Around this time three years ago, I posted about the video game “Metro 2033″, based on the novel by Russian journalist Dmitry Glukhovsky. The sequel (“Last Light”) has just been released, thus prompting this post. The setting of the series is an underground society founded by survivors of a nuclear war that was waged in 2013 (yikes!). They scrape by in the Moscow subway system, which has transformed into an almost Biblical sheol. NewEurasia’s snobbish managing editor Sanjar says, “it’s no War and Peace”. Sure, sure. But speaking as a person who’s probably imbibed way too much post-apocalyptic fiction since childhood, Glukhovsky and his compatriots at 4A Games have made one of the more engrossing scenarios in the genre. The series mixes mysticism, science fiction, and politics in an unusual way. It’s also nice to see some Eurasian sensibilities injected into Western popular culture; we’ve been surely lacking it since the Seventies.

Besides the horrific mutants prowling the ruined surface and the endless subterannean labrynth of tunnels, vents, and pipes, the survivors must also contend with each other. In an obvious satire of both Soviet history and contemporary Russian society, the metro has largely been divided into four major factions — the neo-Nazi Fourth Reich, the neo-Stalinist Red Line, the neo-liberal Hanseatic League (or “Hanza”), and the neo-pagan Polis. Polis is the most intriguing, as it is also the least explored (at least in the games). Insofar that the series is also a deconstruction of modern civilization, Polis represents something of a Camelot, an idyllic last bastion of balance between material and spiritual needs, which also serves as a kind of symbolic capital for the metro. A fifth faction, the Rangers (or “Spartans”), descends directly from the Russian military and is ideologically non-aligned but sort of politically aligned to Polis. The Rangers are on a mission to protect the metro, a loyalty-to-the-whole notion.

There is a surprising connection to Central Asia in the form of of one of the series’ most memorable characters, the mystical Khan Aitmatov. He is sort of a walking, talking, shooting piece of Russian Orientalism, right down the martial badassery, lonely nomadism, and panpsychism:

“Most people believe the Metro to be just tunnels and stations, a lifeless and soulless conglomerate created by human hands alone. [But] the Metro is a living, breathing thing… with a heartbeat and a soul — and a mind.”

Nevertheless, he also serves as a crucial mentor for the main character. In fact, in the original game, he represents one of two philosophical worldviews, the other represented by Hunter, a Ranger. The dualism hinges upon the willingness (Khan) or unwillingness (Hunter) to embrace the unknown. Hunter’s worldview is presented as the empirical one (“If it’s dangerous, kill it”) Khan’s as the spiritual one (“It’s not any more ‘evil’ than, say, fire. It all depends on your point of view”). Hunter’s view has a certain kind of common sense to it, all the more so in the blasted purgatory of the metro. However, if the player adheres to Khan’s view, though, he or shall achieve the better of two possible endings in the game.

“He who is brave and patient enough to peer into the darkness his whole life will be the first to see a flicker of light in it.”

The original novel has spawned an entire literary universe (and unless Glukhovsky and his coterie don’t act quickly to instigate horrific nuclear war, it shall quickly become a uchronic series, too). There are now books examining the metros of several other post-Soviet cities, and even somewhat strangely, a Russian Artic base (I’m not certain about how utility this series would have outside of its setting). Last year, the series finally went West, with a novel exploring the ruined London situation. Rumor has it plans are in the works for Paris, but no word yet on New York, arguably the London and Moscow’s main rival for title of world’s most famous subway system.

Now, if I could get Glukhovsky on the phone, I would certainly offer him my services to write a New York edition. But I would also try to pitch him a Tashkent and, yes, even an Almaty edition. The New York edition would certainly have its own version of Khan, a walking, talking, shooting piece of American Occidentalism, a zany Bahá’í who believes in optimsim, rationalism, and that the apocalypse represents the best chance at unity humanity has ever had — but who also likes whiskey a wee bit too much, not to mention the ladies (shut up Sanjar, it’s obvious who this character’s based upon!) But who knows, maybe Khan has a long lost relative in Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, too…

The Turkish World Writers and Artists Association (TÜRKSAV) shall be having its 17th annual “World Service Awards” at the end of this month. Twelve people, institutions and organizations from shall countries will be awarded in a ceremony held within the context of “Turkish Day” in the USA.

