Author: Novastan 
Novastan
Written articles:
Hidden gem
The Koshkar Ata Mosque is located in the old town of Shymkent. The 19th century building with its fascinating architecture features numerous detailed wooden decorations and… [...]
Young shepherd boy
Young shepherd boy is getting his family’s large cattle back to the village because the summer pasture period is over, in the At-Bashy region, Kyrgyzstan. Photo:… [...]
“Alaqan”: Aida Adilbek’s decolonial documentary cinema
We are continuing our series of articles on Kazakhstani documentaries revolutionizing everyday life. Documentary film directors and producers Kristina Mikhailova, Dana Sabitova and Almira Ismailova analyze Kazakhstani documentaries in cultural,… [...]
Human rights in Tajikistan: Interview with the UN Special Rapporteur
Nine human rights defenders are currently imprisoned for their activities in Tajikistan. In an interview with Novastan, UN Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, explains the reasons for these… [...]
Novastan goes on summer break
From July 31 to August 20, the Novastan editorial team will be on summer break. Dear readers, The Novastan editorial team will be on summer break from July 31 to… [...]
Kalai-Khumb
Backyard in Kalai-Khumb at the confluence of the Obikhumboi River and the Panj River, Tajikistan. Photo: Joachim Bohndorf (Germany) Please note, that the content shown may not correspond… [...]
Late-Night Snack
On a sultry summer evening in Osh, a grandfather prepares dinner for his grandchildren in the backyard. For many households in Kyrgyzstan, a small outdoor summer kitchen complete with tapchan… [...]
Sweet Milky Corn: the film, in which everyone recognizes themselves
A heated debate continues in Kazakhstan’s film industry around redistribution of the resources among the titular creative elite, privileged officials, and monopolists of the field. The industry, which depends entirely… [...]
Tile splendour
The necropolis of Shakh-i-Zinda in Samarkand is a unique testimony to Timurid architecture and tesselation – tiles in vibrant colours intricately assembled into mosaics. Credit: Akbar Ibragimov (Uzbekistan)… [...]
Canal cruise
In any weather, kayaking or canoeing train on the Ankhor Canal in Tashkent all year round. Now in summer, groups from beginners to professional athletes can be seen in these… [...]
The bridge over the river Vakhsh
A railway bridge crosses the river Vakhsh (Tajik: wild) in the city of Sarband in Tajikistan’s Khatlon region. The city was established in the 1950s for the workers of the… [...]
Kazakhstan: commemorating Victory Day without military parade
Similar to last year, May 9 in Kazakhstan is overshadowed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Military parades have been cancelled, once again. Instead, this year’s Victory Day will mainly be… [...]