Tag: Central Asia
Workshop and study rooms of the Registan
For centuries, the Registan has housed Islamic students, artisans and shopkeepers inside its protective gates. The tradition continues today and helps preserve the patrimony of the Silk Road. [...]
Pamiri Odometer
On the road in the Pamirs in Tajikistan. This sign which shows the kilometers to Dushanbe, Kulob or Darvoz has already experienced many drivers and winters in icy… [...]
Bogdanovich Glacier: A Frozen Spectacle
At specific times of the year, you can trek from Shymbulak to the foot of the Bogdanovich Glacier in Kazakhstan, where surreal ice formations await. As sunlight filters through,… [...]
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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… [...]
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… [...]
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. [...]