Uzbekistan
Tamerlane was Here: The Crown of Central Asia
“For lust of knowing what should not be known, We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.” -The Story of Hassan of Baghdad, by James Elroy Flecker Samarkand is Timur is Samarkand. Though not the place where he was born (which honor belongs to Shakrisabz), Samarkand became the beating heart of Central Asia largely because Timur … Continue reading
Sweet Water in the Iqion Qala
I’ve written on here before about how Khiva is full of amazing people (who were amazingly patient with my attempts at portraits), but I didn’t really mention how incredible the Old Town (Iqion Qala) of Khiva itself is. This whole part of the city is really its own densely-packed museum quarter, with the distinction that … Continue reading
Sandcastles Gone Wild
Deep in the sands of Uzbekistan lies the Elliq Qala, or “50 Castles.” This “Golden Ring of Ancient Khorezm” is, rightly, one of the most widely touted tourist destinations in all of Central Asia. Though 20 ruins have been unearthed to date, this Land of Fortresses is an easy place to get lost in … Continue reading
Seeing more of Shakrisabz
I’ve been to Shakrisabz before, but with a new camera and lots of free time in Uzbekistan I thought it might be worth a go. Then I saw a magazine article about the Katta Langar mausoleum outside of town, and I was sold. Shakrisabz is famous (in Uzbekistan) as the birthplace of Timur, once the … Continue reading
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