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This foto is kindly given by Leo MurrayЛишь 105 фотографий из присланных Leo. _During four decades of living in Asia, one rather significant 'corner' of the region somehow failed to appear on my radar screen --- until now. I decided it was time to pay a month - long visit to three of 'The Stans'............Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan -------- something that has only been possible since the early 1990s with the collapse of the USSR and the end of the seventy - year Soviet period. Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara (all in Uzbekistan)............ magcial names of cities located halfway along the Silk Road. This 200 - day long caravan route between China's capital in the east (modern day Xian) and Constantinople in the west flourished between the 2nd to 13th centuries. Destruction and turbulance caused by Genghis Khan and Tamerlane contributed significantly to the death of the Silk Road at the end of this period. In the early 1800s, Central Asia once again became a focus of attention. It was here that 'The Great Game' was played.................where the British Empire clashed with what was seen as Russia's southward expansion aimed straight for India, the jewel in its crown. At the time, Russia was rolling across the eastern steppe and had become the world's fastest growing imperial state. While Uzbekistan's appeal was primarily historical and architectural, Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan offered spectacular scenic beauty..............along with hospitable cultures equal to those found in Uzbekistan. My three friends and I had the friendly and spirited support of seven Russians/Ukrainians as we rejoiced in the scenery we encountered during two treks across mountain ranges separating Kazakhstan and Kyrgystan and a visit to huge (100 mile/170km x 40 mile/70km) , turquoise Lake Issyk - Kul ................at 5000 ft/1600m............said to be the world's largest alpine lake, after Lake Titicaca in South America. My preconceptions about Central Asia turned out largely to be misconceptions. Among other revelations was never anywhere having encountered more pleasant and jolly people than those we found during our four weeks in Central Asia. These friendly folks are reason enough to want one day to return to 'The Stans'. |
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