Click “read more” to see the winners and get contact information for the event.

KYRGYZSTAN
-President Almazbek ATAMBAYEV
(his supports and services to Turkish unity and Turkish world ideal)

TURKEY
- Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the U.S, Namık TAN
(His supports to Turkish NGOs in the United States, his approach to provide cooperation and service coherence among them, his unifier role in cultural and social activities on Turkish world in USA)
-Artist Rauf TUNCER
(leitmotifs of Turkish history in his works)
-Orhan HAKALMAZ
(His well-qualified efforts and services for Turkish folk music)

AZERBAIJAN
-Ambassador to Washington, Elin SÜLEYMANOV
(His supports and contributions to Turkish world lobbying against Armenian diaspora’s unfounded claims)

USA
-President Ergün KARLIKOVALI on behalf of Assembly of Turkish American Associations
-President Faruk TABAN on behalf of Turkic American Alliance
-President Ali ÇINAR on behalf of Federation of Turkish American Associations
(These three umbrella organizations’ common stands, attitudes and services for the sake of Turkey’s international interests)
-Prof. Edward FOSTER
(His contributions to cooperation studies between universities in Turkey and USA and his prsentations by translation of Turkish literature)
-Prof. Hasan Bülent PAKSOY
(His studies on Turkish epics)

KAZAKHSTAN
-Poet and Writer Muhtar ŞAHANOV
(His services for Kazakhstan’s freedom and independence locally, his contribution to Turkish world culture in general and as a present for his 70th birthday)

Macedonia
-Prof. Numan ARUÇ
(His services for Turkish world culture and art in Macedonia Science and Arts Academia)

Address: Fevzi Çakmak 2 Sokak 36/14 Kızılay-Ankara
Phone Number: 0532 415 76 19 – 229 74 17
Email: yavuzgurler@gmail.com

Deputy of  Kyrgyz Parliament Tursunbai Bakir Uulu publicly attribute to Internet users. He conducts dialogues with ordinary citizens. The deputy of Parliament uses such phrases as “homosexual” and “woman of easy virtue” and mentions Muslim name of god “Allah”.   In a phone conversation Tursunbai Bakir Uulu confirmed authorship of his internet account, in particular of this post: “Hey, homosexual, hear what the f*** you come into my personal life? I’m tired of repeating that I guy of traditional orientation. Come on, good-bye!”  and “Haha. Whose is the squeak out of the toilet? It squeaks of funny and naked young ladies who do not have national pride and honor of women.” He explained his internet activity in this way: “”We know that in Russia, killing many people from Central Asia and the Caucasus. Therefore, in order to deprive the Nazis makeup, I wrote a letter to Russian comedian Michael Galustian. He replied. But after more than 100 Nazis, sexual minorities have started to insult not only to me but also other people. I answered with dignity”. Leader of the “Ar-Namys” political fraction Felix Kulov, who is considered a man of discipline, said that the internet activity of officials in social networks, as individuals, their business. “The fact that some of the members playing in social networks, as an individual, and enter into the controversy, it’s a private matter. According to Bakir Uulu, he was attacked and answered them, “- said the People’s Deputy.

However another Kyrgyz Politicians demonstrate other content of their posts in social networks. Dastan Bekeshev, Deputy of Kyrgyz Parliament, posts information about Kyrgyz Parliament decisions and his own opinion. Among his post such information as: “The government has raised the excise tax on alcohol, increase will take effect from April 10”, he also gives the link of his official web site. Roza Otunbaeva, former President of Kyrgyz Republic, posts information about her activity. Large internet website of blogging gave her badge that confirms her authorship.

