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.

Uzbekistan Independence Day: how the country gained freedom and began celebrating September 1

Independence Day of Uzbekistan (history) Uzbekistan’s Independence Day has been celebrated annually on September 1 since 1992. In Uzbek, it is called O’zbekiston Respublikasi Mustaqilligi kuni — Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This day was established in honor of the proclamation of the country’s state independence from the USSR. This happened on August

From August 10, Bekobod Avto and Xovosobod border checkpoints opened for third-country nationals and passenger cars

From 6:00 a.m. on August 10, 2025, third-country nationals and passenger cars have been allowed to pass through the “Bekobod Avto” checkpoint in Tashkent region and the “Xovosobod” checkpoint in Syrdarya region. This became possible thanks to the Agreement “On border crossing points,” signed between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government

Lesson 17. Good morning, afternoon, and evening in Uzbek + hotel check-in (Mehmonxonaga kirish), with audio

“Good evening” in Uzbek. In this lesson, you will learn how in Uzbek to greet a guest at a hotel (Xayrli tong, kun, kech), ask for information during registration (ismi, familiyasi, joy bron qilingan – reserved) and confirm details. All phrases come with audio by native speakers and examples of dialogues at the reception desk.

How Uzbeks are being drawn into the war: threats, prison, money — Verstka

Thousands of migrants from Uzbekistan are taking part in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Some voluntarily sign contracts in exchange for citizenship and money; others are coerced or pressured after being accused of crimes. Upon returning, they risk imprisonment at home. This is reported by Yuliya Paramonova in her article “‘We’ll plant drugs, jail you, label

Ukrainian military recorded the participation of Uzbek citizens in combat on the Russian side near Vovchansk

Uzbeks fighting on the side of Russia were spotted by Ukrainian troops in the Vovchansk area. This was reported by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on August 4 in his official Telegram channel. On August 4, the President of Ukraine visited the positions of Ukrainian forces in the Vovchansk direction of Kharkiv region, where fierce fighting

Uzbek citizens can travel visa-free to 34 countries, and another 42 have simplified visa procedures

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Akhror Burkhanov, stated that as of today, citizens of Uzbekistan can travel to 34 countries without a visa. In addition, 42 countries allow entry through simplified visa procedures — either with a visa on arrival or an electronic visa. The previous list of visa-free countries was published in

Project of Azerbaijani president’s former son-in-law approved in Uzbekistan: Agalarov Development to build Sea Breeze resort on Charvak

Land granted to investor at preferential rate for 25 years, project estimated at $5 billion On August 1, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan approved measures for the implementation of the year-round resort Sea Breeze Uzbekistan on the shore of the Charvak Reservoir. The 577-hectare project will be developed with the participation of Agalarov

Eʼzozxon Karimova appointed Minister of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan

By presidential decree, Eʼzozxon Gapirjonovna Karimova has been appointed Minister of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Her candidacy had earlier been approved by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. During the regular session of the Legislative Chamber held on July 31, 2025, deputies reviewed Karimova’s candidacy. She presented an Action

Alisher Qodirov shares Uzbek alternatives to borrowed words

On July 31, Alisher Qodirov, a member of Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, published a table of Uzbek equivalents to commonly borrowed foreign words on his Telegram channel. The list includes 40 terms related to technology, logistics, politics, and daily life. Qodirov, the leader of the Caucus of the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival)

Uzbekistan leads in number of foreign prisoners of war in Ukraine — “I Want to Live” project

According to the Ukrainian project “I Want to Live”, Uzbekistan ranks first in the number of foreign prisoners of war currently held in Ukraine. This was reported in a publication dated July 30, 2025. The project claims, citing sources within the Russian Armed Forces, that in 2025 alone, the Russian army recruited 902 citizens of