Tag: Central Asia
In the heights of Tajikistan
In Tajikistan, a country where 93% of the territory is mountainous, journeys between cities are long and winding. Transport lorries, private cars and shared taxis cross paths on the… [...]
A brand-new parliament
The city centre of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital, is notable for its modern skyscrapers, the comings and goings of its yellow and green taxis, and its wide tree-lined streets. [...]
Distant Persia?
Tajikistan is the only Persian-speaking country in Central Asia, in a region dominated by Turkic languages and cultures. In Khorog, capital of the independent region of Gorno-Badakhshan or… [...]
The Museum of Musical Instruments of the tajik capital
Hidden behind a small door on a side street, the Gurminj Museum of Musical Instruments showcases the rich musical heritage of Tajikistan and Pamir. The impressive collection of instruments… [...]
A condensed history
Where history meets the present, the statue of Amir Temur stands proudly next to one of Tashkent’s most prominent landmarks, Hotel Uzbekistan. This building is one of the… [...]
Support Novastan, the European Central Asia magazine
By supporting Novastan, you are supporting the only English, French and German-language media specialising in Central Asia. We're independent and we need your help to stay that way!
Sayakbay Karalayev at the Lake
View of a fresco depicting the figure of Manaschi Sayakbay Karalayev (1894-1971). The wall and the surrounding ruins and buildings belong to the complex Aalam-Ordo, literally… [...]
The Ridge Overlooking the Rogun Construction Site
Panoramic view of the rugged Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan, where a folded rock ridge towers above the vast construction site of the Rogun Dam. At the foot… [...]
Sciences in mosaic
A beautiful Soviet mosaic on the façade of one of the buildings of the Karakalpakstan State University in Nukus. The Mosaic depicts… [...]
Sunrise by the lake
Sunrise at Son-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. In summer, inhabited by nomads who build yurts to accommodate tourists but especially to tend the summer pastures there. Horses are used… [...]
Alone in the canyon
Ominous clouds rise over the empty canyon during a late afternoon hike. In the Almaty region, close to the famous Charyn canyon,… [...]
Sandstorm over Shetpe
A strong gust of wind sweeps across the arid landscape around the village of Shetpe in western Kazakhstan, obscuring the view of the road and the landscape. Climate change… [...]
Blue walls
A woman passes by beautifully-ornated walls inside the Khujand fortress complex. This complex has been rebuilt from scratch using only traditional techniques, like the… [...]