Among millions Kyrgyz Internet accounts can be found fake provocative accounts, which spreads false information. Aselya Abykeeva, Social Media Marketing specialist of large mobile operator says that Internet space is very important and necessary area that cannot be ignored. If a politician is important audience, you will certainly need to open accounts. All politicians want to be closer to the people, to get closer to Internet users should naturally be on the Internet. This is a very large audience and ignore it does not make sense. Kyrgyz politicians open accounts, but often do not do it skillfully – open only during the PR campaign and would merely add to friends, hoping that this is their audience.  However everyone decides for himself what to write in your own Internet page. But either way it can be very hit the reputation. If a public person does not want to get this result, we expressed obscene language is not necessary. Even if the information can be removed it is easy to make a screenshot and put it on Talks

Denis Berdakov, Managing Partner of SMM-agency “Digital Empire” adds: “People can trust Facebook and Twitter informational accounts, if you know exactly who you are reading. Dastan Bekeshev, Nurbek Toktakunov are bright examples who often throws off a lot of interesting information in Twitter, some of which could be the basis of official investigations in the various ministries on issues of corruption, abuse of power. But if you do not confident about authorship of information, you should accept it critically.”

There is new phenomena defined as BOT – English word from the robot- a program that automatically perform actions on the computer instead of people. “Bots benefit many people who, depending on the purpose. Well, for example, may be beneficial to increase the amount of an opinion when a certain group of Internet users support a particular point of view. Benefit for the same online campaigns when several users are beginning to rock the same theme from a different “sauce” and on various Internet sites. Thus, the common (untapped) internet user is under impression that most people think so. And he could not help beginning to support this point of view, there is the herd instinct is triggered (crowd psychology). Or, on the contrary to refute this or that point of view, and for that many accounts are fake, so you can cheat a little man in the street paid enthusiastic comments and redress the imbalance. Bots are often used in black PR”

According to Ella Taranova, Deputy Head of the editorial board of the CIS and Baltic States Departments of regional infrastructure projects and RIA News, level of confidence in traditional media in society, and especially in the former Soviet Union, for the time fell to a minimum. The worldwide trend is unambiguous – Journalism and Communication go to the Internet. And here face new demands information consumer, the first of which – superluminal speed. “Classical Journalism is dying, and will die forever. Future is for convergent journalism. In the same Russia now Internet users – almost half of the population, Kyrgyzstan is not exception”

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NewEurasia’s Annasoltan has become somewhat well-known in media studies because of her work on Turkmenistan’s mediascape. I’ve been reading some of the things she’s written, like “State of Ambivalence: Turkmenistan in the Digital Age” (which I think ended up being cited by Freedom House) and her really cyberutopian (but very inspiring) post “OtherTube, PseudoBook, and the fate of the world in Turkmenistan”. The Americans always say they want to add their “two cents” to an issue; I want to add my two teňňesi.

It is my belief that, of all the factors which contribute to the development of a country, media is the most important because of its far-reaching impact on society. Specifically, development is aided by a media which is committed to the truth, honest about its subjectivity, advocates on behalf of the public, and supports society’s cultural and scientific advancement. Any media which makes government approval its priority or is closed to the public fails to satisfy these needs. That is because independent, private media and democracy move along parallel tracks.

There’s a German philosopher named Jürgen Habermas who has written about the emergence of the public sphere in the West, which became the basis for democracy and which was fostered by media. In brief, history seems to suggest that countries with developed private media outlets tend to be more democratic than countries without sufficient private media. Public government-owned media, on the other hand, typically shrouds its message in an unfair bias for government agendas. As one reviewer puts it,

“[Cf.] Habermas’s 1963 book, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere, [in which he] examined the rise of public opinion and print culture in the eighteenth century. Habermas recognized that the explosion of the print industry—newspapers, pamphlets, and books—began to exert a powerful influence on political life separate from the traditional ruling agency exerted by the king, the aristocracy, and the parliament. For Habermas, it was not simply the growth of publishing that created the public sphere—it was the simultaneous dawn of a kind of consciousness that the public could be systematically addressed through a pamphlet as if a group of strangers were gathered together in a giant auditorium. Habermas saw this imaginary ‘public sphere’ as a potential democratic utopia where individuals could discuss national issues and come to common consent in public.”

