Tajikistan Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia (History), Russian History, Central Asia, Tajikistan

The fourteen chapters in this book are the selected proceedings of the 6th Language & Development Conference which was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2003 with the theme 'Linguistic Challenges to National Development and International Cooperation'. The chapters discuss language policy issues in Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and elsewhere.

- by Hywel Coleman
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- Developing Countries, Thailand, Russian Language, Central Asia
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Post-Soviet Regimes, Nationalism, Central Asian Studies, Central Asia (History)
- by Evelin Grassi
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- Persian Literature, Tajik, Iranian Studies, Central Asian Studies
- by Evelin Grassi
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- Russian Studies, Persian Literature, Iranian Studies, Central Asian Studies
- by Evelin Grassi
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- Persian Literature, Iranian Studies, Central Asian Studies, Tajikistan

China’s dazzling infrastructure and energy-driven Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a US$1 trillion investment across Eurasia and beyond, has lost its shine. Increasingly, China’s leveraging of the initiative is being perceived by a growing number of recipients and critics alike as a geopolitical power play, a tool to shape a new world order partly populated by autocrats and authoritarians, and progressively characterized by intrusive surveillance, potential debt traps, and perceived as a self-serving way to address domestic overcapacity

- by James M. Dorsey
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- Southeast Asian Studies, Middle East Studies, South Asian Studies, South Asia
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia, Tajikistan

In the twenty years that have elapsed since the 1997 Tajik Peace Accord, Tajikistan has faced a number of significant threats, both internally and externally. Despite Tajikistan being the smallest and poorest country in Central Asia , it has managed to weather several storms and avoid a relapse into full violent conflict. This success may be attributed, in part, to President Rahmon’s move towards authoritarianism and his creation of an unobstructed, one-party government. The short-term success of this power consolidation, however, is likely to be undone by its long-term repercussions. As long as Islamist groups continue to find representation and support, their suppression will only create new grievances and undermine Tajikistan’s social cohesion over time. What specific steps will help to reverse this path are uncertain, but it is clear that regional and international actors must play a heavier role in achieving effective change if the Tajikistan government is unwilling to initiate. Finally, the peacebuilding community should re-prioritize Tajikistan as an urgent conflict prevention priority, using a grassroots approach to promote moderate voices, build community resilience, and expand the space for dialogue and non-adversarial approaches across Tajikistan’s various cleavages.

A forthcoming review of Driscoll's excellent recent book

- by John Heathershaw
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- Conflict, Central Asian Studies, Central Asia, Tajikistan
- by Jonathan Ludwig
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- Russian Studies, Russian Politics, Central Asian Studies, Central Asia (History)
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asian Studies, Central Asia, Tajikistan

CASA 1000 Electric Transmission Line Survey Report

- by Anna Perkowska
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- Russian Studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, Central Asian Studies
- by Christian Teichmann
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- Russian Studies, Soviet History, Water, Central Asian Studies
- by Evelin Grassi
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- Persian Literature, Iranian Studies, Central Asian Studies, Central Asia (History)

Local ownership is one of the popular paradigms of Western
development aid. It involves giving more effective control of the
design and implementation of development aid to local actors in
aid-receiving countries, including governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and local communities. This article contrasts
the understanding of local ownership as a top-down process
triggered by donors, with an alternative, bottom-up ownership,
which emerges spontaneously on the ground. By looking at the
case of a local NGO in post-Soviet Tajikistan, the article analyses
practices which reveal how the NGO actively takes ownership of
development aid through everyday work. This includes
fundraising, structuring relations with other organizations
competing for donor funding, selecting calls for proposals from
NGOs and writing grant applications. Each of these activities
involves negotiations of the goals and scope of development
work, against parameters imposed by donors. By means of
example, the article questions the application of the local
ownership paradigm in development work.

- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asian Studies, Central Asia (History), Central Asia, Tajikistan

Azan on the Moon is an in-depth anthropological study of people’s lives along the Pamir Highway in eastern Tajikistan. Constructed in the 1930s in rugged high altitude terrain, the road fundamentally altered the material and social fabric of this former Soviet outpost on the border with Afghanistan and China. The highway initially brought sentiments of disconnection and hardship, followed by Soviet modernization and development, and ultimately a sense of distinction from bordering countries and urban centers that continues to this day.
Based on extensive fieldwork and through an analysis of construction, mobility, technology, media, development, Islam, and the state, Till Mostowlansky shows how ideas of modernity are both challenged and reinforced in contemporary Tajikistan. In the wake of China’s rise in Central Asia, people along the Pamir Highway strive to reconcile a modern future with a modern past. Weaving together the road, a population, and a region, Azan on the Moon presents a rich ethnography of global connections.

- by Till Mostowlansky
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- Anthropology, Soviet History, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Road Transport
- by Markus Hauser
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- Cartography, Ecotourism, Unesco, Tajikistan

Page 1. Introduction to Central Asia By Rob Kevlihan Presented at the Centre for International Studies, Dublin City University, April 2006 Page 2. Page 3. Overview Comprises five states of the former USSR including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Strategically placed between Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan Asian region that was formerly part of the Soviet Union Page 4.

- by Rob Kevlihan
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- Central Asian Studies, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

This data article shows that most of the rail and road projects in which the Chinese are involved in Central Asia are implemented within the territories of individual countries and thus are still poorly linked with each other. However, these internal transport routes are expected to eventually form the basis of a new cross-regional network within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Smaller scale road construction and rehabilitation projects create linkages connecting China across Central Asia to South Asia, Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East.

- by Roman Vakulchuk and +2
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- Road Transport, Central Asian Studies, Rail Transport and Infrastructure, China
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia (History), Central Asia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Counter-extremism has become an important tool for the authoritarian government of Tajikistan to consolidate its position. In this article, we argue that counter-extremism is not purely about destructive acts, such as banning groups or arresting individuals: it is productive, too. Using a Foucauldian understanding of disciplinary power and biopower, we argue that counter-extremism in Tajikistan is an attempt to produce secular, docile citizen subjects who are resistant to extremist ideas. Using ethnography and discourse analysis, we focus on the way in which these practices are gendered, targeting the bodies of those deemed ‘dangerous’. Counter-extremism, we argue, is exercised not only by the state but also by citizens, who monitor themselves and others for signs of radicalization. Although some support state secularism, most merely accept it. A smaller group resist practices that target certain forms of religious belief and practice. We explore these everyday forms of resistance against disciplinary power and biopower.

- by Hélène Thibault
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- Security Studies, Gender, Michel Foucault, Islam

В статье анализируется международное сотрудничество Европейского Союза и Республики Таджикистан после распада СССР, в период становления независимости Таджикистана в 1991-2007 гг., до принятия стратегии ЕС по Центральной Азии. Отмечается, что в 2007 г. Европейским Союзом была принята «Стратегия нового партнерства» для стран Центральной Азии, которая стала важнейшим официальным документом, отражающим внешнюю политику ЕС в центрально-азиатском регионе и включающим такие сферы как: безопасность, образование, демократия, верховенство закона и права человека. Указывается, что с принятием данной стратегии взаимоотношения между двумя регионами поднялись на новый уровень, укрепивший взаимовыгодное сотрудничество как на региональном уровне (ЕС + ЦА), так и в двустороннем формате. Автор статьи опирается на источники исследования ЕС, России и Таджикистана.

