Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
Hotel Uzbekistan
The facade of the Hotel Uzbekistan appears to be covered in gold under the sunset light. Hotel Uzbekistan is one of the most iconic landmarks of Tashkent and a perfect… [...]
By the Caspian Sea
Three local children stand on the pier of the Salkyn kenar amusement park in Türkmenbaşy by the Caspian Sea. Soviet-era amusement parks feel like time capsules. In this festive… [...]
Pause Time
Photo shoot in wedding attire in front of the Registan in Samarkand. The red velvet symbolises fertility. The accessory that the bride-to-be holds in her hand is traditionally used… [...]
Abai Qunanbaiuly, the Soul of Kazakh Culture
This mural in Aktau, Kazakhstan, commemorates the 175th anniversary of Abai Qunanbaiuly, a poet, philosopher, and key figure of Kazakh culture. The artwork features Abai alongside his writings,… [...]
Cinema Kosmos
The modernist ‘Kosmos’ cinema in Buston (former Chkalovsk), Tajikistan, displays on its façade a spaceship flying towards the outer space. Unfortunately part of the façade is obstructed by a… [...]
Lake Tulpar-Kol
Deep in the valley, behind the clouds, lies Peak Lenin. On the shores of Lake Tulpar-Kol, there is also a camp, run by the Sary-Moghol CBT (Community… [...]
Mosiacs at Shah-i-Zinda
It is typically frowned upon in Islam to depict living beings or humans in artwork. The mosaics of Shah-i-Zinda in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, represent symbols that are meaningful… [...]
The disappeared ocean
Hours of driving through the Karakum Desert lead to Yangykala Canyon. Millions of years ago, this mesmerizing natural wonder was the seabed of the ancient Tethys Ocean. [...]
Palais du Commerce
From the top of her very quiet shopping arcade, this young girl dreamily observes the activity of the Mehrgon market in Dushanbe. Built in 2014 to replace the ‘obsolete’ street… [...]
On the road to Bishkek
To the south of Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, mountain villages, ski resorts and a slowly rusting old propaganda billboard. Credits : Pierre-Armand Dussex (France) Find… [...]
Cosmonauts in Karaganda
A shiny Yuri Gagarin stands tall in the city center of Karaganda. This monument dedicated to cosmonauts has been erected in 2014 to coincide with the 80th birthday… [...]