When Turkmenistan became independent, we had only three television channels, all of which were publicly owned by the government. Today, Turkmenistan has a whopping total of seven channels, all of which, again, are owned by the government (*uncomfortable cough). Three broadcast the news; one broadcats reports in seven languages (okay, that’s kind of impressive); one focuses on sports; and one plays music.

Back in 1992, also had, very very briefly, two privately owned news publications, jpegs of which Annasoltan has published here and here. Today, none. The majority of Turkmenistanis have no interest in Turkmen newspapers, which are only read (by force) in classrooms by teachers (especially Mugallym and Nesil) [Ed.: Turkmenistani newspapers also tend to run the same content verbatim]; instead, they turn to Zaman, a Turkish newspaper with branches in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and our country.

Well, officially there is Rysgal, the weekly newspaper of the Turkmenistan Association of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (which, as watchers of our country know, served as the institutional bedrock for our official “second” political party, [Ed.: and which has a creepy resemblance to how Atatürk tried to do the same thing during the Great Depression]). It started coming out in mid September 2010.

The big announcement was what prompted Annasoltan’s posts. That’s because, in the words of the Chronicles of Turkmenistan, “[...] Rysgal cannot be referred to as an independent publication [because] it is a semi-official newspaper and entrepreneurs are not authorized to publish their materials (it says that the editorial board does not respond to and review letters)”. It’s more fake pluralism, fake liberalism, what Annasoltan has called the theatrics of freedom.

Nevertheless, as of 2011 (the last time anyone was paying attention) Rysgal‘s circulation was 5100 copies, and it sold for 1 manat — and, truth be told, it sold well. By the end of 2010, over had been published. But at that moment, the editor-in-chief was replaced by a non-journalist who had worked in the Association in charge of organizing exhibitions, then later doing human resources for them. The Chronicles remarks,

“It does not really matter what the reason was behind the personnel reshuffle:the fact that Rysgal established itself as an acknowledged print media outlet and started generating revenue which sparked the interest of some influential individuals or that the mass media should be controlled by trustworthy, as viewed by the authorities, individuals. The main conclusion is that under the present-day conditions the private newspaper failed to become independent and moreover, was prevented from doing so.”

Private ownership is absolutely crucial to good, healthy media. Again, Habermas (via the book reviewer quoted above):

“[Habermas'] book tells a sad story, however, because it also chronicles the loss of that utopian potential during the nineteenth and early twentieth century, when publishing media became consolidated in the hands of a few. Less and less the voice of a democratic public (if it ever was one), press media became largely the instrument of industrial magnates and the ruling class. In the United States, individuals like Randolph Hearst bought up newspapers and controlled public opinion. Presently, when Tom Brokaw addresses the U.S. ‘public’ on the evening news, that news is filtered and arranged by the megacorporations that own the television stations that bang the drum for war on Iraq’s oil. For Habermas, the challenge of the twentieth century is to reclaim the promise of the public sphere for genuine democratic debate.”

It’s now the challenge of the twenty-first century, especially in my nation. Our situation is no different, actually worse. Private ownership of television channels is strictly forbidden by authorities — a clear reluctance of the government to provide its citizenswith truthful, unbiased news regarding the state of the nation. The government knows that a private channel would alert the public to the mistakes and corruptions of the authorities.

In the present situation, the government has absolutely no difficulty keeping the population ignorant with regards to its malpractice and corruption when it owns all of the nation’s media outlets. Moreover, the government criminalizes private media, so that anyone who attempts to spread legitimate information for the benefit of society, if caught, is severely penalized. All information that is allowed is “feel-good” news: of festivals, weddings, social and political improvements — basically, anything that will present the political situation in a favorable light, or at least distract from it. To paraphrase the old Roman expression, it’s nothing but çörek and festivals…

Pinterest, one of the latest photo blogging platforms, is being used by citizen journalists, traditional new outlets and creative people alike. Sharing images (all of which lead to website links)  and creating boards, or galleries, full of one’s favorite things—from fashion, to cooking, bridal and quotes—is what Pinterest does best. This “pinboard-style photo sharing website” is no stranger to Central Asia; from pictures of fabric patterns to travel destinations, ‘Pinners’ are crazy over the region and what it has to offer.