This article examines the nexus between art and its ideological function, both discursively and in practice, in the Soviet socialist republics. Scrutinizing the case of visual monumental art in Soviet Tajikistan in the 1970s and 1980s, it can be seen that the geographical and cultural distance from Moscow, in addition to complex multi-actor and multi-level policy implementation channels, allowed for non-conventional artistic practices to develop in the Soviet periphery. The article highlights the role of local officials and, in particular, artists in re-appropriating the official identity formation process with specific ideas of "nationhood," religion, and gender relations, while at the same time aspiring to comply with the dominant socialist realism doctrine. It is argued that, contrary to the prominent slogan "socialist in content, national in form," artworks produced in the Soviet periphery were often socialist in form and "national" in content. While the artists skillfully worked within the monumental art tradition promoted by the state, thus relying on a socialist form, not infrequently the meaning of their works distorted, or even contradicted, the official ideology. Often this subversion was non-deliberate. Ultimately, however, the artworks ended up strengthening an autonomous local agency that policy-makers in Moscow sought to eradicate.

- by Karolina Kluczewska
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- Art History, Religion and Politics, Ideology, Gender
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia, Tajikistan
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia (History), Central Asia, Tajikistan

В монографии миграционные процессы в современном Таджикистане рассматриваются через призму гендера, в контексте глобализации и во взаимосвязи с социальной структурой, социальными институтами и процессами. Предметом исследования стали такие формы и виды миграционной мобильности населения Таджикистана как трансграничная трудовая миграция, учебная миграция молодежи, брачная миграция женщин и внутренняя миграция в направлении «село−город» на примере миграции сельских женщин в город Душанбе. Основное внимание автор уделил анализу изменений в социальной структуре сельского населения, социальных институтах (брак, семья), а также в гендерном статусе таджикских женщин в публичной сфере, которые происходят под влиянием миграционных и глобализационных факторов. Книга адресована социологам и всем тем, кто интересуется вопросами гендера и миграции в Таджикистане.

- by Sophia R. Kasymova
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- Sociology, Social Sciences, Labor Migration, Women and Gender Issues in Islam

History of the development of the Vakhsh Valley reclamation scheme (Vakhshstroi) in Tajikistan. Vakshstroi was a Stalin-era project as grandiose as better-known ones such as the construction of Magnitogorsk or Noril'sk. By Murat... more

- by Don Van Atta
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- Tajikistan, Stalinism, History of Tajikistan

This chapter takes a critical look at the EU-Central Asia cooperation since the 1990s until now. It argues that although this partnership has always stood out as smooth and balanced, and thus less fraught with major political controversies and abrupt U-turns compared to other external partners of the Central Asian region, one sees important limitations that call for revisiting of institutional and ideational aspects of interaction. The chapter analyses three aspects which reflect the nature of the real challenge: the burden of asymmetric power relations between the EU and Central Asian states; neglected differences and complexities of cooperation by the two parties; and the ‘project’-logic that mixes up cooperation with development assistance, and prioritises the continuity of engagement over the purpose of cooperation.

- by Karolina Kluczewska
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- International Development, European Union, Central Asia, Tajikistan
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asia (History), Russian History, Central Asia, Tajikistan

This paper deals with the strategies of households living in a peripheral high-mountain region
in order to cope with the post-Soviet energy crisis. The Soviet modernization project failed at
connecting the region to the grid, and imported coal for heating and fuel for producing electric
energy at high costs over long distances. After the collapse of this alimentation system, people
have substituted energy demands with wood and shrubs, and used increasingly available lowcost
Chinese solar equipment to produce electrical energy. International development actors
have failed to increase acceptance for energy efficiency technologies. Despite the Pamirs’
high potential for solar and wind energy and decreasing installation costs, Soviet-style state
planning of energy infrastructure still favours big hydropower stations, despite their high
(social) costs and the limited potential on the Pamir plateau. The paper will discuss bottomup
effects of household decisions and top-down strategies as potentials and obstacles for a
sustainable energy supply in the Pamirs.

Final report of the four-month Modernizing Extension and Advisory Services Field Support Activity in the Republic of Tajikistan. Implemented by the University of Illinois to support the US Government Feed the Future activity. Annexes to the report (some separate, some in the main report document) include a number of materials about agricultural policy, land reform, local government and economics in Tajikistan.

