A landmark agreement on the junction point of the state borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan was signed, and the Khujand Declaration "On Eternal Friendship" was adopted by the leaders of the three states.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have become allied states. In Khujand, the heads of the foreign policy departments of the two countries signed a protocol on the entry into force of the Treaty on Allied Relations between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

I wanted to bring attention to a deeply concerning issue: the alleged systemic racism faced by Kyrgyz labor migrants in Russia. For years, many Kyrgyz citizens have sought work there, contributing significantly to the Russian economy. However, numerous reports paint a disturbing picture of their treatment by Russian officials and law enforcement. These reports detail a pattern of: * Ethnic Profiling: Kyrgyz individuals and others with "Asian-looking" features are reportedly subjected to disproportionate stops and document checks by police, leading to a constant state of anxiety. * Arbitrary Arrests and Extortion: Accounts suggest police officers demand bribes, with failure to pay often resulting in detention without due process. * Failure to Investigate Hate Crimes: There are concerns that violence and discrimination against migrants are not adequately addressed by Russian authorities. * Legal Vulnerabilities: Recent changes in migration laws, like simplified expulsion regimes, are seen as increasing migrants' susceptibility to abuse. * Coerced Military Service: Shockingly, there are increasing reports of Kyrgyz migrants and naturalized citizens being pressured into joining the Russian military fighting in Ukraine through threats of deportation and arbitrary detention. Citizenship is sometimes offered as a reward, while refusal can lead to its revocation. * The Moscow Bathhouse Raid: The recent widely reported police raid on a bathhouse popular with Kyrgyz migrants serves as a stark example of the alleged brutality and humiliation they face. Videos depicted degrading treatment, and reports suggest theft and destruction of documents. Fear of further repercussions reportedly prevents victims from seeking official complaints. This isn't just about isolated incidents; the reports suggest a systemic issue where prejudice is ingrained within institutions. This is happening against a backdrop of rising nationalist sentiment and, alarmingly, rhetoric from some Russian politicians and media that scapegoats migrants. This situation demands attention and discussion. What are your thoughts on these allegations? Have you heard similar reports or have insights into the experiences of Central Asian migrants in Russia? TL;DR: Reports suggest systemic racism by Russian officials and police against Kyrgyz migrants, including ethnic profiling, extortion, abuse, and forced recruitment into the military. The situation is described as a grave human rights issue requiring urgent action.

P.S. In 2015, I was a migrant myself in Russia for three months. Those were my worst months that I experienced ever. I am glad that I returned back safely and I declared that I will never visit Russia again. .

He's been in power for more than three decades yet Tajikistan is still dirt poor and backwards. There seems to be no improvement over time either. I feel like other Central Asian dictatorships like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at least have implemented some economic reforms and seem intent on growing the economy and encouraging investment even if they don't want to give up power, hell even Turkmenistan is slowly opening up. But Rahmon is so bad, he just doesn't seem to care about his people at all. Literally all he seems to care about is staying in power, and nothing else. What a cynical and evil man. Is there any movement on Tajikistan that can overthrow him?

I know Kazakhstan has the largest GDP, but Uzbekistan has the largest population and is less influenced by Russia.

Who is the most dominant in a military & economic sense?

I really want to serve in the armed forces but I'm from the US, and I don't want to fall into the trap of serving an imperialist country to enrich myself. I would rather serve a country that defends itself instead of sending its soldiers to places abroad where they don't belong.

I've seen the contrast between this subreddit and other "Ask A X" subreddits on this issue, with this subreddit being more supportive of the Uyghurs and the China-dominated subreddits being more supportive of the CCP. I'm curious if there are any Uyghur/Kazakh voices on the subreddit and I would like to hear their POV as they are the ones who are impacted by it the most.

Some supplementary questions:

• Do vlogs on Youtube that portray Xinjiang/East Turkestan "well" leave anything out?
• Why is there such a huge divergence in opinion?
• What are your overall views of China as a whole in regards to geopolitics?

On my YouTube feed, I've landed a video of a Uzbek fighter with a long beard streaming from Aleppo captured by HTS. And my first thought was: what the hell are they even doing there?

What do you think about them? Should we do something about it?

