Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
Khiuaz Qayrqyzy Dospanova, Kazakh heroine of Soviet aviation
A monumental fresco depicting Khiuaz Qayrqyzy Dospanova, a heroine of Soviet aviation, on a building in Aktau, Kazakhstan, celebrating her courage as the first Kazakh woman pilot of… [...]
Fortresses of Khwarazm: Ayaz-Kala
The Khwarazm region, in the lower valley of the Amu Darya, was known in ancient times as the ‘oasis of fifty fortresses’. Of these fortresses, built over a… [...]
Between tradition and modernity
A view over the Khan Shatyr entertainment center of Astana. This emblematic 150m-high structure designed by Norman Foster combines the shape of a traditional kazakh yurt with the… [...]
First steps
In visible proximity, this young resident of Sary-Mogol ventures his first steps outside the protective warmth of home. The village sits close to the border with Tajikistan at… [...]
The Tolkuchka market
The Tolkuchka market in Ashgabat is located in a vast modern area and is organised in the style of the large Central Asian bazaars. It sells just about everything:… [...]
Train life
A mother and her son sit in the half-empty third class (known as platzkart) of the Kazakh Astrakhan–Atyrau train. Due to airfares often too high, the train… [...]
A powerful symbol
A MIG-23, a Soviet-era fighter plane, stands at the entrance to Tokmok. Well known to tourists for its proximity to the Burana Tower, Tokmok is also a… [...]
Lunch at the summit
A family is having a lunch break on the Kamchik Pass, at 2268m. Despite the snow and the cold, they eat sitting on the ground on a traditional tablecloth. [...]
Where there are no trees …
… the Tajik village of Karakul is dotted with a forest of pylons. Located in the spectacular high mountain landscape of the Pamir, not far from the Kyrgyz… [...]
Piece of choice
At the table, mutton fat is considered to be the best and noblest part of the meat, which is offered to guests to honour them. On the markets, the… [...]
