Travel Eurostan

Kazakh House Opening in Seoul

Sat, 02 May 2026 11:35:36 GMT

In the busy city of Seoul, among the tall buildings and rolling hills if you look, you can find a neighborhood touched by the culture of Central Asia. After you enjoy a large plate of plov and a sweet piece of honey cake for dessert, you can visit the Kazakh House just down the street. We were fortunate enough to be given an invitation to the opening of the Kazakh House by Marzhan while we were there. The ability to be welcomed by so many Central Asians all around the world is such a joy to have.

The Kazakh House opening was a celebration put on each day for three days allowing for all that wanted to attend the opportunity to go. The event showcased the culture of Kazakhstan and the hope of sharing that culture with the Korean people. The Kazakh house would also offer a space for the Kazakhs of South Korea to gather and celebrate their traditional holidays. Somewhere they could feel as if they were at home even while being far away. This was beautifully displayed by the traditional aspects of the room. There you could find many pictures of the different Kazakh sights as well as traditional clothing for men and women.

The best part was the coming together of different people even among the celebration of one people. A representative from Korea and Kyrgyzstan spoke at the event speaking warm words of welcome and alliance in community. The event continued in merriment with traditional food such as kurut, samsas, horse sausage, and borsok of course accompanied by chai. Before the closing music was played on a Dombra by two skilled players playing the sounds of the Kazakh people. It wasn’t long before dancing began to commence.

It was a treat to be able to attend this great event and learn even more about the Kazakh people and culture. Those that were there were so kind to us and the guests in attendance were given treats before we left, which we gladly accepted. I will never say no to Kazakhstan chocolate! Thank you to those in Seoul that welcomed us and thank you Kazakh House!

Love in Venice

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:29:01 GMT

Just like many timeless romance stories, this one begins in a beautiful city with an unexpected connection between two young people. This is how Gulala’s story began when she met her husband. At the time, she was living in another country while he was living in Venice. Their paths crossed when he returned to his home country to visit family. A romance soon blossomed, and they quickly fell in love.

Not long after, she moved to Venice to marry him and begin their life together. Today, they have two children in high school and have worked tirelessly to build a meaningful life in their adopted city. Both she and her husband work full-time jobs and remain deeply involved in their community. They have dedicated themselves to creating a welcoming environment for others who, like them, have journeyed from one country to another in search of opportunity and belonging.

During our time with Gulala, we not only had the pleasure of meeting her wonderful daughter, but also one of her closest friends. Their friendship began when her friend was searching for housing. Gulala welcomed her with open arms, immediately recognizing that she was also Kurdish, and from that moment a lifelong bond was formed. Inspired by the community she herself found, Gulala hopes to continue building the same sense of belonging for others. Her vision is to create a group for Kurdish women—a space where they can meet regularly, celebrate holidays, and honor their traditions together. She has already begun forming this group and is excited for the future it may bring to her and her friends.

Gulala is a light to so many people in her community—someone working to preserve culture, strengthen relationships, and ensure that others feel at home. It was a privilege to meet her, her family, and her friends. She welcomed us warmly and made us feel like part of her community in the few short hours we spent together. She is truly a blessing to those around her.

A New Home and a New Pace

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 17:06:15 GMT

Seoul is rapidly becoming an international hub for foreigners to study, work, or make just to make a new home. Many Central Asians are moving to South Korea including me and Gracie's new friend Marzhan, who came to study at university. We meet up at the opening of a Kazak house, which is a community space for Central Asians to gather and meet for different activities that embrace their culture.

Marzhan is from Almaty, Kazakhstan and has lived overseas for the past five years with a few years in Turkey and now in South Korea for the past two years. She is in Seoul on a GKS scholarship and attends a local university, Marzhan highly recommends it as a pathway to come to Korea to study for Central Asians. She learned Korean in just seven months as a requirement for the scholarship but told us that Korean was not as hard to learn because of similarities to Kazak, her native language. Marzhan can speak multiple languages including Russian, Kazak, Turkish, English, and now Korean.

We asked Marzhan what the easiest part of living in South Korea has been and she explained that it was public transportation. South Korea has very clean and consistent public transportation in forms of trains, metros, buses, and taxis that are easy for foreigners to use and not break the bank. Marzhan also told us the hardest part of living in South Korea is studying at a university in a nonnative language. All Marzhan's studies are done in Korean, so she has the obstacle of having to translate everything while trying to learn it and keep up with her classmates.

The pace of life is also a lot different, as South Korea is faster paced and highly competitive while Central Asia is more of a slower pace focusing on relationships over being on time. This can be a huge adjustment for foreigners while transitioning but as Marzhan has shown it can be done and done well. Another obstacle we discussed was how in South Korea they eat a lot of pork and or have pork byproducts in many foods like jelly causing it to be very hard to keep halal. We also talked about how the influence of K-Dramas and K-Pop has impacted Central Asians view on South Korea. Marzhan has seen how many Central Asians will move to South Korea for various reasons and then stay after marring a local South Korean.

Marzhan is loving her time in South Korea and had amazing things to say about her new home. Yet she is still staying true to her Central Asian roots like helping with the grand opening of the Kazak house and teaching those around her about her culture while embracing and fabulously adjusting to Korean culture.

True Hospitality in Bologna

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:30:39 GMT

During my visit to Bologna, Italy, I was reminded of the essence of genuine hospitality, even in a place that’s not your home.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ece, a university student studying abroad in Bologna. As we enjoyed our cappuccinos, she shared her exciting journey that led her here. Originally from Izmir, Turkey, Ece spent a significant part of her life in Germany, which ignited her passion for travel at an early age. With her sights set on studying in Italy, she was captivated by the rich culture and vibrant social environment. As she and her father packed their car for a road trip, Ece made the brave decision to relocate to Bologna to pursue a degree in Business, immersing herself in a culture and language that were new to her.

Though she faced some initial challenges in adjusting, Ece quickly discovered the community she sought. She surrounded herself with a diverse group of friends, including Turkish, Italian, and international students. Encouraged to connect with other Turkish university students, she found a supportive network that truly understands her. Even in her first year, Ece has become comfortable sharing the city she adores with others.

Ece graciously took on the role of my tour guide for the day, eager to show me her favorite spots in Bologna, known as the “Seven Secrets.” As we strolled between the secrets, we discussed life as university students. One intriguing sight was a small rectangular cut-out in the street; peering into it felt like gazing at a canal in Venice! Another highlight was the “Due Torri,” or the Twin Towers, which stand proudly in the city. At 48 meters tall, one tower leans dramatically at about four degrees—steeper than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

One of the aspects I cherish most about Turkish culture is their exceptional hospitality. Ece’s warm welcome made me feel at home, even in a city that isn’t hers. The next time you find yourself in Bologna, be sure to explore the city and uncover the remaining five secrets on your own!

Kazakh Love Blossomed in Kaunas

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:19:44 GMT

My time in Lithuania only got better as I traveled to Kaunas. The city of Kaunas was a quiet and beautiful city, boasting one of the longest pedestrian shopping walks in Europe. With multiple historical sites and Euro league basketball games, Kaunas rose its way up my list of favorite tourist cities.  It is also home to many Central Asians who live, work, and study in its quaint atmosphere. I got to meet one of the students and his wife, who came to Lithuania. Nurasyl and Camila are both from Astana in Kazakhstan but met in Kaunas through the Erasmus program.

They got married this year and are currently living in Kaunas until Nurasyl finishes university. Their plans are to go back to Kazakhstan for a little while before trying to pursue living in Europe again. Their experiences in Lithuania have been good, though they recognize the differences between Central Asian culture and Eastern European culture. Nurasyl talked about how Lithuania has been different than Kazakhstan, with a quieter life but still a nice time. It is through English that they are able to go to university and get around Lithuania.

They have been able to find a Kazakh community in Kaunas that has helped with the cultural differences and distance from home. Nurasyl says the men can be found playing football on the weekends and gathering at the local mosque to pray together on Fridays. There was even another Kazakh student who was in university with Nurasyl, who became a close friend. I have heard that finding a community that understands you and your cultural background can ease the stresses of living somewhere new.

It was a great time getting to meet Nurasyl and Camila and hearing about how they met. They were even sweet enough to treat me to a traditional Lithuanian pastry along the Liberty Avenue walkway. The invitation to visit them and their families in Kazakhstan was extended, and I can’t wait to see when I will get to visit.

Where Light meets Stone

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 23:00:17 GMT

One of the most worthwhile aspects of visiting cultural landmarks is discovering the inspiring history of people groups who have endured significant hardships yet remain unwavering. We had the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Yazidis through a visit to their main temple in Armenia. The Yazidis are a small but fascinating group mostly living in northern Iraq and nearby areas. Their religion is truly unique, mixing ideas from different ancient beliefs, worshipping a figure called Melek Taus, the Peacock Angel. Despite facing a lot of hardship over the years, the Yazidis have kept their traditions, stories, and culture alive, making them a strong and proud community.

The Quba Mere Diwane is the world's largest Yazidi temple, located around the Armavir province, about an hour drive outside of Yerevan. The temple, opened in September 2019, features seven domes symbolizing the Seven Angels of Yazidi theology and is dedicated to Melek Taus. The design is inspired by the holiest Yazidi site, Lalish in northern Iraq, and the temple serves as a spiritual center for the Yazidi community in Armenia. As we walked around the temple, we were fascinated to read the plaques and observe the statues, which painted a picture of Yazidi customs and history. The views of the white marbled temple situated on a hill with the mountains of Armenia in the background were truly breathtaking!

One monument in particular stood out, a monument dedicated to brotherhood between the Armenian and Yazidi nations. The religious pictures reflected on the statue were a symbol of the bond of the two nations. In the front was a Peacock, which is the symbol of Yazidism. And in the back was an Armenian cross surrounded by rays of sun. On the bottom, a symbol of eternity marked the eternal solidarity between the two nations and their religions. This was a beautiful picture of the shared history and heritage of two peoples who both call Armenia their home.

