I am the Central Asia editor. I work with authors to produce engaging and inspiring stories that cover five Central Asian countries, Mongolia and Afghanistan. I am interested in social, political and economic developments in these countries. I am from Kyrgyzstan, but I currently live and work in Ulaanbaatar. Outside of work, you can find me either curled up with a book, cooking or enjoying outdoors.
Latest posts by Nurbek Bekmurzaev
What stands behind Central Asia’s ugly problem with domestic violence
The widespread nature of the problem translates into the endless cycle of outrageous stories of assaults and murders of women in the region.
How Mongolia became a 3×3 basketball powerhouse
The national teams’ success in basketball has broken the popular belief that Mongolians can only excel in individual sports.
Kyrgyzstan’s unsung heroes get recognition through street art
The Kadam project is an example of an initiative by individuals who are passionate about bringing social change via creative means.
Central Asia’s unique tradition of singing during Ramadan keeps evolving
Jaramazan’s growing popularity has taken it to restaurants, parks, roads, and offices, where it is performed by professional singers, small children, and youngsters alike.
Kyrgyzstan’s blockbuster film is a moving tale of the bond between a mother and son
According to the film’s director Ruslan Akun, its main goal is encouraging people to be merciful towards each other and do good deeds.
Uzbekistan's recent anti-religious measures present a worrisome trend for its Muslims
This is not the first time Muslims in Uzbekistan, who make up 94 percent of the population, face persecution due to their beliefs.
Natural disasters in Mongolia grow worse and threaten the future of nomadic way of life
Although it is animals that die during dzud, these disasters affect the entire nation.
Kyrgyzstan’s security chief is on a mission to solve every problem in the country
Tashiev’s current post is by far the highest and most powerful he has held over his decades-long political career.
A deep dive into the musical repertoire of Turkmenistan’s national leader
A major part of Berdimukhamedov’s personality cult has been his musical career.
Tajikistan’s president’s son is the man behind the national football team’s success at the Asian Cup
The national team’s heroics will breathe confidence and optimism into everyone implementing the national football development program called “Orzu-2026” (Dream-2026).
Uzbekistan’s repression survivors tell their harrowing stories in a new documentary
This is one of the first attempts to tell the story of more than 18,000 people who were jailed on trumped-up charges and labelled “extremists” by Uzbekistan's Karimov government.
Uzbekistan is finally starting to address its air pollution problem
In December 2023, Tashkent recorded the second-highest air pollution levels, coming behind only India’s Delhi.
Terrorists from Tajikistan have become a global menace
Over the last decade, Tajikistan’s foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) have brought their homeland under a negative limelight on numerous occasions.
Kyrgyzstan’s self-proclaimed ‘new God’ and former presidential candidate found dead in prison
Abdyldaev’s death is another incident of the alarming trend that has been unfolding under the rule of the current president Sadyr Japarov.
What did Central Asian presidents talk about in their New Year's addresses?
These New Year's addresses provided a glimpse into Central Asian governments' perspectives on their countries' achievements and challenges.
Will organized crime survive the government onslaught in Central Asia?
Organized crime groups in the region are retreating, but the question remains whether the government onslaught will succeed in eliminating their influence.
Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approves changing the national flag
The president has provided eyebrow raising explanations for changing the flag.
Kazakhstan’s ex-president releases a controversial memoir
Nazarbayev confirmed the long-stading rumors and admitted having an extramarital affair with Asel Isabayeva.
Uzbekistan celebrates reformist Jadid movement in the new documentary
It seems the Jadids' return to the public space will be long-term with the government using their legacy as means of inspiration.
What to make of the Taliban's increasing engagement with China
The multi billion dollar investment deals created an unprecedented buzz around the future of Chinese presence in Afghanistan.
In Russia, a Tajik citizen is detained on charges of spying for Ukraine
If the allegations are true, this represents a new phase in the participation of Tajik nationals in the war in Ukraine.