Grantee profile

Polis Asia

Polis Asia is a think-tank founded in Kyrgyzstan in 2007. Since 2018, its main focus has been Esimde (“I remember” in Kyrgyz), a research and discussion platform that seeks to address the “blank pages” of the country’s history and promote a more diverse understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s past. It researches and preserves histories from both the Soviet and post-independence periods, including through historical research, oral histories and the collection of archival materials. It also promotes public engagement on these histories through publications, exhibitions, mass media (TV, radio and social media) and other public events including in schools. Alongside Esimde, Polis Asia runs an Academy of Civic Education for young professionals.