All houses must be insured without exception. If the housing is not insured but is damaged or destroyed as a result of a natural disaster, the government will not provide funds for its restoration. If the housing is located in a village, a person will pay 50 soms per month to the insurance company, which amounts to 600 soms per year. In the event of
In the coming years, citizens of Kyrgyzstan, which recently joined the EAEU, who wish to earn money in Russia, will stop being labor migrants without rights and with numerous obligations. They will receive equal rights with Russians in the labor market, as well as all social guarantees and access to medical services. This was stated by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Andrey Krutko, at his press conference. - The main task now
Kyrgyz special services demonstrated operational work with social media content to check for the presence of extremist or interethnic conflict-inciting publications. The first person detained in the new year of 2016 for this reason was Michael McPhee, an employee of the gold mining corporation Centerra Gold. The man made a post on Facebook comparing the national dish – horse sausage "chuchuk" – to a horse's genitalia. For this, he was detained and is now under investigation. On
Kyrgyz citizens are once again complaining about problems in the education system. Rising tuition fees, low teaching quality, expensive textbooks, and various fees are just a partial list of grievances against the Ministry of Education and Science and the government, which is justifiably growing. A correspondent from "AIF" tried to figure out how the state officials are addressing the main issues in the education sector. The first stage is school. According to the Ministry of
One of the offspring of Kyrgyz-Russian integration – the Kyrgyz-Russian Development Fund – is expected to undergo reforms and possibly an external audit in the near future. This was stated by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Kyrgyz Republic, Andrey Krutko, at his press conference dedicated to the results of 2015. During the quarter of active work, the fund has already granted loans for 307 million soms to 63 projects. Farmers engaged in
Kyrgyzstan is terminating the agreement with the Russian Federation on the construction of large hydropower projects, specifically the Kambar-Ata-1 Hydropower Plant and the Upper Naryn cascade of hydropower plants. This became known during the final annual press conference held on Thursday, December 24, by the head of state, Almazbek Atambayev. The implementation of the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower project and the Upper Naryn cascade of hydropower plants, the construction of which began back in
At the end of the outgoing year, Kyrgyzstan announced its intention to denounce the agreement with Russia regarding the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 and the Upper Naryn cascade of hydropower plants, the construction of which began back in 2009. It was supposed to involve a 50% joint participation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia. The future Kambarata HPP was expected to generate 4.4 billion kWh of electricity, covering not only the electricity needs of Kyrgyz citizens but also turning
A recent study conducted in the USA with financial support from Microsoft showed that three out of consumers want to have contactless communication in their cars, know real-time traffic conditions, and receive route recommendations. The study also revealed that while in the car, approximately 85% of mobile phone owners use their devices, and 50% of PDA owners refer to their electronic assistants and other additional options. The presence of automatic electronic features that create a
The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has introduced a gold collectible coin with diamond inlays called "Snow Leopard." This was announced by the head of the cash management department of the NBKR, Shamil Aydarkulov. The "Snow Leopard" has become the most expensive coin in the history of the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan. The collectible item is made of gold of 999 purity, with a nominal value of 200 soms. The obverse features a snow leopard with diamond eyes. The reverse side of
The Kyrgyz Republic will participate in the international Vigil of Memory 'We Are Millions of Panfilovites,' dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the counteroffensive of the Red Army near Moscow and the legendary feat of the soldiers of the Panfilov Division. On December 24, a press conference on this topic was held in Bishkek at the international press center 'News-Asia,' featuring the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Kyrgyz
On Thursday, December 24, at the state residence, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Almazbek Atambayev, held a final press conference for 2015. He made several quite loud statements that demonstrated a somewhat changed geopolitical position of the republic. In particular, Almazbek Sharshenovich voiced his position regarding the confrontation between Russia and Turkey, which began after Turkish Air Force shot down a Russian bomber attacking ISIS. His stance was quite soft and democratic, essentially