Iraq Nowruz

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:05:26 GMT

On March 20th Malmo, Sweden celebrated a significant holiday that is not only important to the city but also to the cultures represented there! They call this festival “Newroz”, and Malmo is known throughout Sweden for having the most extravagant celebration! Newroz is a significant holiday to Persians, Kurds, and other ethnicities. The word “Newroz” means New Year and according to their calendar, this date is when the New Year starts. As we entered the festival, we noticed a large park with tents surrounding a stage. The festival began with food and drinks that are popular in Iraq and eaten on this special day. Many people were chatting with friends and enjoying the food.

While this was happening, I found some friends to ask what this festival was and what it meant to them. They told us that this festival was to celebrate newness of life and is based on an ancient myth. The story goes that a mythical creature was mistreating everyone, tormenting the people. He would eat their brains and required human sacrifices each day. One day, a Kurdish man decided that this torment had to end, so he decided to fight the creature. Ultimately, he ended up defeating the creature and returned unity to the people again. The people now use this day to celebrate their liberation. During this festival, they usually tell the story of how this day came about. They also partake in food and dancing.

While this festival differs throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, some parts remain the same. We soon learned that Iraqis were hosting this festival, but every culture had its moment to shine. Something that every culture had in common was joining together with torches and lighting a huge fire. While they gathered together and lit this fire I saw a magnificent sight. The people cheered and screamed as the biggest fire I had ever seen was lit. After the fire was lit, we sat and marveled at it for a while. Then, everyone gathered back around the stage where they sat and watched as every culture there displayed native dances. They also allowed people from every culture to join in and learn the dances with them! This soon became a time of laughter and excitement. I was overjoyed to see the expression on people's faces as they held up flags from their country and danced together as one. The people were clothed in their traditional dress from each country. The dresses were bright with lots of sparkles. Some dresses dangled with jewels while others lit up the night sky with how shiny they were. After the people finished dancing, they gathered together as they watched performers sing from each nation. These singers were amazing and drew in even more onlookers. Soon enough, the singing turned into dancing as everyone gathered in a circle and danced as one. This was a beautiful moment to see everyone united despite their differences joining together hand in hand. It was an amazing night that I will never forget! The people were so kind and ecstatic to share with us about their holiday. What a special day of unity and celebration that will turn into a lifelong memory for me!

Raising Family in Lithuania

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:20:47 GMT

Mutual acquaintances are the best way to make new friends when traveling. It takes the stress out of feeling like you are meeting someone for the first time. This is how I met Aidai, and with a mutual connection, it made getting along effortless. Immediately after connecting with her, she invited me to her family’s home for dinner. Her decorated home for the holidays was a welcome change from the dreary Lithuanian days. A home-cooked meal means the most to someone who has been traveling as well.

Over dinner, I got to hear about the origin of Aidai’s beautiful family. She came to Lithuania 12 years ago to attend LCC International University in Klaipeda and major in liberal arts. After graduating, she began working in logistics and later met her husband, who is from Lithuania. The two have been married for almost six years, with two beautiful girls to boast of. Aidai is from Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, but spent time growing up in Moscow. Her family loves their home and life in Vilnius now. She has not lost her culture and even has Kyrgyz decorations around their home.

The hospitality continued as they took me to try traditional Lithuanian food the next day. I was able to try the Cepelinai (potato dumplings) and Kepta Duona (fried rye bread) while talking about our favorite Central Asian dishes. It was a sweet moment learning that their oldest daughter calls her dad 'ata', the Kyrgyz word for 'dad'. It is this blending of many cultures in one family that allows for the birth of an upbringing unique to that family alone. Aidai’s husband also travels to the United States, often picking up some of their culture, or candy, I should say.

Family is the most important thing to Aidai,a and she is hoping to welcome her mother to their home in Vilnius soon. This and time spent with the kid’s other grandparents make special memories that will also go into shaping the culture of who they are. I was grateful to be welcomed into their lives and home. They even gave me the great suggestion of attending a Euroleague basketball game in Kaunas. It is meetings like this that make me love Central Asian culture and want to return to Vilnius soon.

Magic in Milan

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 15:02:44 GMT

While exploring Milan I was overtaken by the beauty and the history of this magnificent city. What I was even more shocked by was the cultures that surrounded it. I got the privilege to meet Doga who has lived here for 6 years but is originally from Ankara, Turkey. Doga was a pleasure to meet with, and throughout our interview we heard all about her life here in Milan. She originally came to Milan to study medicine 6 years ago. She wanted to study medicine overseas but was not sure where after researching and finding the perfect university she decided to go to Milan to study. She spent her first 3 years here studying medicine and then decided to switch her major to Communications where she studied for another 3 years and just recently, she decided she wanted to go back to med school and finish her degree.

When she first moved to Milan it was a little overwhelming at first because she did not know the language or the culture. Soon she fell in love with not only the language but the people. Doga talked highly about how warm and welcoming the Italians are. She feels like Italy has become her new home. So much so that when she leaves Italy even just for a little bit to go home and visit her family in Turkey she misses being in Milan. She has formed a beautiful community here filled with friends from Italy and Turkey. This helps Italy feel a little more like home to her. After Doga graduates from med school, she hopes to travel somewhere new to start over and to practice. She loves exploring new cultures and learning new languages. She is looking forward to the future and where she could potentially be! Who knows, she might even end up where you are at. If so, you will definitely have a friendship to last a lifetime from the kindest person.

From Karakol to Prague

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:45:31 GMT

The options for studying abroad almost seem endless. Places like China, Korea, Europe, America, and many more all offer opportunities to study for international students. Emilia was faced with the same decision of where to study for university when she and her family decided on the Czech Republic. Her parents were quick to say Prague, having visited the Czech Republic when they were younger, and so her adventure started.

Emilia is from Kyrgyzstan, from the eastern city of Karakol. Karakol is home to the best ski base in all of Kyrgyzstan. It is a hidden gem for all who enjoy winter sports. When Emilia first arrived in Prague, the big city seemed like a great labyrinth. She had never needed to use a map to get around before and definitely had no need for the metro. However, with time, she began to learn about the large city and grow to love it.

It was in 2020 when COVID hit, and she was unable to return home, that life became even harder. It was during this time that she started to reach out to the other Central Asia diaspora in Prague. The community she found in the diaspora groups encouraged her during this hard time. The friendships she made that year are still with her to this day.

Emilia has since changed faculties and is now pursuing a degree in Marketing and Media at Pan European University. She is the administrator at a salon but hopes to soon find her way in the marketing world.

I am glad I got the chance to meet with Emilia during my time in Prague. Karakol is now at the top of my list of cities to visit in Kyrgyzstan.

Wonderful People

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:45:00 GMT

In a land filled with deep history and breathtaking beauty, there exists a people group just as captivating as the landscape itself. Jordan is home to many natural and ancient wonders of the world. Among them is the Dead Sea—the lowest point on Earth—where no living organism can survive. Another is the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here, you can explore the mysteries of those who lived in this region long ago, from the Moabites to the Edomites and many others.

Throughout history, countless people groups have passed through this land, each leaving their mark on Jordan’s rich culture. One of these groups arrived during the Ottoman Empire and has lived here ever since: the Kurds. Although they have been in the region for generations, they have maintained their unique identity and traditions. Today, over 100,000 Kurds live in Jordan. Originally a nomadic people, they migrated from Turkey to Palestine and eventually to Jordan. They can be found throughout the major cities—Amman, Zarqa, Salt, and Irbid.

A few times each year, the Kurdish community gathers to celebrate important cultural holidays such as Newroz. On this holiday, families head out into nature to enjoy a picnic together, followed by a day filled with singing and traditional dancing. These dances have been passed down through generations and remain a cherished part of Kurdish identity.

One man, Mohyee, was passionate about preserving these traditions for the younger Kurdish generation. He decided to start a Kurdish club dedicated to celebrating their heritage and teaching children their ancestral language. Over the summer, he led a class where children learned to read and speak Kurdish. As we sat together drinking tea, we not only grew in our understanding of one another but also began forming a genuine friendship. That friendship led us to meet again a few days later—this time with another member of the club—as we explored the beautiful history and heritage of the city of Salt.

The time we spent with the Kurds of Jordan made us feel not just welcomed, but embraced like family. If you are looking to experience one of the most unique and vibrant cultures in the world, you should meet the Kurds of Jordan. There, you will be amazed not only by the region’s incredible wonders but also by the wonderful people who call this place home.

Chance Meeting in Prague

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:50 GMT

I got to sit down and hear about Aisha’s story in a cozy tea shop in Prague. It was a warm, aromatic getaway from the cold outside. Aisha kindly picked out two good teas for us to try since it was my first time in a tea shop.

I hadn’t planned to meet with Aisha before coming to Prague, but we just happened to meet outside Prague Castle. I stopped into Starbucks for a quick coffee where she was working, and we instantly connected over Central Asia. We traded contact info and later set up a time to meet for an interview.

Aisha is from Kazakhstan, though not just from one city. She has spent time in several cities across the country. When she was 18, she continued the trend and moved to Prague for university. She has spent the last 6 years in the capital of the Czech Republic, with a few years in school and working at different jobs. All her goals now point to feeling comfortable where she is and with the people she works with. The simple life she grew up with still calls her in this stage of life.

We got to bond even more over our favorite Central Asian dishes. Hers is nauryz kozhe, but only if made by her grandmother. This led us to talk about the differences in our cultures and upbringings. It was a warm welcome from Aisha, and I felt as though I already had a friend in Prague. She was sure to share with me all her favorite spots in the city and another tea shop to visit.

I can only hope to visit Kazakhstan when she is back home and taste her grandmother's cooking for myself!

Burana Tower

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 06:04:46 GMT

An integral part of all societies from ancient times to now is trade, but in order to have trade there has to be a trade route for people to use. One of the most popular and influential trade routes known today from the ancient civilizations was the Silk Road which connected China to the West or modern-day Europe. The Silk Road got its name from the silk being produced in China and then being traded to the West for other goods and services, it was also not just one road but many roads connecting to form a trading route. Goods like silk, silver, gold, and wool are what was primarily traded along the road, but disease and religious ideas also passed along from civilization to civilization.