To overcome the traumas of the 1992-1997 civil war, the Tajik authorities have turned to history to anchor their post-independence nation-building project. This article explores the role of the National Museum of Tajikistan, examining how the museum discursively contributes to 'nationalising' history and cultural heritage for the benefit of the current Tajik nation-building project. Three main discursive strategies for such (re)construction of Tajik national identity are identified: (1) the representation of the Tajiks as a transhistorical community; (2) implicit claims of the site-specificity of the historical events depicted in the museum, by representing these as having taken place within the territory of present-day Tajikistan, thereby linking the nation to this territory; and (3) meaning-creation, endowing museum objects with meanings that fit into and reinforce the grand narrative promulgated by the museum. We conclude that the National Museum of Tajikistan demonstrates a rich and promising, although so far largely unexplored, repertoire of representing Tajik nationness as reflected in historical artefacts and objects of culture: the museum is indeed an active participant in shaping discursive strategies for (re)constructing the nation.

- by Helge Blakkisrud
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- National Identity, National Museums, Tajikistan, Uses of History
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Gender Studies, Central Asia, Tajikistan

This Handbook Chapter focuses on the United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT), a peacekeeping mission deployed by the UN Security Council from December 1994 to May 2000 in order to facilitate the implementation of peace agreements in Tajikistan following a devastating civil war. After providing an overview of the conflict in Tajikistan, the article outlines UNMOT’s mandate as well as its operational achievements and limitations, along with the lessons that can be learned from its experience. In particular, it highlights the challenges that come with trying to achieve stability, security, and democratization in a war-torn country such as Tajikistan.

- by Joachim Koops
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- International Relations, International Security, United Nations, Central Asia
- by Sergey Abashin
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- Central Asian Studies, Central Asia (History), Post-Soviet Studies, Central Asia

The study of civilizations, and culture of the Tajik people recently attracted archaeologists and artists. The unique findings of Tajikistan have encouraged them to expand their learning. Tajik people from the ancient times had different cultures that still exists in our country, with the findings of ancient world cultures. Most famous architects of the Soviet Union (USSR) including AM. Belenitsky, N.V Dyakonov, О.I. Smirnova, В. I. Raspopova, B.I Marshak V. L. Voronina has made a valuable contribution to the study of the ancient Panjakent. The ancient Panjakent (V-VIII centuries) with its rich history has been attracting archaeologists from all over the globe since 1946. Ancient Panjakent is located in the south of Panjakent in the upper region of Qaynar (one of the oldest springs in the Panjakent city). The expeditions proved that the ancient Panjakent was famous for its diversity of cultures in all nearest territories. The city and town planning (palaces, temples, residential buildings, etc.). Handmade craft, jewelry were developed in this city. After expeditions we have learned about the development of monumental art forms (painting, decomposition, distortions), its types (sculpture-sculpture from ceramics), and practical artistic (jewelry, etc.) in northern part of Tajikistan. In Central Asian regions after the Hellenistic era (334 to 220-30 BC), the combination of cultures appeared. In particular, the mixing of religions in close proximity, which the researchers called the influence of the Great Silk Road. In the ancient Panjakent, according to the findings had different rituals, cultures and religions. During this period different religions were practiced, like Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and so on. In this article, we would like to enlighten you about the presence of the Hindu religion in ancient Panjakent. One of the oldest and most influential religions in the world is Hindu religion. It appeared in the middle of the I-millennium. Hindu religion was based on the teachings of Brahmanism. Brahmanism worships the lord Brahma, the world's creator. With the Brahma also, lord Vishnu and the Shiva (the winner of the world) are worshiped by the sacred religion of Hinduism –as Trimurti.

- by Mubeerkhoni Muminpur
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- Religion, Hinduism, History, Tajikistan