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Central Asia

Many of the Jewish graves in Kyrgyzstan are adorned with Stars of David.

The Jewish graves in Kyrgyzstan are fading. But a small Jewish community continues to thrive. 

History

An estimated 40,000 Jews fled fighting in the western part of the Soviet Union during World War II and sought refuge in Central Asia. Today, only about 1,500 Jews still live in Kyrgyzstan, but the small community continues to thrive.

World powers battle for influence over Central Asia

The World

Tibet on the Pages of Comic Books

Conflict & Justice

Self-Immolation in Tibet

Conflict & Justice

Kyrgyzstan’s Akyn Poets

Arts, Culture & Media
The World

Where Apples Come From

Arts, Culture & Media

For our Geo Quiz, we want to know where apples originated, thousands of years ago. Scientists point to a Central Asian mountain range where Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China meet.

Central Asia

As military action in Afghanistan and its environs becomes more likely, host Steve Curwood talks with Frederick Starr of the Central Asian Institute at Johns Hopkins University about how the oil business around the Caspian Sea might be affected.

The World

Kyrgyzstan refugees flee ethnic violence

Conflict & Justice

Tens of thousands of refugees from southern Kyrgyzstan are fleeing to neighboring Uzbekistan after three days of violence aimed at ethnic Uzbeks. Hamid Ishmailov, head of BBC’s Central Asian and Caucasus service, reports from Kyrgyzstan.

The World

A disturbing practice re-emerges in Afghanistan

Lifestyle & Belief

Hundreds of boys in Afghanistan are being sexually abused with the return of a centuries-old practice called ‘bacha bazi,’ which means ‘boy play.’

The World

Resettling Tibetan nomads

Business, Economics and Jobs

The Chinese government has moved hundreds of thousands of Tibetan nomads off pastures and into towns in recent years. Tibetans have mixed feelings about the move, especially since most of them weren’t given a choice. Mary Kay Magistad reports.