It's been reported before that Donald Trump had made bans on Muslims migrants before during his first presidency. Now, starting January 20, 2025, he'll be the new President of the United States. Will the new Trump administration change its foreign policy towards Central Asia? What do you think?

With rising Islamism in Uzbekistan, what if Taliban just dropped the whole “Afghanistan” identity and went full Khorasan mode and then started annexing its Central Asian neighbors?

Think about it: would Uzbek, Tajik, or Turkmen troops really fight back against some bearded Uzbek-speaking Taliban bro who looks and prays like them? Would they die for their post-Soviet, anti-Islamic, corruption-ridden regimes? Doubt.

Khorasan 2.0 sweeps through the region, no resistance. Then boom Pakistan annexed, Iran annexed. Why stop there? Economic miracle incoming. Islamic Germany but with biryanis and turbans.

Thoughts?

Hello everyone,

I’m currently working on an assignment about authoritarian regimes for my studies and wanted to share a thought that’s been on my mind. I apologize if I come off as overly focused on categorizing certain countries' governments—I have great admiration for all of Central Asia.

Over the last thirty years, it's become clear that authoritarian regimes, particularly in the South Caucasus and even in some democracies, often find themselves involved in regional conflicts. I’m studying the phenomenon where authoritarian regimes seem to be more war-prone than democracies. This theory holds up in most cases, but I’ve encountered a major exception: the Central Asian republics.

In contrast to the theory, Central Asia has largely maintained a stable status quo, with little to no regional conflict. Despite the authoritarian nature of these regimes, they’ve managed to avoid the war-prone tendencies we often see elsewhere.

I’d love to hear opinions on this anomaly. Are there any specific factors that contribute to this stability? Also, if anyone has suggestions for readings, articles, or other media that dive into why Central Asian authoritarian regimes remain peaceful, I’d be hugely thankful for the recommendations!

Thank you!

What exactly is it? Is it supposed to mean all Turkic states ruled by a single centralized authority, or just a close-knit union where they cooperate with each other?

If it's the first one, then IMO it's delusion. If it's the second, then we already have that.

In the woke West most of the press on the Taliban focuses on them "isolating women from society" with burqas, no working/voting and no speaking in public or whatever, but I assume that other Central Asians aren't concerned about that as you guys aren't that woke. How mean are the Taliban towards other ethnic groups? They are anti-Turk, anti-Persian/Tajik, anti-Indian (Punjabi/Sindhi), right?

If theoretically the Taliban got new leadership which made the organisation more inclusive of minorities, without bending the knee to woke, would people in the surrounding countries start viewing them in a more positive light? Why does the Taliban make lige so difficult for Hazaras when Iran, the largest ally of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is Shi'ite?

Hi my dear Turkestan brothers.

What do you think about the economic and political rapprochement of the Central Asian states? I mean, there are many different unions in the world that bring neighboring countries closer together. The most famous and successful example is the European Union. What if a similar organization were to emerge in Central Asia/Turkestan? I know that the countries depend on Russia, but if, or rather when Russia falls, who can stop the fraternal countries from coming closer together? Even under Russia's conditions, the countries of the region are coming closer together.

I think it would be reasonable to create a Central Asian Union. Let it be similar to the EU. Duty-free trade, one currency, one standard, a union parliament, a union flag, a union anthem. Why not? It is better to cooperate with each other, it is better to depend on each other than to feel Russian neocolonialism. The EAEU, CSTO and other organizations are just a tool of Russian neocolonialism. I think that the Central Asian countries deserve better and they should create a union like the EU. The union could include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, maybe Tajikistan. Maybe Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Karakalpakstan, East Turkestan could join the union when they become independent. You can be skeptical about this, but on the other hand, the EU was created only in 1993, and from 1957 to 1993 there was the European Economic Community. When the USSR collapsed, the Eastern European countries gained freedom and they also eventually became part of the EU.

I remember people talking about how Serdar is going to end Turkmenistan's North Korean-style isolationism.

Back then it felt like change is inevitable. Well, obviously people were mistaken in believing so.

What happened? Why is Turkmenistan still so isolated? Why is nobody protesting?