After arriving at the website, type ‘Central Asia’ in the top left hand corner search launch and begin exploring the yielded results through pins, boards and people. Culture, culture and more culture; embroideries and antique tribal ceramics are just the beginning of what images await. Particularly searching for boards, under the ‘Central Asia’ search result, one is happily overwhelmed by the ceded results; Uzbek cultural heritage sites, Kazakh architecture and landscape, Ala-too Square in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), Turkmen political leaders’ statues, adorable Tajik children dressed in traditional clothing and more.

So, if Central Asia seems like an interesting far place, too far away for a not-so savvy traveler but close tech savvy web users, Pinterest may well be the perfect place; an educational database of images that capture the life of the regions land and people.

Are any neweurasia followers out there on Pinterest and happily ‘pinning’ images of Central Asia? If so, let us know!

Turkmenistan is one of the most repressive countries in the world for journalists. In the Press Freedom index by Reporters without borders (2011-2012) Turkmenistan ranks third from the end – the worse in only in North Korea and Eritrea.

Wonderful neighborhood!

Is there a chance that in the near future situation will changes?

New Year celebration in Ashgabat. Photo: website “Turkmenistan. Golden Age”

“No one can deny or ban the media to disseminate information of public interest, except in accordance with the law,” – says the new law.

For the first time in the life of the citizens of Turkmenistan have the right by law to use the media to express opinions and beliefs, to seek, receive and disseminate information, highlights Lenta.ru

Government will allocate funds from the state budget on the development of the media, as well as provide tax incentives to their founders.

What will get Turkmen people and journalists of this country from this law? How sincere desire Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to have free media in his own country? His colleagues from neighboring countries – Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have liberal media laws for a long time, and regularly give speeches in which they talk about freedom of speech and freedom of media. But there are no movement beyond the words.

Time will tell what exactly will change this law in Turkmenistan. We, of course, hope for the best!

Speaking frankly, I’m not just glad 2012′s over, I’m relieved. Wow, what a tough year it’s been for NewEurasia, both in front and behind the computer screen. I guess you can say we went through our own private little Mayan apocalypse, although it happened well before 21 December. But I’m happy to report that we appear to have pulled through, and with a new team to boot!

First, I’d like to introduce everyone to our new Managing Editor, Sanjar Rakhmatov. He’s been on board for about a month now, and has breathed new life into our content flow. Next up, I’d like to introduce our new Country Editors for Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan: Hammurabi, Loki, and Khayyam, respectively. For the moment, they’re mostly busy on the Russian side of our network, although English readers will have already become acquainted with Khayyam.

Dedicated readers will have noticed our gradual shift toward more arts and culture-related coverage. This is part of an ongoing experiment in our format, and indeed, our evolution as an organization. Along those lines, I would also like to take a moment to thank our donors for their ongoing support and patience. Our organization is small and fairly avant garde, so sometimes things can get messy. Still, we continue to progress, and I look forward to the future!

* * *

By the way, be sure to check out our, ahem, seasonal “classical”, “Why Ded Moroz is infinitely more badass than Santa Claus”. ;-)

Editor’s Note: The rumor mill that Turkmenistanis depend upon for information, but which they also insightfully nickname the “Village Women’s Newswire” appears, to be going digital. NewEurasia’s Magtymguly Pyragy reports on a recent online scare, and provides translations of the speculations of Turkmenitzens trying to grapple with a terrifying — but at the moment unfounded — monetary apocalypse.

