Central Asia

The rolling steppes and traditional nomadic lifestyle that characterize Kazakhstan’s past are contrasted by its modern, often futuristic cities developing under the grand vision of President Nazarbaev.

Ancient minarets, mausoleums, palaces and historic cities, though ravaged by Genghis Khan, still mark Turkmenistan’s piece of the once magnificent Silk Road. And its recent history is no less fascinating—after the decline of the Soviet Union, President Saparmurat Niyazov, self-titled Turkmenbashi (the “Leader of the Turkmen”), translated Turkmenistan’s huge natural gas reserves into lavish palaces and huge gold statues that still dot the contemporary landscape.

Located between two rivers, the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya, Uzbekistan is home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations and most prominent Silk Road cities. Unlike their nomadic neighbors, the Uzbeks have historically been a settled people, giving them a natural advantage in preserving their traditions during Soviet times.

Kyrgyzstan is perhaps the most naturally beautiful country of the former Soviet Republics. The beautiful, towering mountains that encompass almost the entire nation have led Kyrgyzstan to be called the “Switzerland of Central Asia.”