Changing National Symbols or Preserving Tradition? Kyrgyzstan at a Crossroads with Its National Anthem
Many countries, regardless of social and political changes, prefer to keep their national anthems, seeing them as enduring symbols of national identity.
2 November 2024
Aziz Pirimkulov
Georgian-Azerbaijani Communities Embrace Novruz with Joy
Onnik James Krikorian
Caucasus
View allTbilisoba 2024: Warm Celebration in Tbilisi's Old Town
Despite Tbilisi’s relatively modest percentages of ethnic Armenian and Azerbaijani populations, these communities retain their identities while coexisting amicably in shared areas of the Georgian capital. At festivals like Tbilisoba, both groups come together to celebrate their shared country of birth.
Onnik James Krikorian
One Caucasus Festival in Georgia Bridges Regional Divides
The One Caucasus Festival in Georgia unites diverse communities, fostering peace and cultural exchange among Armenians, Azerbaijanis, and Georgians.
Onnik James Krikorian
Sibel Jahangirli
Central Asia
View allChanging National Symbols or Preserving Tradition? Kyrgyzstan at a Crossroads with Its National Anthem
Many countries, regardless of social and political changes, prefer to keep their national anthems, seeing them as enduring symbols of national identity.
Aziz Pirimkulov
Where in the World? Nukus and the Incredible Savitsky Museum
Uzbekistan is ever more popular with tourists thanks to its trio of majestic Silk Route cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. But what about the far west of the country? Mark Elliott heads to Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan.
Mark Elliott
Khiva – A 21st-century Visitor’s Experience
Khiva, Uzbekistan is the Silk Route’s most memorable city claims veteran travel writer Mark Elliott who first visited back in 1994 when he counted a mere 7 foreign visitors in town. These days it’s an understandable tourist magnet. Here are Mark’s tips for making the most of a visit.
Mark Elliott
Iran
View allHow Did Iranian Folk Music Become Viral in India?
Iranian folk music is always at the forefront of global top charts; find out why it did in 2023.
Alexandra Wrigley
Happy Sadeh
Today is Jashn-e Sadeh, an Iranian winter festival celebrated each year on the 10th of Bahman in the Iranian calendar and of Mehr in the Zoroastrian, which falls on 30 January.
Mark Elliott
Maragheh/Maraga, Iran: Once home to Eurasia’s greatest astronomical observatory
Even frequent visitors to Iran rarely think of visiting Maragheh, yet its tomb towers and historical observatory site retain distant resonances of a magnificent history.
Mark Elliott
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Country Life Vlog: Azerbaijani Cottagecore YouTube Channel’s Popularity Explained
29 February 2024
Leila MekhdiMaragheh/Maraga, Iran: Once home to Eurasia’s greatest astronomical observatory
26 December 2023
Mark Elliott