Central Asia

A Guide’s Life in Central Asia

A Guide’s Life in a Changing Uzbekistan: Turning Central Asia’s History Into Human Stories How did you decide to become a guide?In many ways, becoming a guide always felt as a completely natural decision to me. I grew up in Bukhara, one of the great Silk Road cities, surrounded by layers of history and some […]

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Central Asia

Alexander the Great in Central Asia

Alexander the Great in Central Asia As I waited for my train on the platform of Tashkent’s Alisher Navoi metro station, my eyes wandered to the four disc-like medallions illustrating episodes from the poet’s magnum opus, the Khamsa. Named after the fifteenth-century poet and intellectual, who is celebrated as a national hero in modern Uzbekistan, […]

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Kyrgyzstan

World Nomad Games 2026

World Nomad Games Date: August 31 – September 6, 2026 What Are the World Nomad Games? The World Nomad Games are a global event dedicated to celebrating the cultural and sporting legacy of nomadic communities, especially those from Central Asia. They feature a wide range of traditional sport competitions, alongside vibrant displays of nomadic music, […]

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Central Asia

A Guide to Central Asia’s Suzani Embroidery

Suzani Embroidery: What it is, where to see it, and how to purchase souvenirs In the markets and alleyways of cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Dushanbe, and Khujand, visitors quickly notice the colorful explosion of embroidered textiles. Pillows, bags, jackets, and table runners fill shop displays, each stitched with vibrant floral patterns. While they may […]

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