Stories of holy sites, iconic monuments, and living paths of faith. Roads where the journey matters as much as the destination. Central Asia reveals itself through silence, memory, and cultural continuity.
Letter from the Editor
Barno Ikramova, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, shares her reflections on pilgrimage. This is a conversation about memory, values, and Central Asia’s places of power; places where people come to listen to themselves.
Discoveries
Islamic Civilization Center
This spring, Tashkent will open the Islamic Civilization Center. Thousands of artifacts from around the world will tell the region’s two-thousand-year history. The museum is set to become one of the largest cultural projects in Central Asia. Read more…
Photo: Center of Islamic Civilization
Experiences
Legends of Köýtendag
Rugged cliffs and caves in the remote mountains of Turkmenistan. Legends of the “holy elephants” and the blind Umbar intertwine here with the paths of pilgrims. This is a land without signs or familiar trails; it’s a place of hope, never visited without a guide. Read more…
Photo: Erkin Yazov
Intelligent Traveler
Pilgrimage Sites
According to tradition, more than 200,000 saints once lived in our region. In this feature, we trace the most significant pilgrimage routes to uncover their stories and legends.
The Minor Hajj. Imam al-Bukhari
In Samarkand, a special one-day route takes pilgrims to three key shrines: the Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari, Ruhabad, and Shah-i-Zinda. We explain why the path is arranged in this particular order.
Photo: Ernest Kurtveliev
Taste of Saudi Arabia
Saudi cuisine preserves centuries-old recipes, yet each dish can surprise with an unexpected note. In this article, we highlight the dishes worth trying first. Read more…
Features
Mecca of Wishes
Photo: Khamdam Sharakhmedov
A journey to Saudi Arabia… More than a trip, this is a touching story of a daughter fulfilling her mother’s cherished dream.
