Central Asia
Top 10 Places to See in Central Asia Central Asia is a region of breathtaking diversity, where dramatic landscapes, ancient cities, and rich cultures come together to offer unforgettable experiences. From the bustling Silk Road cities to the towering peaks and pristine lakes, each of the five Central Asian “Stans” offers something unique for travelers. […]
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A Guide’s Life in a Changing Uzbekistan Bekhruz Kurbanov is a leading guide for our Uzbekistan tours – and then some. He’s also head of the Bukhara branch of the Samarkand Institute of Archaeology, a PhD candidate in Islamic Art and Archaeology at the University of Bamberg, and father to two children. Over twenty years […]
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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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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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