Burna Tower, one of the oldest architectural constructions of Central Asia and a piece of The Silk Road, is still standing today. From the ancient city of Balasagun now known as Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan in the Chuy Valley and is about 84 meters from the capital Bishkek. Built in the 11th century the tower is most believed to have been built as a minaret, a part of a mosque used for the call to prayer. The name Burna is derived from the Arabic word “monar” which also translates to minaret, giving more reason for the tower to have been a religious structure. But to many of the Kyrgyz people, the legend of a great Khan building the tower to save his daughter from a curse is still told and believed, though told differently depending on who you ask.

The tower was originally 148 feet high but after multiple earthquakes, specifically a larger one in the 15th century, the tower's top half was damaged, causing the tower to be 82 feet tall as of today. Surrounded by mountains and an ancient burial ground, the tower is a well visited sight for tourists along with the museum. Archeologist have been exploring and exuviating many ancient treasures in and near the tower, with many artifacts still located in the museum for tourists to look at and gather a glimpse of days past. Most artifacts consist of pottery, ceramics, and coins from all different periods of history and cultures, representing the impact of The Silk Road.

For those not scared of heights, dark, or enclosed spaced, then climbing the tower is a popular activity. A spiral staircase leads many tourists up to the tower and then through the entrance, which is very dark and allows for only one person to climb at a time, but the ending result is an amazing view of the valley and mountains surrounding. The tower is also next to an older burial site with tombstones also known as Bal-Bals dating back to the 6th-10th centuries from nomadic Turks who used to roam the area. Burna Tower is an amazing spot to go visit and learn more about the history and impact of The Silk Road but also to see the amazing landscape that makes up beautiful Kyrgyzstan.

Drawn to Vienna

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 09:07:39 GMT

Have you ever felt a pull to a city? Maybe it’s the history or the infrastructure, but sometimes it’s an indefinable quality from a combination of factors that draws a person in. When Jameli first visited Vienna two years ago, she felt that pull, and then she moved here from Astana, Kazakhstan.

Vienna has not disappointed Jameli! She loves the history and architecture of the city as well as going to the amazing museums that are here. Being a student is a great perk because often museums will offer discounted prices to students. However, Jameli’s favorite museum is totally free for anyone! It is the Wien Museum near Karlsplatz, which tells the story of the city itself. Not only is this museum full of amazing pieces, but it also has a great terrace from which you can see the city center.

Living in Vienna comes with its own challenges though. There is a lot of bureaucracy and affordable housing in the city is difficult to find. However, Jameli has worked through those challenges and has made Vienna feel like home.

One of the main differences that Jameli has noticed between Vienna and Astana is the pace of life. In Astana, people are very busy. Even in a cafe, most people are working or on their phones. She loves how in Vienna, there is a slower pace to life. This might be in part because there is a large elderly population in the city. Regardless, Jameli is grateful for how Vienna has taught her about slowing down and enjoying life.

Jameli wants to share her love for Vienna with others. She has started doing this by helping other Kazakhs move here. She helps people who are looking to move here with things like navigating through the required paperwork, finding a good area of the city to live in, and all of the other necessary things. What a great opportunity for her to help others who are in the same position that she was in two years ago!

We had a great time hanging out, and I wish Jameli the best luck in her life here in Vienna and beyond.

Building Community Abroad

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:10:18 GMT

The people I got to meet during my time in Prague were just as sweet as getting to see the sights of the old city. My last week in Prague was special as I got to meet up with several women from Central Asia. In the last days of my trip, I met Doolatkan and her friend Aiperi. They had both lived in Prague for 8 years and had many stories of their time in the Czech Republic to share with me.

Doolatkan is from Kyrgyzstan, and her love of the country and culture spills out as she lives in Prague. She has started a community for the Kyrgyz Diaspora in Prague. They often meet up to share meals and take trips around the Czech Republic. This community is a way to remember their culture and spend time with others from Kyrgyzstan.

She has found other Kyrgyz friends to enjoy time with when she isn’t working. I got to tag along with them for an evening in downtown Prague. We talked about their experiences in Prague over dinner at an Uzbek restaurant. Doolatkan and her friends often visit OSH Prague to eat their comfort foods from home. She even makes chalap to sell for those living in the Czech Republic.

It was a memorable evening and one I will cherish. I know this will not be my last time in Prague or the last time I will see my new friends.

Dreaming of Studying Abroad

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:29:18 GMT

Have you dreamed of studying abroad? Aya, a Kazakh student in Vienna, always dreamed of living and studying abroad, and now she is living out that dream!

For many students from Central Asia who are studying in Europe, a foundation course is required before beginning studies for their degree. This is required because most high schools in Central Asia finish at 11th grade, but most European universities require 12 years of schooling before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program. So, at some universities, they have foundation courses that focus on language learning and other courses. This is what Aya is currently doing in preparation to start her International Business Administration degree!

Since moving to Vienna two months ago, Aya has been soaking up all of the amazing things this city has to offer, including going to some museums, enjoying the cafes, and just walking through the streets admiring the beautiful architecture. Aya loves the big city atmosphere that Vienna has to offer, while also being accessible with reliable public transportation.

Aya plans to make use of the time that she is studying in Europe to explore the surrounding countries like Spain, France, and Germany. However, she is not going to stop there. She wants to explore so many other places including North America, East Asia, and Africa! It is so fun to meet up with people who have such a drive to explore, see different parts of the world, and learn about other cultures and languages.

I am excited to see what the next few years in Vienna will hold for Aya, and I hope that it is not the last time that we will meet!

Kyrgyz Nomad Girl in Warsaw

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:05:23 GMT

I had the privilege of meeting Akmoor at a Costa Coffee just outside the Warsaw West train station. As we bonded over kurut, I got to hear how she came to move from Kyrgyzstan to Poland and the woman she has grown into. Akmoor started her Polish journey in Katowice, where she got her degree in Finance from WSB University. This is just one of the many universities that open their doors to international students and exchange program students. After finishing her bachelor’s, she decided to stay in Poland. She has lived in Katowice, Krakow, and now currently lives and works in Warsaw. She said she has moved around a lot, just like her nomadic culture.

Her time here in Poland has been sweet and busy between her job at J.P. Morgan and volunteering for a women’s diaspora community group, Danaker. This organization does an amazing job at bringing together Kyrgyz women from all over Europe. This October, they had their 2nd European Forum of Women from the Kyrgyz Republic. This will be a forum to focus on Advancing Socio-Economic Integration of Migrant Women Through Skills and Entrepreneurship. The women’s group and other diaspora groups help to bring a piece of Kyrgyzstan to her here in Warsaw. Of course, phone calls home to family members also help to brighten the cloudy days of Poland.

The time she has spent here has opened her eyes to the horizons of the world. When she first came to Poland at just the age of seventeen, everything seemed so new and different. But now that she has grown up in a new environment, the possibilities seem endless. She says there is still some growing left to do, and she is even still figuring out who she is as an adult, which many of us can relate to.  Akmoor wishes to pursue her master’s degree one day, and maybe even settle down somewhere else. I am grateful for the conversation we got to have and relate to her on more than one level. It is a joy to make friends in different countries of the world.

Learning Architecture in Vienna

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:31:41 GMT

Across the street from one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vienna, I met with Tore, the president of the Kazakh Student Society of Austria (KSSA). Tore is in his third semester as an architecture student in Vienna. He is a naturally creative person, but he also loves mathematics. So, when he was deciding what to study, architecture was at the perfect crossroads of those things. He has already learned so much about architecture that when he goes back to Kazakhstan to visit, he has started to teach his family about the design and structural reasons behind certain buildings in his hometown of Astana.

As president of KSSA, Tore is passionate about organizing ways for Central Asians to gather. When he first moved abroad, it was quite difficult to make friends. Especially as you are trying to figure out accommodation, documents, and other things all on your own, it can be difficult to find time to build community. Tore wants to ease the transition for Central Asians by providing events and hangouts for people to attend. These events are not just for Kazakhs though! Other Centrals Asians, like Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, and Turkmen join these events. Not only other Central Asians, but also people from former Soviet countries like Ukraine and Belarus. This past March, they had a Nauryz celebration with around 300 people in attendance! What an amazing turnout! They had food, games, and space to just hang out with people.

Tore is not the only one in his family who lives abroad. One of his sisters lives in Canada, and the other one lives in Paris. One great thing about living in Austria for Tore is that he gets to visit his sister in Paris about 3 or 4 times a year!

I felt so welcomed by Tore to Vienna, his second home now. As is traditional in Central Asia, he gave me a welcome gift, a bar of delicious Kazakh chocolate. Can’t wait to enjoy the chocolate with a cup of tea!

The Road to Poland

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:14:27 GMT

Warsaw, like any other capital, offers cuisine from all across the globe. Central Asian cuisine is among the vast variety. I was able to enjoy Uzbekistan’s famous plov from a restaurant called Guzar Garden, not far from the Vistula River and downtown Warsaw. It was also at this restaurant that I was able to sit down with Sogdiana and hear how, after several changes to the plan, she ended up in Poland.

Hospitality is a characteristic often used to describe those from Kyrgyzstan, and even though we weren’t in Kyrgyzstan, I felt welcomed by Sogdiana. I was able to try Tashkent Tea and enjoy samsas as I learned more about Sogdiana. She explained to me how she is from Kyrgyzstan but has lived in Warsaw for a year, attending university and studying English philology. English is just one of the many languages she speaks and is learning, with the total number being 8 languages.

