Russian emigration on the rise
While it can’t really be described as an exodus, more and more ethnic Russians want to leave Kyrgyzstan for Russia. The surge in the numbers of those seeking the necessary permits can be explained by the March events and the continuously shaky situation in Kyrgyzstan, both economically and politically. IRIN carried a story in April that described the Russians’ pessimism and concern about an increasing lawlessness in Bishkek (where almost 50% of the country’s Russian population lives).
Interfax reports today that if the current trend persists, more than half of Kyrgyzstan’s Russian population will have left within the next ten years. Besides the uncertain outlook for the future, there are signs of growing nationalism and even xenophobia in a country that was always known for one of the most tolerant populations in the CIS:
But despite the reputation for tolerance, some ethnic Kyrgyz sense a growing xenophobia in post-Akayev days. “We have been under Russians for a long time. They humiliated us. Kyrgyz are very tolerant and friendly by nature, but for how much longer we will put up with this? Enough, let Russians go back to Russia! It will be better if they leave,” Nurmangazy Orokcheev, a Kyrgyz radio journalist said. Other local people said they had recently been spat on or abused for speaking Russian in public.
One can only hope that the Kyrgyz and the Russians will find a way to stop the outmigration of the latter. I remember watching a documentary about the Tajik civil war. When the fighting in Dushanbe began in 1993, thousands of Russians fled from the country in extra trains. The Tajiks who saw this exodus had tears in their eyes.
(For a more general perspective on Russians in Central Asia, this BBC story, and this report of the Eisenhowever Institute are both very interesting).
on February 12th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
A comment on the quote: “… Besides the uncertain outlook for the future, there are signs of growing nationalism and even xenophobia in a country… ”
Yes, uncertainity for the future is an acceptable reason and it is reasonable for all other members of the country who are emigrating or have plans to. As for growing nationalism, I think it should not be considered as a kind of threat for them if they, ethnic minorities, would be in close relation in terms of culture. Of course, cultural differences include a bunch of things but here I mean a language aspect only. A member of other ethnicity, let it be Russian, would feel himself very comfortable if he speaks with Kyrgyz in thier language. While the fact that Russian has its official status is suppressed by another fact that not all Kyrgyz people know Russian language and it is for official use at all.
As for myself, I have always had more respect for those who knew the Kyrgyz language.
Anyways, I have many non-Russian friends who seeking their way to obtain citizenships of other countries. So this is another point which shows that dark future overwhelms all other reasons to emigrate. In short, the growing nationalism has its part in emigration only for those who could not reach a good command of Kyrgyz language.
on February 14th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
There is nothing wrong with a nation to seek out its roots and restore its traditions. Although such actions should not be accompanied by persecution of minorities. Let’s be frank, if you are in Russia you are expected to speak the language. Why the same should not be true for any sovereign CA country?
I remember during the war many Russians left Tajikistan. Although I don’t remember them being hated by the population. It is just that they (Russians) thought that a brighter future awaits them in their home country.