Author Archives: Marina Kozlova

About Marina Kozlova

Founder and Editor of Yep.uz. 30 years in international journalism (AP, UPI, Interfax, World Politics Review). Born in Tashkent, she lived in Europe for five years and has traveled extensively across Central Asia and the world. Translator, educator, and founder of the "Suhbat" Tashkent Book Club. Amateur chef and connoisseur of home cooking from many countries.

Military exercises and combat readiness inspections held in Nukus and Termez

In recent days, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense has reported on several military training activities conducted at the Nukus and Termez training grounds, as well as in the Termez garrison. According to the ministry, regular field training exercises were held at the Nukus training ground of the Northwestern Military District. Service members carried out combat training

Namazgoh Mosque and the Tashkent Islamic Institute

Namazgoh Mosque, together with the Tashkent Islamic Institute of which it is a part, is located on Hazrati Imam (Holy Imam) Square in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. History of Namazgoh Mosque Namazgoh Mosque was built much later than the structures erected in the 16th century, such as the Muyi Muborak Madrasah, Barak-Khan Madrasah, and

Head of Uzbekistan’s Presidential Security Service replaced

Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov announced personnel changes in the State Security Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Under presidential decrees, Rustam Mirzayevich Jurayev was appointed chairman of the service and awarded the special rank of Lieutenant General. At the same time, Alisher Abrorovich Usmanov has been relieved of his duties as

Lawyer comments on Aziz Hakimov’s condition after latest court hearing

Another hearing in the case of blogger Aziz Hakimov (Comrade Aziz), who is charged under several articles of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, was held on July 17 at the Shaykhantakhur District Criminal Court in Tashkent. As before, the proceedings are being conducted behind closed doors. After the hearing, defense lawyer Sergey Mayorov declined to disclose details

Tashkent metro reduces train speeds on above-ground lines to 40 km/h due to extreme heat

Starting July 15, a temporary speed restriction is being introduced on the above-ground lines of the Tashkent Metro. The measure is due to unusually high temperatures that have caused rail temperatures to exceed the regulatory threshold of 55°C. According to the State Unitary Enterprise “Toshkent Metropoliteni,” train speeds on above-ground sections will be reduced from

Uzbekistan prepares its biggest pension reform since independence: private funds, state contributions, and new capital for the economy

Uzbekistan’s authorities have begun preparing a large-scale pension reform that could reshape not only how future pensions are built for millions of citizens, but also the structure of the country’s financial market. During a presentation to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on July 14, officials discussed far more than another increase in pension payments or a technical

Indigo case concludes: Tashkent court sentences Pavel Volkov

On July 13, 2026, the Yakkasaray District Criminal Court of Tashkent, presided over by Judge Bakhodir Kayumov, delivered its verdict in the case against the leadership of the environmental organization Indigo. The organization’s head, 53-year-old Pavel Volkov, was released from custody directly in the courtroom. The trial, which began on June 5, ended with sentences

Uzbekistan plans International University Town in Tashkent to attract foreign universities

Uzbekistan is seeking to transform itself into one of Central Asia’s leading education hubs. Proposals presented to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev envision the creation of an International University Town in Tashkent, the attraction of leading foreign universities, and the expansion of programs that allow students to study according to international standards. If implemented, the initiatives could

Uzbekistan and Belarus formalize strategic partnership: what lies behind Mirziyoyev’s visit to Minsk

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has concluded a two-day official visit to Belarus that became one of the most significant events in bilateral relations in recent decades. The main outcome of his talks with President Alexander Lukashenko was the signing of a Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership, along with a broad package