In middle school, Sogdiana dreamed of studying in South Korea. She studied Korean at the high school she attended in Bishkek for many years, chasing this dream. But as she got older, her dreams changed, and she started applying to universities in the United States. Sogdiana had already been studying English as well during her time in school, so it seemed like the right fit. She even entered a scholarship contest, and after entering her essay on why she wanted to study in America, she won! However, after this, because of some problems with documentation, it didn’t work out for her to go to the university in America. She still wanted to study outside of Kyrgyzstan, though, so after consulting with those who would be able to help, she landed on Poland.

It was not easy to get to the point she is at now, but she is learning, making new friends, and is a member of the with the Kyrgyz Diaspora in Poland, which helps Kyrgyz Citizens in Poland. Poland is an opportunity to see the rest of Europe as well. Sogdiana celebrated her last birthday in Paris. Though she misses her home country and her family, she is excited for what is ahead of her.

I was so happy to be able to meet with Sogdiana and feel welcomed into her life in Poland.

Following in His Parents Footsteps

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:42:57 GMT

When people move abroad, usually the most difficult thing is being away from family and friends for extended periods of time. For Gani, a Kazakh student in Vienna, that was not the case.

Throughout his childhood and even into high school, Gani played hockey, which meant that he traveled often. By the time that he hung up his hockey gear for good, he had traveled to play in 30 cities in Russia! This experience helped him to transition when he moved to Austria in 2024. Although of course he misses his family, he loves the experiences that he is able to have while living abroad.

He moved to Vienna almost a year ago and has gotten to explore so much of what the city has to offer, including the museums, festivals and cafes. When he moved to Vienna, one of his favorite things was how you can feel the history here. There are so many amazing buildings that have been around for centuries, and Gani has loved to learn about them as he explores the city.

Gani is not the first in his family to live in Vienna though. While doing his medical residency, Gani’s dad lived in Vienna for 2 years back in 2005. Recently, Gani even went to the same cafe as his dad had gone to twenty years ago and ordered the same things. What a fun way to follow in your parents' footsteps!

Before moving to Vienna, Gani lived in Graz, a city in the southern part of Austria. He spent a few months there at the university before transferring to Vienna to study economics. There was a strong community there, and he was always hanging out with friends. He will always think fondly of his time in Graz and the friends that he made there.

Although Gani doesn’t see himself living abroad forever, he has made great memories that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

Culture Through Generations

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:26:59 GMT

One of the best parts of learning about different cultures is how multi-faceted they are. Learning about the general culture of a country can be so interesting! However, beneath the surface, there is always more to learn about groups of people maintaining and preserving their own culture that has been passed down through generations. This is the case with Lala, who is an Ahiska Turk living in Uzbekistan. She loves living in Uzbekistan and raved to us about the beautiful historical sights we should see while we were there! However, Lala is even more passionate about her own culture and history.

Lala’s grandparents came to Samarkand from Georgia when they were teenagers. They were Ahiska Turks, which originate from the Meskheti region in southern Georgia near the Turkish border. Their modern history is shaped by dramatic displacement in the 20th century. Under Stalin, the Soviet authorities forcibly deported the entire community from southern Georgia to Central Asia, accusing them of disloyalty amid World War II tensions. Masses were packed into trains and resettled across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other Soviet republics, with many never able to return home. Thousands died during the deportation from cold, hunger, and disease along the way, and many were buried beside the railway tracks. This deportation—the largest single transfer of a Caucasus minority—was followed by decades of life in exile. Lala’s great-grandfather served in the Soviet army during World War II. After General Vlasov’s betrayal, many soldiers were captured by the Nazis. Later, the Soviet Union punished those who survived, blaming them instead of honoring their suffering. When her great-grandfather was finally released after 10 years, he searched everywhere for his family and found them years later in Uzbekistan. Her family has lived in Samarkand ever since.

Lala spoke about how beautifully connected their community is in Samarkand. Almost every Ahiska Turk here knows each other. They celebrate life and death together. She is doing an internship, working on getting her Neurology degree. She is gifted in language and speaks Turkish, Russian, Uzbek, and English. Her parents taught her Turkish; they speak it at home together. This is one facet of their culture that is incredibly important: their heart language. It is a clear sign of who they are, and it remains crucial amongst Ahiska Turks to hand their language down from generation to generation. It is a mark of resilience; even though her people have faced many hardships, they continue to preserve what makes them who they are. Her family’s story is marked by bravery and endurance through extreme hardships. It is no wonder Lala is so proud of her people.

Threads of Connection

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 09:23:59 GMT

One virtue of social media in our era is the connections it brings with those around us! While backpacking in Egypt, we reached out to Engy on Instagram, knowing we would be fast friends. Engy and her friend, Dina, planned the perfect day for us, experiencing Egyptian culture and enjoying community. Engy and Dina are both go-getters and entrepreneurs. They lead a speaking club in Alexandria, a quaint coastal city. Dina has also set out to create her own podcast, focusing on people’s experiences in spirituality. It was incredible to see how they both use their giftings of creativity and education to create a community around them of fellow go-getters.

Engy and Dina both have big dreams for the future. For Engy, she aspires to be a tour guide, sharing her knowledge of history and culture with others. In our short time with her, she was an excellent tour guide for us! Through her recommendations, we experienced the sights of Alexandria through a local’s eye. First, we stopped at the Royal Jewlery Museum, a grand, neoclassical-era palace converted into a dedicated gallery for Egypt’s royal jewelry and related artifacts. One of the aspects that made an impression on us was the masterfully crafted stained glass windows that depicted an Egyptian love story. Next, we grabbed a refreshing Egyptian drink made from fresh frozen fruit and enjoyed it by the coast. Finally, Engy and Dina took us to enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine, the best in town! Dina’s dream is to move to Türkiye for one year. Even though she has never left Egypt, she has been faithfully studying Turkish for this new chapter in her life. Dina is passionate about volunteering when she travels. She feels this is the best way to travel frugally, while also connecting to locals and being apart of serving the community.

It is incredible how strangers can feel like true friends when they connect over what they are passionate about. When we cheer each other on from different parts of the world, it is incredible what we can accomplish!

Ne Angime

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 02:50:29 GMT

Ne Angime is a Kazakh diaspora group in Warsaw. It is led by two young girls from Kazakhstan. Mary and I got to hear the heart behind Ne Angime from one of its leaders, Marya. Marya has lived in Poland for 6 years after a now-funny turn of events brought her to study in Warsaw. After graduating in Graphic Design, she was able to find a job teaching art at an international school in Warsaw. When she isn’t working at the school, she is planning and organizing events for the Kazakh-speaking club. She explained to me that there had been other diaspora groups in Poland that came and went, but she wanted this group to last.

The group started almost a year ago and has grown so much in this short time. This is due to Marya and her co-leader, Perizat, keeping the group alive. Marya told us that they really enjoy just being together, sharing food, and having fun during their meetings. This has brought the group to where it is now, with one of their last meetings having over 150 people. The Kazakh community has even reached out to the Kyrgyz Diaspora group there in Warsaw to have combined hangouts and events.

I was able to attend the first combined event between the Kazakh and Kyrgyz groups while I was in Warsaw. They had a picnic in the beautiful Polana widokowa im. Macieja Mielcarza Park with plov, games, and snacks, of course. I was very grateful for the kind hospitality of the group welcoming me into their picnic. It was great to be able to hear the stories from multiple students living, working, and studying in Warsaw. Some of them had been there for close to 6 years, while others were only in their first year of living in Poland.

Marya told us of the big plans she has for the future of the community, but their main goal is to continue to meet and make it a place where Kazakhs can have a place to gather in Poland. They have mafia games, a Kazakh-speaking event, a hangout, and other cool events each month. Eventually, they want to become an organization and potentially have a building to be able to meet in.

We were so grateful for the Ne Angime welcoming us and meeting with us. I can’t wait until I can be back in Warsaw and join them again.

Alinura in the Alps

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:07:29 GMT

Alpine coasters, traditional Austrian food, and good conversation. What else could you ask for on a sunny day in October?

Outside of Innsbruck, Austria in the Tyrol region, I met with Alinura, Kulsharyia, and Andreas, Alinura’s husband. Alinura is from Semey, a city in eastern Kazakstan, and Kulsharyia is from Almaty, Kazakhstan. They met and became friends while in Europe, and Kulsharyia was visiting Alinura for the weekend.

We met at the restaurant Tschangelair Alm Stubaital, which serves traditional Austrian dishes. After finishing our main food, we of course had to share an order of Kaiserschmarrn, a delicious Austrian pancake dish. This was my first time trying Austrian food, and it was all delicious!

Alinura has been living abroad for 10 years, starting with moving to the US via the FLEX program in high school. Since then, she has lived in Germany and now Austria. Since meeting her now husband and getting married, she plans to stay in Austria indefinitely. She is still very connected to her Kazakh culture though and visits Kazakhstan 3-4 times a year. Her husband has also jumped into Kazakh culture, exemplified in their wedding about a month ago, when his friends and family went to Kazakhstan and got to join in all of the amazing traditional Kazakh wedding festivities!

During our time together, we spoke a mixture of English, Russian, and German because all four of us knew those three languages to varying degrees. It was truly an international gathering, and it reminded me how friendships can transcend cultures and languages, and most of our afternoon together was spent in laughter.

After finishing our meal, they invited me to ride an alpine coaster with them. Of course I agreed, and off we went. After a quick drive through the valley, we arrived at the alpine coaster. We took a gondola ride to the top of the mountain and then rode on single person coasters back down! It was so much fun, and a great way to see the beautiful nature of Tyrol.

I had such a fun day exploring a new part of Austria with these three new friends. I hope it is not the last time that we meet!

From Kurdish Roots to Austrian Streets

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 07:26:28 GMT

For many people, living abroad in a country far from their homeland naturally turns their focus inward. There are so many pressing questions and stressors to grapple with—Where will I fit in? How can I establish myself? Where will my skills be truly valued? Yet, Aya has taken a different path; she has shifted her perspective outward, embracing the world and those around her.

