Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
A stop at the deserted petrol station
This herd of horses has stopped at this abandoned petrol station. Located in the village of Saryozek, the petrol station is actually due to be demolished. A new, opulent… [...]
First outing
This very young calf would no doubt like to join the rest of the herd as soon as possible, but the herdsman’s young son has decided to test its resolve. [...]
Twilight over Khan Chatyr
The late afternoon sun passes behind the Khan Chatyr shopping center in Astana, illuminating the framework of this original building. An immense 150-meter-high tent, it was… [...]
Caretaker of the Hisor historic site
In this photograph, a woman sits in front of an imposing, elegantly carved gate guarding the entrance to the Hisor site.Located 27 km south-west of Dushanbe and 8 km… [...]
Spring in Murghob
Rivers are usually the meeting point for women and kids during the day. This one is taken outside of Murghob shortly before sunset. On Wednesday 8 April 2026,… [...]
Kite festival
With the arrival of spring, the square of the Hast Imam architectural ensemble in Tashkent transforms into a true kite festival. The wind lifts the vibrant… [...]
Ot o’yin, a horseplay
These photos were taken during a ‘sunnat to’y’, a traditional celebration held after a boy’s circumcision. Such events are becoming increasingly rare, as many families now choose to have… [...]
Red horizon
Travelers interested in Kyrgyzstan are familiar with Jeti Oguz, famous for its “Seven Red Rocks.” But the entire area between the city of Karakol and the… [...]
Festive table
In the Chinese province of Xinjiang, this festive table adheres to all the traditions of Kazakh hospitality. Indeed, the host belongs to the region’s Kazakh minority. Despite Chinese repression aimed… [...]
Kaleidoscope
Tashkent‘s Chorsu Bazaar, where fabric patterns frame the entrances and fill the stalls. Credits: Salomé Aldeguer-Roure (France) Find all of our… [...]
Sudden snow
A gentle swell laps against the snow-covered shores of Lake Burabay, running alongside the grove of ‘dancing birches’. Credits: Isabelle Vincent (France) Find all… [...]
Novastan Photo Contest 2026: the results
“Yesterday and today in Central Asia”: In this 2026 edition, the Novastan team explored Central Asia through portraits, street scenes, playful moments, and fleeting coincidences ; each revealing a glimpse of time. Jury Prize The jury was impressed by the quality of all submissions, making the final decision especially challenging. After careful deliberation, the jury awarded Jan Hildner the Jury Prize. Bravo to him ! The walls and domes of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, restored many times… [...]