Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
“I only needed a passport” : In Ukraine, Central Asian prisoners of wars caught between loyalty and regret
Citizens from Central Asia now represent the largest group of foreign nationals fighting in the Russian army. Novastan spoke with several of them after their capture by Ukrainian forces. [...]
Western Turkmen
Four immaculate pickup trucks race at full speed toward the Derweze crater. Known as the “Door to Hell,” this site in Turkmenistan draws the handful… [...]
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque in the city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. It is named after one of the wives of… [...]
Traffic on the road to Gharm
Wherever you are, when a herd is on the road, cars have to wait. Gharm, Tajikistan. Credits: Etienne de Vaumas (France) Find… [...]
Pillars of salt
Turkmenistan stands as the most extreme case of authoritarianism in Central Asia. From 1991 to 2006, the Saparmyrat Niyyazov state established a near-total grip on… [...]
The Valley of Winds
Danil Usmanov will present a photographic reportage at the L’Aléatoire gallery (Paris), taken in the Batken region of southern Kyrgyzstan, exploring the theme of migration. … [...]
A land devoid of men
In Konorchek Canyon, about two hours from Bishkek, the mineral landscape unfolds in shades of ochre. Credits : Salomé Aldeguer-Roure (France) Find… [...]
Mukhtar Auezov
The imposing statue of the famous writer Mukhtar Auezov (1897–1961) stands in front of the theatre named after him in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Erected in 1980, this bronze… [...]
Final resting place
At the foot of the barchan dune, this goitered gazelle breathed its last. Barely fifty years ago, this species was on the brink of extinction. Today, around… [...]
Postcards from Tajikistan
A classic scene in Tajikistan: at the end of a flower-lined avenue with immaculately trimmed borders, the portrait of President … [...]
The Alay Valley
In summer, the vibrant colours of the Alay Valley in southern Kyrgyzstan are home to a wide variety of bird species. The valley has been recognised as an… [...]
Top-level cycling
At an altitude of 3,650 metres, sport—even at a beginner’s level—requires stamina and training. Murghob, the highest town in Tajikistan. Credits: Simone Bergonzi (Italy, @simobergz)… [...]