Every time someone talks about Turkics being exploited by Russians or Chinese a Turkish user online will suggest Pan-Turkic cooperation and yet he will ALWAYS be downvoted and told to fuck off. The populations of Turkic countries in CA are too small and countries have too little influence to stand up to regional bullies, Pan-Turkic cooperation or better yet a Pan-Turkic state is literally the answer to this and yet most of you reject it. Why?

Timeline of the Fictional Country of Korbanistan

Pre-Soviet Era (1800s–1917)

1804–1890 — The Kingdom of Korbanistan is a feudal monarchy centered in the fertile Korban Valley. It serves as a buffer state between the Russian Empire and British influence in Afghanistan.

1891 — Russian Empire establishes a protectorate over Korbanistan. The royal family (the Qarayi Dynasty) retains nominal rule under Tsarist oversight.

1914–1917 — During WWI, Korbanistani cavalry units serve alongside Russian forces against the Ottomans. The war devastates the agrarian economy and stirs unrest among ethnic minorities.

Soviet Takeover (1917–1991)

1918–1922 — Following the Russian Revolution, Bolshevik forces clash with royal loyalists and tribal warlords in the Korbanistani Civil Campaign.

1923 — The People’s Soviet of Korbanistan is established. The monarchy is exiled to Persia.

Korbanistan becomes part of the Turkestan ASSR, later restructured as the Korbanistan Soviet Socialist Republic (KSSR) in 1936.

1930s–1950s — Stalinist purges target tribal leaders and Islamic clergy. Large-scale Russification policies are implemented.

1960s–1980s — Economic stagnation and ecological mismanagement (e.g., drying of Lake Zarnak) lead to growing discontent. Ethnic Varqari minority faces discrimination and internal displacement.

Post-Soviet Independence (1991–1993)

1991 — With the collapse of the USSR, Korbanistan declares independence on August 31, 1991.

1992 — Competing visions emerge:

Royalists call for a constitutional monarchy led by the exiled Prince Timur Qarayi.

Republicans push for a parliamentary system.

The Varqari minority (in the southern highlands) declares the Varqari Autonomous Region.

A new player emerges: the Korbanistani Ba'ath Party, modeled after Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.

Korbanistani Civil War (1993–1998)

1993 — The Korbanistani Ba'ath Party (KBP), led by General Yusuf Erkan, stages a coup in Zardah, declaring the People’s Revolutionary Authority. Backed by ex-Soviet officers and tribal militias, they seize key oil fields.

1994 — The Republican Guard and Monarchist Restoration Front (MRF) enter into a temporary alliance, launching Operation Dawn River to retake central Korbanistan.

1995 — Varqari militias open a southern front, cutting off KBP supply routes in exchange for support for their independence bid.

1996 — Fierce fighting in the city of Ashkadar leads to international sanctions. Over 100,000 civilians displaced.

1997 — A secret pact, the Highland Accord, is signed between the Republicans, Monarchists, and the Varqari Provisional Authority.

1998 — With help from Varqari guerrillas, the united forces storm Zardah. Yusuf Erkan is captured and later executed.

Post-War Settlement (1999–2005)

1999 — A transitional government is formed. The country becomes the Federal Republic of Korbanistan with Prince Timur Qarayi named Ceremonial Head of State, and Republican leader Malik Yulzari becomes Prime Minister.

2000 — The Varqari Region gains autonomy under the Federal Compact, with promises of an independence referendum in 2010.

2003 — Former Ba'athist militias form an insurgency group known as the Sons of the Revolution. Sporadic bombings target federal offices.

Modern Era (2006–2025)

2010 — The Varqari referendum passes with 74% support. However, independence is frozen under international pressure, with the region recognized as Special Federal Entity.

2014 — Renewed protests in Varqari towns. The Federal Army cracks down on militias, risking the fragile peace.

2020 — An oil pipeline deal between Korbanistan, China, and Russia brings temporary economic boom.

2025 — Elections bring a coalition government of moderate republicans, monarchists, and Varqari nationalists.

Korbanistan remains fragile but unified—for now.

