I lived in Uzbekistan for a couple of years and had the pleasure of doing business in each of the other "-stans" over the years, since 1990. Depending on the country and the political system, each has its own issues; however, each one is beautiful and the people are great to talk and socialize with. To a nation, there are many sects and tribes of Central Asian ethnicities. Just like in Italy, where someone is a Sicilian or Umbrian before they are Italian, so to are the sects and tribes of these countries. The Uzbek people, especially, are a broad mixture of Aryan, Chinese, Tibetian, Indian and Pakistani peoples -- many of whom are broad mixtures themselves -- primarily because Uzbekistan was the "Times Square" of the ancient Silk Road route. If you want a treat, head to Samarkand, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and take in the history there.
Looking forward to this series. We vacationed in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan a few years back. Wonderful people, deep history. New roads and infrastructure being built by Korea (?). You can tell they are ready to move on from the Russian period.
The cycling team "Astana" is from Kazakhstan. And who can forget Borat? And his famous sister, also from there ...
Borat! I love his message, but don't like his delivery.
I lived in Uzbekistan for a couple of years and had the pleasure of doing business in each of the other "-stans" over the years, since 1990. Depending on the country and the political system, each has its own issues; however, each one is beautiful and the people are great to talk and socialize with. To a nation, there are many sects and tribes of Central Asian ethnicities. Just like in Italy, where someone is a Sicilian or Umbrian before they are Italian, so to are the sects and tribes of these countries. The Uzbek people, especially, are a broad mixture of Aryan, Chinese, Tibetian, Indian and Pakistani peoples -- many of whom are broad mixtures themselves -- primarily because Uzbekistan was the "Times Square" of the ancient Silk Road route. If you want a treat, head to Samarkand, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and take in the history there.
Thank you for the comment. It's rare to hear from someone who has lived in that region. I was just talking to my wife today about a trip to Samarkand.
Looking forward to this series. We vacationed in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan a few years back. Wonderful people, deep history. New roads and infrastructure being built by Korea (?). You can tell they are ready to move on from the Russian period.