In Turkmenistan people do not get their news from official media. The most effective communication is word of mouth. It is being referred to as the “Aunts’” or “Village Women’s Newswire” (in Turkmen: dayzalar, “aunts”; obanyn ayallary, “village women”), i.e., the rumors or gossip spread by housewives and the like that is often believed to be reliable even if there is no reason to believe that. Indeed, some believe that some “reports” on this “Newswire” are being deliberately leaked by government officials, either to test the reaction of the population or to make people get used to something that is imminent, such as price hikes. Typically as with rumors, such “reports” have in some cases actually proven to be true, which is why it is hard to tell people to stop depending on this method of information. Worst of all, these “reports” can spread like wildfire, because information conditions in Turkmenistan are so terrible and boredom is so much that it is almost like infotainment.

One recent case has made rounds made Turkmenistan’s people to panickedly change their dollars for Turkmen manats: a post on the Facebook group of the new site SalamTurkmen about the imminent collapse of the US dollar, specifically in January 2013. Currently, 1 dollar stands at 2.84 manats, but if the rumors are true, it shall fall to 1.6 manats. The SalamTurkmen post has unleashed wild speculations from users, highlights of which that I think reveal a lot of Turkmen mindset at the moment I translate here:

M.A.: “If the value of the dollar falls it would be very good for the people, but would cost the state a lot of money. It would be good for the people, but it has also a reverse side. If the dollar falls and the price of the goods stay the same according to calculation on dollars, nothing would change. But it would be good for the student.”

I.C.: “Nothing will happen. It’s probably a game by dollar traders to make a profit.”

B.N.: “Now as it is you pay 284 manats for a good worth 100 dollars. If dollar falls and manat rises, 100 dollars would be equal to 150 manats and it would mean that you can buy for 150 manats what you would otherwise get for 284 manats. This, my friends, would be quite useful for us.”

M.M.: “I think that according to the current state system there is no production but everything is being imported from abroad, therefore if dollar falls it would be great. Our people working in Turkey, the boys and girls would return to our homeland.” [Ed.: Cf. Annasoltan's 2010 post on the plight of Turkmen workers in Turkey.]

E.H.: “People, if the dollar falls it would not be good at all for us. If you ask me why, if the dollar has a low value everything would be expensive. For example when a dollar was equal to 25 manats once things were cheap but now with 14 manats for a dollar a lot of things have got expensive. Therefore try to think in broader terms.“

M.B.: “Could these rumors be possibly true? Yes, they could. If the dollar falls, more disadvance than advantage can be expected. 1. The state would slip into a crisis. 2. Clothing, electronic devices and other stuff coming from abroad would get more expensive because they are bought on dollars. The people working abroad would return, this time coming back with eyes open but since there would be no jobs for them there could be protests or the like. Furthermore, it would be a difficult situation for valyutchiks [Ed.: i.e. those trading in foreign currencies] ;)”

Anon.: “The manat would gain value and our money and incomes would equal international standards. Then, our people working abroad would come back. The foreign companies in Turkmenistan working based on condition of dollars would want to leave because their profits would be reduced. The benefit for Turkmenistan would be extremely big.”

And me? I also belong to those who wish the dollar to fall, the national currency to gain value and the imported goods to become less expensive.

Of course, I don’t want to diminish the huge concern the world should have about this situation, but at the same time, I don’t want us captured by illusion either. “Free press” in Kazakhstan has always been a flexible, philosophical concept. As Freedom House (and others) note, “Kazakhstan’s media outlets are privately owned but firmly under the control of major financial groups affiliated with the regime.” In other words, the media is under the control of national elites, and what we on the outside see as “opposition” is frequently just disagreements and feuds between them (not to mention the fact that opposition and independence are not the same concept). This situation includes several of the agencies that have been recently drowned.

We should never forget that few regimes are as skilled at the spectacle of neo-liberalism as Kazakhstan’s. The “opposition” voices that shall survive this tsunami will be those pre-selected/pre-filtered, thereby giving a veneer of modernization to the country. And in the aftermath, they shall all be sounding the same cry as on Kazakhstan’s official new holiday, 1 December, “First President’s Day”, proclaiming: “One Country! One Destiny! One Leader!”