Architecture
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… [...]
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… [...]
The Majestic Vobkent Minaret, a Witness to Uzbek History
The Vobkent Minaret, located in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture dating back to 1198. It stands 40 meters tall, though part… [...]
Abai and Semey
Two men walk by the entrance of the Abai Theater of Semey. The theater, built in a typical Soviet modernist style, is named after Abai Qunanbaiuly, or simply… [...]
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… [...]
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It is a major attraction on the promenade along the River Ishim, and one of Astana’s many architectural boldnesses. Designed by the Kazakh studio New Moon,… [...]
Mesmerising
Designed by Canadian architect Farouck Noormohamed, the Ismaili Centre in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) draws its inspiration from the traditional architecture of the region, in particular the… [...]
The Domes of Samarkand
A different view of the striking architecture in the center of Samarkand. The heart of the ancient Silk Road, Samarkand city is a blend of the… [...]
Lights shine in Astana
The view of Bayterek Tower from the wintry park gives the bizarre building an almost festive appearance in the blaze of lights. Photo:… [...]
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… [...]
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)… [...]