Central Asia
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… [...]
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!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. [...]
On the road to Bishkek
To the south of Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, mountain villages, ski resorts and a slowly rusting old propaganda billboard. Credits : Pierre-Armand Dussex (France) Find… [...]
Cosmonauts in Karaganda
A shiny Yuri Gagarin stands tall in the city center of Karaganda. This monument dedicated to cosmonauts has been erected in 2014 to coincide with the 80th birthday… [...]
Karakul Village and Its Lake
A breathtaking view of the picturesque village of Karakul, located at an altitude of 4000 meters, on the shores of the lake of the same name in Tajikistan. [...]
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… [...]
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