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ELECHEK - a beauty of Kyrgyz traditional outfit

Among the many symbols of Kyrgyz traditional culture, the elechek stands out as one of the most striking and meaningful. This elaborate women’s headdress, made from long, carefully wrapped lengths of white cloth, has been part of Kyrgyz identity for centuries.

KURUTOB - a signature dish of Tajikistan

Among the many dishes that define the culinary identity of Tajikistan, kurotob holds a special and beloved place. At its heart, kurutob is a dish made from kurut — dried balls of fermented yogurt. These tangy, salty spheres are an essential ingredient in many Central Asian kitchens, but in Tajikistan they form the foundation of one of the country’s most iconic national foods.

CHOR MINOR: Old Bukhara’s Gem

Hidden among the winding mahallas of old Bukhara stands one of the city’s most unusual and charming architectural monuments — Chor Minor, meaning “Four Minarets.” Despite its name, Chor Minor is not a mosque with multiple minarets, but rather a small and architecturally unique gatehouse built in the early 19th century.

Up the Highest Minaret of Khiva

The Islam Khodja Minaret is one of Khiva’s most striking architectural landmarks — an elegant tower that has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Rising within the UNESCO-listed inner town of Itchan Kala, this minaret represents the culmination of centuries of architectural tradition in Khiva, blending classical oasis craftsmanship with the aesthetic vision of the early 20th century.

LAUKH – An Exquisite Book Stand

The laukh — a traditional wooden stand for the Qur’an and other manuscripts — is one of the most elegant and meaningful objects found throughout the Islamic world, including Central Asia. Known under different names across regions (such as rihal in the Middle East and North Africa), in Central Asia the term laukh is widely used. This simple yet ingenious object has served scholars, students, calligraphers, and travelers for centuries, symbolizing both reverence for the written word and the craftsmanship of local artisans.

BREAD OF SAMARKAND - taste full of legends

Samarkand bread is one of the most treasured symbols of Uzbek cuisine. Recognized for its round shape, golden crust, dense texture, and distinctive stamped patterns in the center, this bread has become an emblem of the ancient Silk Road city that gave it its name. For centuries, it has been praised not only for its flavor and beauty but also for its cultural meaning — hospitality, abundance, and the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Central Asia.

Huge Buddha from the Past of Tajikistan

The monumental Buddha from Ajina Tepe is one of the most remarkable Buddhist artworks ever discovered in Central Asia, and today it is the star exhibit of the National Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.