Aya is a mother of twin boys, living in beautiful Salzburg, Austria. She is Kurdish, and her family relocated to Austria in 2020. With a dream to become a successful cosmetologist, Aya is currently studying cosmetology, aspiring to one day own her own business. Most of her time is lovingly devoted to her boys, whom she takes along as she explores the rich culture and landscapes of Austria. But beyond adventure, Aya also places great importance on passing down their heritage. She believes it is essential for her boys to learn Kurdish, their native language, and proudly honors their roots despite the distance from their homeland.

We had the pleasure of meeting Aya at a recent literacy event dedicated to celebrating Kurdish authors and culture. As a local band played heartfelt songs from their homeland in Kurdish, Aya graciously translated the poignant lyrics for us. Her eyes filled with tears, revealing a deep and overflowing love for her country.

The next day, as Aya showed us some of her favorite spots in Salzburg, we talked about our passions. Translation, she told us, is one of hers. A gifted linguist fluent in Kurdish, Turkish, English, Arabic, and German, Aya volunteers her time to assist other expats in need of translation—especially women facing medical appointments or hospital visits. She offers her voice and support during stressful moments, all without charge, understanding firsthand the challenges of living in a country where your heart language is not spoken.

Aya’s spirit of generosity and hospitality is truly inspiring. Despite facing many hardships adapting to Austrian culture and sometimes feeling misunderstood, she refuses to let these barriers keep her from focusing on helping others. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, love, and the power of community.

From Mangystau to Warsaw

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 06:08:13 GMT

Poland has great university programs that appeal to those from Central Asia. They have any program you may need to get to the future you are looking for, either in Poland or wherever you want to go. I have been privileged to meet many students from Central Asia who attend university here in Warsaw, and even those who have graduated from bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It is not uncommon for students to work while they are in university and then continue in those jobs after graduation. We got to meet with Aidana, another great student who studies in Warsaw.

Aidana is from Mangystau, from the city of Zhanaozen, in western Kazakhstan. Mangystau is a region in the west of Kazakhstan that some say looks like Mars. It is very beautiful but can be overlooked since it is far from Almaty and Astana. Aidana is very proud to be from Mangystau and her Kazakh heritage.

We met her in one of the many coffee shops scattered all over the capital center. Aidana was wearing traditional Kazakh jewelry as she began to tell us about her life. She told us she came to Poland three years ago after graduating from Kazakh-Turkish College in Taraz. Her sister has lived in Poland for ten years, and though that played a factor in her coming here, it wasn’t the only one. Aidana told us it became her own dream to come to Poland to study. After getting here and settling in with help from her sister, she began studying at Vistula University with a focus on Business and Security Analytics. Aidana works at Citi Bank as an Onboarding Analyst, where she helps people open accounts. Before this, she gained valuable experience working at Accenture.

Aidana is not sure what her plans are for after graduation. She is hoping to apply for a temporary residence visa soon so she may travel more easily and worry less about documents. The possibilities seem endless, especially given her job at Citibank, a company known in most countries.

We were so glad to be able to meet Aidana, and maybe one day we will be able to go to the Mangystau region and see that beautiful part of the country for ourselves!

Adjusting to Amsterdam

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 02:55:27 GMT

For many people, Amsterdam is a dream destination. Whether for the quaint canals, amazing museums, good food, or some other reason, this city has drawn people from all over the world to live here. However, this is not the city that Bayan, a Kazakh woman living here in Europe, would have originally chosen to move to.

After spending 10 years studying and working in France, mainly Paris, Bayan grew accustomed to the lifestyle there and loved it. A year ago, though, she moved to Amsterdam after her husband found a job here.

Although at first Bayan was bummed to be there, she has since grown to love this city and the community here. Bayan lives in a suburb of Amsterdam where about 10 other Kazakh families live. These people and other Kazakhs in Amsterdam have helped her to really begin to think of Amsterdam as home for her.

We met up with Bayan at the opening of Nomos Coffee, a Kazakh cafe that just re-opened in the southwest of Amsterdam near Vondelpark. You could see her love for the community here and how she has become a part of it! Bayan took us all around the cafe and introduced us to almost everyone in the room. It was so great to meet so many Kazakhs and hear bits and pieces of their stories.

She is not leaving France behind forever though! She and her husband hope to move back there one day and buy a house in the countryside. What a dream!

Community far from home

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 05:28:06 GMT

Living far from home can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. For many international students, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about academic achievement. Recently, an inspiring mathematician originally from Afyon, a city near Antalya in Türkiye, shared reflections that beautifully capture the importance of community when living abroad.

Four years ago, Kubra moved to Edinburgh to pursue a PhD in mathematics. Though she appreciates the cleaner environment and stronger economy in Scotland compared to Türkiye, she sees this as a temporary chapter in her life. She will return to Türkiye after completing her studies and work there for five years. In the meantime, Kubra visits Türkiye every six months to reconnect with family—her sister and father—and rejuvenate her ties to home. Her husband, whom she met in high school, studies physics and astronomy in Edinburgh, giving her a partner who understands the exhilaration and isolation of academic life abroad.

Cultural connection plays a crucial role in her life overseas. Celebrating Turkish holidays with the community organized by the Turkish Consulate General in Edinburgh brings warmth and festivity reminiscent of home. Kubra also emphasized the challenges of adapting to Scottish life—particularly the local accent and the many rules that can feel restrictive. She misses the hospitality and vibrant nightlife of Türkiye, staples of the Turkish culture.

Kubra’s story highlights a universal truth for many living abroad: while academic and economic opportunities may draw people away from home, it is their community that anchors them. By nurturing bonds with fellow nationals and embracing cultural traditions, expats create a bridge between their roots and new surroundings. It is this cherished community—both old and new—that sustains them through moments of homesickness and cultural adjustment.

For anyone embarking on life far from their homeland, her experience offers valuable insight: invest in relationships, celebrate your culture, and slowly but surely you will build the connections that will make anywhere feel like home.

Moving Up in Krakow

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 08:57:48 GMT

Mary and I finally made it all the way down to Krakow on our adventure in Poland. A short train ride down from the capital city put us among the other tourists there to see the rich history of the city. We even got to stay perfectly positioned between the old town and the Jewish Quarter. With so much to see and so little time, we made sure to make the most of it. It was during our time there that we got to meet Aigerim.

Aigerim is from Kyrgyzstan but moved to Poland in 2019. She came through the Erasmus exchange program, but soon after COVID hit, she made the quick decision to apply for the spring semester. She was approved, and that was the beginning of choosing to live and study in Poland. She has now finished her bachelor’s in international relations and her master’s in project management. Students in Poland are allowed to work full-time and go to school, so she found a job. Aigerim has worked in several spheres, spending some time in the restaurant business, Uber, and consulting. She has since moved into the corporate world and now works in HR in QVC in Krakow.

Danaker Diaspora of Women from Kyrgyzstan in Poland has also benefited from Aigerim, as she has volunteered to help to organize and do outreach for the organization. The Kyrgyz diaspora wanted to create an organization that bolstered the presence of Central Asians in Poland. The organization seeks to support migrant women and host events to educate the diaspora on cross-cultural living. Aigerim is very passionate about the organization and helping those who want to further their horizons with education and jobs in European countries.

Aigerim has made a home here in Krakow. She told us about how it was hard at first to leave her family in Bishkek and move to Poland, but that the move helped her to see who she wanted to become. Living in Poland gives her the opportunity to see other European countries easily and work for any company anywhere in the world. She says she has become more independent the more she lives in Europe, and living here can open your eyes to other cultures and ways of living. We couldn’t agree with her more as we continue to learn about Central Asia and love the people who are from there.

Aruzhan in Amsterdam

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:42:57 GMT

On a typically gloomy day in Amsterdam, we met with Aruzhan in a cafe in the south of the city. She has now lived in the Netherlands for two years, initially moving here because her husband received a job offer from a company in Amsterdam. Although she has made Amsterdam feel like home in some ways, there will always be a part of her that misses living in Kazakhstan amongst her friends and family.

Even though she is living over 3,000 miles away from her home, there is a strong Kazakh community here in Amsterdam that helped her as she was transitioning to life abroad. Whenever there is a get-together, they all love the opportunity to connect with people from their home and to speak their own language again. There is even a Kazakh cafe opening in Amsterdam this upcoming weekend that Aruzhan told us about.

One of Aruzhan’s favorite things about living in the Netherlands is the work/life balance. Not only is there a good balance in her weekly schedule, but living here has offered her the opportunity to travel to places all around Europe, most recently France. She has also started running and wants to run in the Amsterdam half-marathon in October!

“Moving abroad helps you to grow up, and I have learned a lot about contentment from Dutch people,” Aruzhan told us. Dutch people care more about the quality of their life and do not let things like weather ruin their mood or their plans. This aspect of the culture here in the Netherlands appeals to Aruzhan and is a mindset that she would want to take back with her if or when she moves back to Kazakhstan.

We had a lovely time chatting with Aruzhan and hearing about her life. Hopefully this is not the last time that we will meet!

Adventures in Architecture

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 08:25:15 GMT

While walking through Scotland, it's impossible not to feel a sense of beauty and wonder that seems to exist only when you're wandering its streets. As you stroll, you catch glimpses of stunning architecture and rich history. The sights and sounds captivate you—the melodic hum of bagpipes and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed English tea fill the air.

These were the very things that enchanted Ayca when she moved to Scotland from Turkey. Upon arriving to pursue a degree in architecture, she couldn’t resist spending hours outside, mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery around her. Her passion for architecture came alive as she admired the uniqueness of Scotland’s buildings. Inspired by her brother, who had studied in Scotland a few years earlier, Ayca followed in his footsteps after being accepted into her dream program.

Unfortunately, shortly after her arrival, her brother left to work for a German company. Though this made the transition harder, Ayca found her footing and met a few kind-hearted friends along the way. She even discovered a Turkish community that celebrated cultural events, helping her feel more at home. Still, she experienced moments of loneliness and homesickness—after all, she had moved to a new country and was studying in a foreign language.

