Kyrgyzstan
Mountains around Ratzek Hut
A few kilometers from Bishkek, the Ala Archa National Park provides for several interesting hikes – such as the tour to Stoyanka Ratzeka (or Racek… [...]
Pomegranates galore
In all Central Asian markets, such as here at the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, pomegranates are a must-have. The pomegranate tree was one of the first fruit… [...]
Sprinkles of Sheep
Shepherds drive their flocks to the banks of the Naryn River, near Tash-Komür, Kyrgyzstan. [...]
Lenin Peak, on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
On the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan stands Lenin Peak rises to an elevation of more than 7,000 metres. This iconic mountain of Central Asia is well-known for being… [...]
“If You’re Scared, You do it Scared”: How Bishkek’s Techno Scene Survives State Repression
Last April, Kyrgyzstan’s special forces carried out heavy-handed raids on two of Bishkek’s most popular electronic-music bars. Expecting a hotspot of drugs and illicit activity, officers found instead a young,… [...]
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A break for horses by the Yellow Lake, Saryköl, in the Naryn Region, Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyz people rely heavily on horses in their daily lives: they ferment mare’s milk to… [...]
Trade in Sheep
In winter, the sheep traded on the market are protected from the cold temperatures of Karakol thanks to their wool. Credit: Davide Pilloni (@flip_khan, Italy) Find… [...]
Flaming flag
The Kyrgyz flag flaps in the wind against a stormy sky above the Tash Rabat camp. Slightly frayed, it features the old version of the national flag with wavy… [...]
Kyrgyzstan’s march to smother the free press
Kyrgyzstan is sliding down to full blown autocracy. The country has traditionally stood out for offering greater protections for free speech, political parties, and NGOs than any other Central Asian… [...]
Kyrgyz luthier
One of the few komuz makers, Yrys Ava, welcomes visitors to a timeless workshop where magnificent instruments are on display. All have been handmade using traditional techniques. Credits :… [...]
Old quarter
View of the mahallah, or neighbourhood, north of Osh from Sulaiman-Too, the city’s sacred mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Credits: Simone Bergonzi (Italy,… [...]
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