Central Asia
Following the glory of The Silk Road through vast expanses and highland lakes
Central Asia, which includes 5 countries and offers home to about 78 million people (2024), is colloquially referred to as the Stans as all countries in the region have names ending with the Persian suffix -stan, meaning land of: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It stretches from the Caspian Sea in the southwest and European Russia in the northwest to Western China and Mongolia in the east and from Afghanistan and Iran in the south to Siberia in the north.
The countries are connected by The Silk Road, which has been historically acting as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe and the Far East, creating prosperous trade cities along the route. Between the mid-19th century and the 1990s, Central Asia experienced colonization by the Russians, becoming part of the Russian Empire and subsequently the Soviet Union. This period resulted in an influx of Russians and other Slavic populations into the region.
I visited all the countries in Central Asia in the early 2020s, combining them with other destinations in the neighborhood. Although the Stan countries are frequently regarded as homogenous, there are actually quite important differences among them.
The most important similarities are: the prevalence of Russian language, the long-lasting presidents and close connection with nature.
Despite their similarities, each Stan country has its distinct language, culture, and political system. I have very positive impressions of all the countries in the region. Learning Russian before travelling and being able to communicate smoothly with locals proved to be a significant advantage.
- Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, is noted for being the most prosperous among the Stan countries. Although I was in Kazakhstan twice, I was mainly focused to the cities of Almaty and Astana. The highlight was the attendance to the Nomad Games in 2024 in Astana, where I watched a range of nomad sports events while interacting with Kazakh minority groups, dressed in their cultural costumes.
- Kyrgyzstan is characterized by its beautiful high mountain lakes, with Issyk Kul Lake being the most famous. I especially enjoyed the capital Bishkek with splendid Soviet architecture and the horse trip to Altyn-Arashan mountains which was rewarded with beautiful views to alpine valleys.
- Tajikistan, the smallest of the Stans encloses more and higher mountains than any other country in the region. Walking around Iskanderkul Lake, named after Alexander the Great, without meeting another person, was spectacular.
- Turkmenistan has effectively isolated itself from the global community, earning the designation of the North Korea of Central Asia. In the country where the prevailing authoritarian regime imposes significant oppression and control over its people, lifeless capital Ashgabat, with tons of white marble structures and the breathtaking natural beauty of Darvaza and Yangikala Canyon especially captivated my attention.
- Uzbekistan inherited the most important centers along The Silk Road. Beautifully restored cities of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara are the main reason that Uzbekistan is the most visited country in the region. I was lucky enough to visit Uzbekistan immediately after Covid-19 pandemic ended, and I was among the very few visitors.
Countries visited