Despite the challenges, Ayca often wandered the streets of Edinburgh, reminding herself why she came. The beauty of the architecture continually reignites her dream of becoming a renowned architect. Her passion and creativity have been with her since childhood. She grew up dancing and was soon enrolled in dance classes, mastering the Tango and various Latin styles. Her talent led her to compete internationally, and she became a professional dancer at a young age, winning numerous competitions.

As time passed, Ayca discovered a new passion for architecture and eventually stepped away from competitive dancing to pursue it fully. Now, she’s thriving at university in Scotland, loving every moment of her studies. Her determination and resilience have carried her through the toughest transitions. Ayca shines in the face of adversity—and the world should take notice, because the next great architect is on her way!

Eating My Way Through Paris

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 02:14:36 GMT

When you think of Paris, you probably imagine baguettes, crepes, or maybe even escargots. Did you know that you can find Central Asian food here as well? There are multiple restaurants that I checked out while I was there, and all of them were delicious. So, if you’re interested in trying some Central Asian food during your trip to Paris, look no further!

In the 11th Arrondissement, there is a small but delicious Uzbek restaurant called Plov and Samsa. Their menu is small, but it has all of the essentials, including plov, samsa, manti, and salads. They also have desserts including baklava and medovik, a honey cake common in Central Asia. I sat outside and enjoyed a pot of tea while I waited for my usual order of plov. Now, I have had a lot of plov since moving to Central Asia, and the plov from this restaurant had the most tender beef of any plov dish that I have had. It was absolutely delicious! This restaurant also does delivery, so if eating out is not your thing, you can order this to your door with a food delivery service.

In the 9th Arrondissement, you will find Ouzbekistan, another Uzbek restaurant. This menu has a lot of options for a meal including plov, lagman, manti, samsa, soups, and of course salad. All of the food comes with complementary brown bread that is a standard fare in Central Asia. It is perfect for dipping into soup on a cold day! I had the plov again, this time with a tomato and cucumber salad and of course a pot of tea. All of the dishware here had the traditional Uzbek blue and white designs, which made it feel like I was back in Central Asia. While checking this spot out, I met up with Begimay, a Kygyz woman living in Paris. She completed her bachelor’s degree here in France. From her, I learned more about the differences in Central Asian dishes across the region. Begimay is from Bishkek, which is in the northern part of Kyrgyzstan. Her grandma taught her how to make plov when she was young, and she has made it for years. Here in Paris, she lives with some other Kyrgyz women, one of whom is from southern Kyrgyzstan. They have made plov together for different holidays, and Begimay said that she has learned different techniques from her roommate and now makes more of a north/south fusion plov! If you want to learn more about the different areas of Kyrgyzstan, check out our other articles here .

Aside from Uzbek food, there is also Uyghur food here in Paris. Right across the street from Ouzbekistan in the 9th Arrondissement, there is a Uyghur restaurant called Muqam. Not only do they have the Central Asian dishes that I am used to seeing like plov and lagman, but they also have unique dishes from Uyghur cuisine. The staff here were kind and accommodating, and the food was filling and delicious. This is a must try if you are wanting to get a taste of Uyghur food!

All of the addresses for these restaurants are listed below!

Plov and Samsa: 46 Bd Voltaire, 75011 Paris, France

Ouzbekistan: 37 Rue de Trévise, 75009 Paris, France

Muqam: 36 Rue de Trévise, 75009 Paris, France

Uzbek Designs in France

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 07:13:16 GMT

From the time of the Silk Road to now, the peoples of Central Asia have expressed themselves and their culture through textiles. There are unique textiles of each country in Central Asia, and even within each country, every region has their own specialized techniques and designs. Khulkar, an Uzbek woman living and working in France shared with me her love for Central Asian design. Khulkar is an inter-disciplinary artist, who in 2021, began creating scarves inspired by Uzbek culture and traditional patterns. She often incorporates motifs like pomegranates, motherhood, and folklore into her designs. As she explained some of her designs to me, I could see how she pulls from historic styles while still making her pieces unique and original. During our conversation, I loved seeing how thought out each aspect of her scarves is, from the patterns to the materials used to create them. She partners with a manufacturer in Italy to create high quality 100% silk scarves. Central Asian textiles are full of symbolic patterns; I loved the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of each piece.

Khulkar was inspired to make scarves by liberty values. She was also influenced by women like Nurkhon Yuldasheva and Tamara Khanum. Yuldasheva was an Uzbek actress from the early 1900s, who made history as one of the first women to perform publicly without a paranja, a garment similar to a burqa, and who sadly was honor-killed by her brother in 1929. Khanum was an Armenian woman who grew up during the Soviet Union, who made history as the first woman to perform publicly without a veil on. Khanum revolutionized female dance performance in Uzbekistan and the Soviet Union, and her influence can still be seen today in the Uzbek school of national dances. Tamara Khanum was a champion for women’s rights, and she advocated for those rights her whole life. These ideas of liberty and freedom motivated Khulkar to explore and create as well, and eventually led her to France and to her passion of art. Her projects are inspired by the idea of vitaculture, the urgency of joy. One of her projects that began in 2017, is the Insitute of Uzbekistan, which helps to bring contemporary Uzbek art in dialogue with other nations and their art.

If you want to see Khulkar’s designs, go check out her Instagram or her website ! Or you can go to her Etsy Shop to purchase her scarves here . If you want to learn more about female artisans in Central Asia, go check out this lookbook made by the Smithsonian here . If you want to learn more about Nurkhon Yuldasheva, you can check out this article . Or if you want to learn more about Tamara Khanum, you can check out this article .

Friendship from the Mountains

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 09:10:59 GMT

As humans, we all desire community and friendship, especially with those who understand who we are at our core. This is what the Kurdish community in Austria is seeking as well. Today, many Kurds have made a new home in Austria. As more and more Kurds settled in the area, the need arose to start a community center which would serve as a place they could obtain the community and friendships they were longing for. At the Kurdish Association for Culture and Integration in Linz, this is exactly what happens there today. They support and encourage each other as they seek to adapt to a culture that is not their own. At the organization, there are many classes and experiences offered to support Kurdish children who are balancing keeping their own culture while living in another. Kurds from various backgrounds come and celebrate what makes them who they are together. When they celebrate together, especially during Nowruz, they get a taste of home. The air buzzes with rhythmic drumbeats and joyful melodies as dancers perform cultural dances. The dancing and festivities last late into the evening as everyone joins in on the party!

If there is one thing the Kurds of Austria haven’t lost, it is their culture. One key component of this culture is endless hospitality. As we walked into the Kurdish Association for Culture and Integration, we were immediately welcomed. New friends sat down with us and shared their inspiring life stories over tea. Even though we were foreigners, Azad Barakat, the founder of the organization, took the time to invite us into their community events and even into his home. In the same day that we met, we felt welcomed as if we were family! At Azad’s home, we met his beautiful family and sipped tea as we chatted about Kurdish culture. We marveled at all the food his wife had prepared for us! We dined on Içli Köfte, Hummus, Sarma, and a special cold soup made with yogurt and spices. We learned so much about Kurdish culture that day, and our eyes were opened to new and interesting details about their heritage. We were struck by the kindness that was shown to us. Even while we were there, Azad and his wife opened their home to more visitors that were seeking to learn about their culture. Kurds, Americans, and Austrians all sat around the table that day as we laughed and ate together. It didn’t matter where we were from, just that we had the chance to experience a welcoming community.

Central Asian Roots Blossoms Friendship

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 08:12:39 GMT

Meet Akinai and Adiya, two inspiring women from Central Asia who met at the International Institute of Geneva while pursuing their degrees in International Relations. Despite coming from different countries - Akinai from Kyrgyzstan and Adiya from Kazakhstan - their shared passion for global affairs and a love for their cultural roots brought them together in Switzerland.

As they approach their graduation, these two friends reflect on the incredible journey they've had over the past three years, navigating their studies, internships, and personal growth in a city that has become their second home. Akinai, who initially studied at the International Institute, switched to the Geneva School of International Relations. She has a love for adventure and new experiences, which led her passion for travel. Whether it’s exploring new places or trying out a new Pilates routine, Akinai thrives on discovering what the world has to offer. She’s excited to take the next step in her career with an internship at the Kazakh embassy in Switzerland.

Adiya has always been fascinated by languages and cultures. She taught herself French, a testament to her curiosity and determination to understand people from all walks of life. Her love for painting and the arts is another way she connects with the world around her. Adiya has obtained an internship at the United Nations, growing her experience in the field she’s passionate about.

Both women have cherished their time in Geneva, where they’ve discovered that with the right people, life can be unforgettable. Their shared experiences - from late-night study sessions to exploring Geneva's beautiful lakeside views - have created lasting memories.

Both Akinai and Adiya love to share the richness of their Central Asian culture with others. From wearing traditional designs and patterns to telling stories about their countries, they’re proud to share about the beauty of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It's one of the ways they keep their roots close while navigating life abroad. As they approach graduation and step into their professional futures, Akinai and Adiya are excited for what lies ahead. But no matter where their journeys take them, they will always carry the experiences, lessons, and friendships they’ve built in Geneva - a city that helped shape them into the women they are today.

An Azerbaijani Architect in Rome

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:53:00 GMT

Right off the Piazza del Popolo, I met with Ulya, an architect from Azerbaijan, living and working in Rome. Ulya is from Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, which sits on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Baku sits at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. It is a city full of history, while also looking towards the future. The city hosts many international events, including environmental forums, Formula 1 races, and finance and technology expositions. In addition, there are many amazing museums, like the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Baku Museum of Miniature Books, and many more. If you visit the city, you can see classical Azerbaijani architecture by going to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which dates back to the 15th century and the Maiden Tower or Qız Qalası, dating back to the 12th century. If you are interested in history, Baku would have lots with which to entertain you!

