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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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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What to Wear in Central Asia: A Practical Guide for Travelers One of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Central Asia is: I have the packing list, but what do people actually wear? And what do tourists wear on the ground? Comfort, cultural awareness, and dressing for the climate are important for anyone […]
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Mosques & Mausolea – Architecture in Central Asia Central Asia, and Uzbekistan in particular, boasts some of the most beautiful and dramatic Islamic architecture you’ll find anywhere. Travel around the region and you’ll see towering brick minarets, stunningly decorated mosques, madrassas and mausoleums, and mesmerisingly ornate tile work at every turn. The main draws of […]
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