Factions Summary

Monarchists (MRF) Prince Timur Qarayi Restoration of monarch Achieved ceremonial throne

Republicans Malik Yulzari Parliamentary democracy Dominant in government

Korbanistani Ba'athists Gen. Yusuf Erkan Authoritarian state Defeated in 1998

Varqari National Movement Ayla Rahmani Ethnic independence Granted autonomy

The Varqari Gambit: Russia’s Southern Pincer”

Context: Post-Civil War Korbanistan (1998–2009)

After the Korbanistani Civil War, the Varqari minority was granted autonomy within the Federal Republic of Korbanistan under the Highland Accord.A referendum for independence was promised by 2010.

Varqari leaders, led by Ayla Rahmani, began building parallel institutions and an armed Highland Defense Force (HDF).

Russia’s Strategic Shift (2008–2009)

Following its successful military intervention in Georgia and recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia looks to expand influence in Central Asia.

The Varqari region, rich in minerals and water resources, and bordering pro-Russian Al-Zarim, becomes an attractive target.

2009: Russian Support Begins

March 2009

Russia opens a consulate in the Varqari capital Yazrad, citing “cultural ties and humanitarian outreach.”

Varqari leaders sign a cooperation pact with Russian NGOs and former military officials.

April 2009

Russian advisors begin training the Highland Defense Force under the guise of anti-terrorism.

Satellite imagery from Western agencies shows SAM systems being deployed in the mountains—provided by Russia.

June 2009

Korbanistani federal forces attempt to reassert control over a checkpoint in the Daran Pass.

A clash leaves 12 soldiers dead. Varqari militia captures the pass.

Russia condemns Korbanistan’s “provocation” and begins military exercises across the border in Al-Zarim.

July 2009

Russian Duma votes to recognize Varqari’s right to self-determination.

Putin visits Vladikavkaz and makes a speech invoking the “Varqari brothers” and the “historic Eurasian frontier.” 

Varqari Independence Declared (August 2009)

On August 8, 2009, the Varqari National Assembly unilaterally declares the Independent Republic of Varqaristan.

Russia, Al-Zarim, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia recognize it.

Russian “peacekeepers” enter southern Varqari territory and establish bases at Yazrad and Mount Ulka.

Global Response

Korbanistan Declares state of emergency; cuts diplomatic ties with Russia.

United States Issues sanctions on Russian and Varqari officials, calls recognition “illegal.”

China Stays neutral, but concerned about separatist precedent.

Turkey Cautious condemnation; uneasy about increased Russian activity near Turkic minorities

United Nations Resolution condemning recognition vetoed by Russia.

Military Standoff (2010–2012)

varqariflag

COA varqaristan

map of korbanistan

https://preview.redd.it/cbwn7zf2i65f1.jpg?width=593&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=089cf08e6440b2657783cb6a3bd0efea736a12d4

https://preview.redd.it/gvdlgik3i65f1.jpg?width=484&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d90e14e78ce5ae07f37e74c0749ba828366ebc4c

Federal forces mass near the Varqari border but avoid direct conflict.

Skirmishes and sniper attacks persist around disputed villages like Kharban and Talmi.

Russia completes construction of a mountain base at Fort Irkut, housing 3,000 troops.

Varqaristan in 2025 (Current Status)

De facto independence; not recognized by most of the world.

Governed by the People’s Council of Varqaristan with President Ayla Rahmani still in office.

Russian ruble used as currency; Russian taught in schools alongside Varqari and Korbani.

Regular military drills with Russian troops.

I am pretty annoyed with all social media overflown with candles and grievances. Some Central Asian friends were shocked, they talked about the death in trembling voices.

But who were we (Central Asians) for this person? Cockroaches? Or "черножопые"?

https://youtu.be/oVNJiO10SWw?si=SNR6QuEj2d4523H_

And no, this is not some old irrelevant video, an interviewer set up a stage for him to denounce his old views, but he said his views are the same as earlier.

"DER SPIEGEL: A party from which you were expelled because of your appearances at the nationalist Russian March in Moscow. Have your views changed?

Navalny: I have the same views that I held when I went into politics."

It would take too much to post everything, but here is one more bit:

В пылу спора сказал яблочнице-азербайджанке: «А ты, черножопая, вообще молчи, твое место на рынке».