Ulya’s journey to Rome started when she was 13, when she decided to become an architect after touring the university where her father worked. Since that time, she has been determined to accomplish her dream. After completing secondary school in Azerbaijan, she moved to Turkey for her bachelor’s degree, and then she decided to pursue a master’s degree here in Rome, a city full of classical architecture. She moved to Rome during COVID time, which for many would have made it extremely difficult to adjust, but Ulya did not let that stop her. She used that time to focus on language learning, so that when COVID restrictions began to lift, she was able to more easily join Italian society. Speaking Italian also helped her immensely when she was applying for jobs here. Ulya wanted to stay here in Rome to gain experience and learn from their rich history of beautiful architecture. Her specialty is luxury hotels and business, but she has learned about many types of architecture, both commercial and residential.

Even though Ulya loves Rome, she does not plan to stay here forever. Her dream is to start an architecture firm based in both Azerbaijan and Italy, integrating the two cultures and types of architecture. She has loved learning about different cultures during her time abroad and hopes that in her future company, she will be able to create an environment that merges aspects of different cultures.

Savoring New Friendships

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:09:36 GMT

When we walked into “Kebabkhan Kurdistan,” a Kurdish restauraunt in Stockholm, we expected a tasty meal but also ended up making new friendships! We stumbled upon this inviting and delicious Kurdish restauraunt and decided it would be worth a try. As we entered, we noticed the proud display of Kurdish culture. Beautiful pictures of cities in Kurdistan adorned the walls alongside Kurdish flags. Immediately, we were greeted with a smile from the waiter. We were amazed at how delicious the food was as we enjoyed kebabs, salads, bread, rice, and much more! After finishing our meal, we had the chance to meet several workers at Kebabkhan. They invited us to sit with them and served us complimentary çay and Kurdish desserts. This was a true sign of hospitality.

As we sat down with a worker and his cousin, they shared stories about their lives. Both of our new friends were Kurdish and had moved to Sweden around 2008 to live and work near their families. However, they frequently travel to Kurdistan to stay connected to their homeland. They spoke about their hometowns, Erbil and Shaqlawa, with immense pride. They were passionate about using their restaurant to showcase Kurdish culture and cuisine. One aspect of this culture is celebrating Ramadan, an Islamic holiday, together! Our new friend mentioned that even in Sweden, this religious holiday is celebrated with dedication. He said that if we returned in the evening, we would see the restaurant filled with people celebrating Ramadan by eating and drinking together. This was a refreshing experience of hospitality as we came for a good meal but also made new friends.

Melon Day

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 02:04:00 GMT

On the second Sunday in August our Eurostan crew celebrates Turkmenistan’s national holiday to celebrate the melon. Beginning in 1994, this national holiday quickly became a Eurostan favorite. Turkmenistan clais to have 500 types of melons [1]. A former Turkmen president went so far as to proclaim, “Let the life of every Turkmen be as beautiful as our melons.” We stumbled upon this just in the early stages of Eurostan, researching what we wanted to do and see. Obviously, we felt the need to join in the holiday. What greater thing than a day that allows you to eat as much melon as you can.

Here in Central Asia, we don’t have all of the same melon options as in the US. Though watermelon of course, is a must for Melon Day in any country. But we also have дыни, a long yellow melon that is sweet and delicious. We have yet to go to Turkmenistan ourselves on this day. For now, we decide to celebrate wherever we happen to be, relaxing and eating plov, desserts, and of course, melons. This year we even took it up a notch and had watermelon slushies. Friends, old and new, joined us with people celebrating in Bishkek, Samarkand, Jalalabad, and Raleigh, North Carolina. We even had t-shirts to mark the occasion. We are sure we deviate from the traditional celebration, but we still feel like part of a unique and fun day.

The dream is be to be in Turkmenistan to actually celebrate the day there, but for now we are content with our t-shirts and our day to eat too much melon.

[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2005/8/14/turkmenistan-celebrates-melon-day)

An Architecture Student in Italy

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 09:35:13 GMT

Architecture is a demanding field of study. Anyone who has pursued this degree or knows someone who has pursued it can tell you that. Yerkezhan, a Kazakh student studying architecture in Milano knows this well. Her days are full of group projects, designing buildings, making building models, and even going on site visits all around the country.

In most universities in Italy, to begin a bachelor’s degree program, students need to have completed twelve years of combined primary and secondary school. In Kazakhstan, most secondary schools finish at eleven years. So, for many international students, a foundation year of university is required before they officially begin their bachelor’s programs. This foundation year typically consists of general education courses that will set the base for future studies. This was the case for Yerkezhan, so last year she completed her foundation year of university in Como. Then in 2024, she began her bachelor’s program in architecture at the Politecnico di Milano.

Despite her busy university schedule, Yerkezhan takes time for her real passion: dance! She began dancing at a young age and learned traditional folk dances from many different countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus. In high school, Yerkezhan took a break from dancing to focus on other interests, but since beginning university, she has taken the time to rediscover her love for this art form. Now, she teaches classes once a week in Milan. She loves the accomplishment that she feels after dancing. How she can see improvement in her movements and feel tiredness in her muscles. Dancing is art, but there are a lot of technical aspects to it, and Yerkezhan works hard to refine her skills over time and feels achievement when she sees improvement. For Yerkezhan, dance is more than just an individual hobby; she has met great people through dancing. Her students are fun and engaging, and she loves to watch their dance skills improve over time. Although there are many people who come for just one or two lessons, Yerkezhan has many consistent students that she has gotten to know during her time as an instructor. She teaches different types of dance, but her favorite style is Jazz Funk, a subgenre of jazz that has gives a lot of room for improvisation.

I loved getting to hear about Yerkezhan’s life, and I’m excited to see how Yerkezhan can continue to share her culture and her passion for dance with others!

Life of a Student in Milan

Sun, 27 Jul 2025 07:05:57 GMT

Looking on from the outside, studying abroad can seem very glamorous! Getting the opportunity to travel to other countries and experience other cultures is definitely a privilege, however, often the day-to-day life of a student studying abroad looks very similar to the day-to-day life of a student at home. People can forget about the “study” part of “study abroad.”

This definitely holds true for Eldana, a Kazakh student in Milan. Living in Italy has given her more chances to travel to other countries than if she had stayed in Kazakhstan. She has traveled all over Europe, including Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels. She even did an exchange program at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Her day-to-day however is that of a student. She attends lectures, works on projects, and studies.

Four years ago, Eldana moved to Milan to get her bachelor’s degree in Economics, Management and Computer Science from Bocconi University. She completed her degree last summer and immediately started her master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics at Bocconi as well. Eldana initially chose Bocconi because they offer great education as well as substantial scholarships for international students. Many Kazakhs go to Bocconi for these same reasons.

Eldana’s master’s program is demanding, so during the school year, it can be difficult to keep up with hobbies or even friends. I was so thankful that she made time in her busy schedule to meet with me! It was great to hear about how she ended up in Milan and her life here!

A Work Life Balance Dream

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 07:46:31 GMT

Dilnoza’s story is one of ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of balance. Originally from Shymkent, Kazakhstan, she made her way to Switzerland in 2011 to pursue higher education at the University of Geneva, which, as she recalls, was an incredible experience. Located on the French side of Switzerland, Geneva’s mix of cultural diversity and vast opportunities left a lasting impression on her.

After completing her studies, Dilnoza returned to Kazakhstan to work in the family business, a European-style medical clinic. While she was back home, she gained valuable professional experience, but the pull of Switzerland’s unique lifestyle and career opportunities was strong. Six years later, she found herself heading back to Switzerland for a new job.

This time, it was in Zurich! In the past year, Dilnoza has been working with a global medical company, continuing her career in the healthcare field. The shift from the French side of Switzerland to Zurich has been a welcome change, offering her new opportunities both professionally and personally.

One of the things Dilnoza loves most about life in Switzerland is the work-life balance. Whether it’s taking long walks by Lake Zurich, visiting art museums, or hitting the gym, she’s found a lifestyle that supports both her career ambitions and her personal well-being.

For Dilnoza, Switzerland feels like home. She shared that she could see herself living there long term. Though she occasionally dreams of returning to Geneva. But for now, she’s soaking in all that Zurich has to offer: its rich culture, scenic views, and the fulfilling balance between work and leisure.

Her journey from Shymkent to Zurich is a testament to the power of following your passions, seeking out new experiences, and embracing the kind of life that allows both personal and professional growth.

A Surprising New Friend

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 09:10:22 GMT

In a quaint town in Norway called Stavanger, we were looking for a quality meal after our famishing bus ride. We stepped off the bus and immediately saw a sign in front of us, “Amor Bar and Grill.” We decided our stomachs were too hungry to waste any time looking for other restaurants, so we quickly asked for a table for two. We were greeted by the owner, who led us to our table and showed us the menu. We were shocked as the menu had food options from Türkiye, some of the world’s best cuisines! After we ordered, the owner brought our food out. We struck up a conversation with him and learned more about the restaurant's history. For five years the owner drove charter buses, very similar to the bus we had arrived on. Every time he pulled up to the Stavanger station, he dreamed of one day opening a restaurant right across from the bus stop where weary travelers could find rest and a quality meal. Soon, he saved enough money and the building across the street became available. Today, he enjoys serving food from different parts of the world so every customer can find something on the menu they enjoy.

We were surprised to discover the owner was from Diyarbakir, a city we had visited in Türkiye. He spoke about his culture and the hardships of moving to Norway. Even though he has lived in Norway for 20 years, he still misses the vibrant culture of Türkiye. Compared to his home culture, he described Norwegian culture as laid-back and quiet. However, he is thankful for the community of people in Stavanger who are like him. Thankfully, he can find people from his home country here to have tea or a meal with. After we finished talking, we ate our delicious meal. We enjoyed chicken and vegetables cooked to perfection, as well as homemade bread. As we exited the restaurant, the owner assured us that if we ever had any needs while we were in Stavanger, to let him know. As we stumbled off the bus that day, we were in search of a quick meal but ended up finding a true friend as well.

