Description
Book Synopsis: An unforgettable journey through Central Asia, one of the most mysterious and history-laden regions of the world.
Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan became free of the Soviet Union in 1991. But though they are new to modern statehood, this is a region rich in ancient history, culture, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world.
Traveling alone, Erika Fatland is a true adventurer in every sense. In Sovietistan, she takes the reader on a compassionate and insightful journey to explore how their Soviet heritage has influenced these countries, with governments experimenting with both democracy and dictatorships.
In Kyrgyzstani villages, she meets victims of the tradition of bride snatching; she visits the huge and desolate Polygon in Kazakhstan where the Soviet Union tested explosions of nuclear bombs; she meets shrimp gatherers on the banks of the dried out Aral Sea; she witnesses the fall of a dictator.
She travels incognito through Turkmenistan, a country that is closed to journalists. She meets exhausted human rights activists in Kazakhstan, survivors from the massacre in Osh in 2010, and German Mennonites that found paradise on the Kyrgyzstani plains 200 years ago. We learn how ancient customs clash with gas production and witness the underlying conflicts between ethnic Russians and the majority in a country that is slowly building its future in nationalist colors.
Once the frontier of the Soviet Union, life follows another pace of time. Amidst the treasures of Samarkand and the brutalist Soviet architecture, Sovietistan is a rare and unforgettable adventure.
Details
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Central Asia with Sovietistan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. This book takes you on an extraordinary journey through a region rich in history, culture, and landscapes that will leave you spellbound. Discover the unique allure of these countries, which became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, but continue to be shaped by their Soviet heritage.
With Erika Fatland as your guide, you'll embark on an adventure that delves deep into the heart of Central Asia. From witnessing the tradition of bride snatching in Kyrgyzstan to exploring the desolate Polygon in Kazakhstan, where nuclear bombs were tested, every page is filled with awe-inspiring encounters. Experience the profound impact of Soviet influence and observe how these nations are experimenting with democracy and dictatorship to shape their futures.
Step into the closed-off world of Turkmenistan, where Erika Fatland traverses its hidden corners to reveal the untold stories. Encounter human rights activists in Kazakhstan, hear the tales of survivors from the Osh massacre, and learn about the German Mennonites who have built their paradise on the Kyrgyzstani plains. Gain insight into the conflicts between ancient customs and the rapid pace of gas production, as well as the tensions between ethnic Russians and the majority population.
As you navigate the pages of Sovietistan, you'll be transported to a region that fuses ancient traditions with the remnants of Soviet power. Discover the treasures of Samarkand and marvel at the brutalist Soviet architecture that still stands today. Through vivid storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Erika Fatland ensures that this adventure is one you won't soon forget.
Don't miss your chance to embark on this extraordinary journey. Experience the enchantment of Central Asia and uncover the hidden depths of Sovietistan. Click here to get your hands on Sovietistan: Travels in Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan now!
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