Chicago

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 08:16:41 GMT

Chicago, Illinois is home to various popular food items, but did you know you can also find great Central Asian cuisine? This was my experience when I visited Chicago not long ago. There were almost too many restaurants to go to during my time there, but there were a few that brought Central Asian to life. We were able to enjoy plov on a beautiful porch with hospitable staff at Jibek Jolu in Glenview. In Rolling Meadows, I got to order my personal favorite from the Uyghur Lagman House, outstanding samsas. There you could also feel in the atmosphere of the restaurant how much it felt like Central Asia. Not to mention, they had borsok for those that were thirsty for a taste of home. Frunze is the most unique in showcasing the Kyrgyz roots with a Central Asian twist to Italian dishes. They had friendly staff that could speak to the beauty of Bishkek and pizza that warmed the soul. Frunze is definitely on our recommended list. The list continues as we traveled over to Sorry Mommy for tea, samsas, and a honey cake to curb the afternoon hunger. Speaking of honey cake, you can also find it and more borsok over at EuroAsia. Lastly, rounding off our list is Karavan, this restaurant was fabulous, we were able to get oromo and kattama for a true taste of Central Asia and take in the aesthetic decorations with yurts depicted on the walls. All of these restaurants and even ones we didn’t get to go to blew us away with their feel, amazing staff, and cuisine that had us thinking we were in Kyrgyzstan.

If you happen to be in the area, be sure to check these out:

- Jibek Jolu

- Uyghur Lagman House

- Frunze

- Sorry, Mommy

- Karavan

- EuroAsia

An Outpost Full of Stories and Dreams

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 07:39:22 GMT

The homelands of Central Asia seem far away for most Europeans. However, for one village just outside Bochum, Germany, Central Asia has come right to their doorstep.

Recently opened, stepping into the Tajik National Chaihana (which means ‘tea-house’) is an opportunity to be steeped into Tajik culture, all right down the street from other familiar German sights. That is what makes this place special – it is not located in a major metropolitan area on a street full of tourists. Instead, in a place one might least expect it, people of all nationalities can come together to talk over a cup of a hybrid black-green tea and a shared plate of Tajik ‘osh’.

I met a Tajik friend there who has been living and studying in Germany for a couple of years. A true representative of culture and from a musical family, he found a guitar in the restaurant and started singing songs of a famous Tajik artist. I even joined in for a couple of songs! The people there loved it, showing their approval by watching and filming the sight. But the best part of the experience I had there is the conversations we had over many cups of tea.

One part of the conversations from that sunny afternoon are the dreams of the restaurant’s operator, Akai Farukh. Not lacking anything in the category of life experiences, now he and his staff are running the first of what he hopes are many outposts of Tajik cuisine. Tajiks are taking notice – as were other curious Europeans who stopped in that afternoon. If you find yourself in nearby Bochum, it is worth the train ride from the city center to the restaurant. Plan to stay for a while and ask about the stories of those who have traveled so far from their Central Asian homeland!

Efendi

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 12:19:29 GMT

While in Stavanger, Norway, we stumbled across a Turkish tea shop called “Efendi.” This tea shop is placed on one of the cutest streets in Norway, lined with colorful shops and eclectic restaurants. The word “efendi” is a title of nobility meaning “sir” or “master.” As we entered the shop, the decorations immediately caught our eye. It was decorated in a traditional Turkish style with hints of modernity. Traditional Turkish carpets lined every inch of the floor, and bold colors met our eyes everywhere we looked! There were even garlands with small, beaded eyes on them, a staple of Turkish culture. We were amazed as we considered what seemed to be a myriad of options on the tea menu. From traditional Turkish tea to bold fruit-infused combinations, there was a flavor for everyone! As we were delivered our tea in mini teapots, we tried the scrumptious cakes they offered as well.

We spoke to the waiter, who was from Istanbul. As we reminisced over memories we have in the famous Turkish city, he shared about how he found a new life in Stavanger. He was offered to move to Stavanger to work for Efendi after he graduated from university. Now, he lives a much slower-paced life working in this small, quaint town in southern Norway. He mentioned how he is still adjusting to life and work here because of the change in pace. We appreciated his warmness and hospitality, almost as warm as the delicious tea we drank. We felt like we were transported back to Türkiye that day as we sat and drank tea. Who would have thought that in Stavanger, Norway, we could experience a taste of Türkiye!

Living Among History

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:36:05 GMT

On the ground floor of the Hoxton Hotel in Rome is a beautiful lounge area where people go to study, work remotely, or meet with others. This is where I met Zhazira, a Kazakh design student at the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA).

Zhazira decided to study abroad and was drawn to Italy due to its rich history in design. She considered multiple universities in the country for her studies but decided on Rome because she loved the feel of the city. “Rome feels like there are always things happening, and here there is such a connection to history. I think the biggest charm about the city is its history,” Zhazira told me. A difference that she has noticed between Kazakhs and Italians is the difference in architecture that is still around. Since Kazakhs are nomadic people, they do not have as much to physically show from their history as far as buildings and such, compared to Italians. In Rome, there are still many visible pieces of history. Due to the nomadic lifestyle that Kazaks historically have had, they keep their history alive through textiles, dances, stories, food, and other traditions. She has enjoyed learning and seeing the Roman history that is on almost every street corner in the city.

Not only does she love the city of Rome, but she also loves her university, RUFA. Since RUFA is a private university, many of the professors still work in the professional design world. Zhazira loves learning from people who are currently working as designers. This real-world experience will give her a more well-rounded education.

In addition to their design, Italians are known for their laid-back lifestyle. This is something that Zhazira loves and wants to continue to implement in her own life no matter where she lives. She loves how they are not overly stressed about their life, as long as they have good weather and good people, they are content. This relaxed atmosphere that Italians create in their lives is something that she would want to take back with her if she ever moves back to Kazakhstan.

Zhazira loves to travel and has spent time not only in Europe and Central Asia, but also China and the United States. She thinks it is best to spend at least a month somewhere, so that you can really get a feel for the culture and learn from the locals what their life looks like. She is eager to visit more countries and experience other cultures.

Celebrating Nowruz with New Friends

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:02:05 GMT

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a time of renewal, rebirth, and joy. For centuries, it has been celebrated by millions of people across Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This vibrant festival marks the first day of spring, typically around March 20 or 21, and is filled with rich cultural customs that honor family, nature, and the promise of a new year. While I had heard of Nowruz before, I had the incredible opportunity this year to experience it in a truly unique way: surrounded by friends, laughter, and delicious food with a group of Kazakh people.

It all began when I met Tahkmina, a wonderful Kazakh woman who takes immense pride in her heritage and traditions. She invited me to join her and her family to celebrate Nowruz and I couldn't have been more thrilled! To add a little twist, this celebration included not just Tahkmina and her family, but also ten other Kazakh friends who were eager to share their customs and stories with me.

When it comes to Kazakh food, one dish reigns supreme - beshbarmak. This dish, whose name translates to “five fingers” (referring to the way it is traditionally eaten with the hands), is a true Kazakh favorite. It consists of tender boiled meat, typically mutton or beef, served over wide noodles and smothered in a savory onion sauce.

Tahkmina also prepared a feast that reflected both her love for her culture and her desire to make every guest feel at home. Along with beshbarmak, the table was filled with delicious candies, fruits, and chocolates - sweet treats that are an essential part of any Kazakh celebration. The dessert table featured an assortment of traditional pastries, and we washed everything down with Tashkent tea.

One of my favorite parts of the celebration was the chance to get dressed in traditional Kazakh clothing. Tahkmina shared with us a room full of Kazakh national dresses, along with many jewelry options. The attire felt like a direct connection to the past, a way of honoring the rich history and customs of the Kazakh people. Once we were all dressed up, we gathered for photos.

The people I gathered with that day reminded me that Nowruz is more than just a new year. It’s a time to gather, to appreciate what we have, and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my Nowruz celebration! Have you ever experienced Nowruz? Or maybe you have a favorite cultural tradition that you cherish?

The Guide at the Gate to Europe

Sun, 25 May 2025 12:07:30 GMT

Imagine hundreds of years ago walking up to the gates of a city you had never visited before. The city is in a land far from where you call home, and the people speak a language you don’t understand well. You have been told to go to a certain location in that city, but upon walking up to the city gate, you have no idea how to get there. What would you do?

For Central Asians who fly to Germany, the above description is close to what some experience. Recently, I was on a plane from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Munich, Germany. Among the passengers were a group of Tajik men, many of whom were on their way to work as truck drivers in Eastern Europe. For these men, the flight to Munich is one of the few and most affordable options possible to come to this part of the world. Once they had passed through border control and picked up their bags, they stood standing in a group, waiting to figure out how to proceed to the busses that would take them throughout Europe. That is when the “Guide” shows up – James*.

James* is a younger Tajik man who has lived for several years in Germany. When Tajiks arrive in the Munich airport, he comes to help them out. On that day, he was helping 12 men get metro tickets to the bus stations in the city. He enjoys helping people, and routinely helping Tajiks upon arrival in Munich has given him a good reputation for those in need of his aid. By helping people at the airport with their baggage, paperwork, and metro tickets, he serves as the “Guide” at this Gate to Europe, pointing the arrivals forward as they encounter life in this new land.

Later that day, James* and I sat down for dinner in a district of Munich full of people who now call Germany home. The atmosphere in the restaurant was certainly Central Asian - he ordered Afghani plov and tea by speaking in Tajiki, while music that can be heard in taxi cabs across Dushanbe was playing in the background. We ate our delicious meal together as James* shared about life in Europe and his aspirations for the future. Though it seems that Europe has had an impact on him, he has not lost his heritage. Between helping those at the airport and then inviting me along for dinner that night, he was still displaying the fantastic Central Asian hospitality far from home.

*While James is not his birth name, it is the name he uses when he meets English speakers.

Dancing Around the World

Sun, 18 May 2025 06:40:14 GMT

Dancing is an important part of many cultures, whether it is the Spanish Flamenco, Kenyan Isukuti, or even an American swing dance, they all have a special history and meaning. Kazakh dancing is no exception . There is a rich culture and history to Kazakh dancing. “Every hand movement has its own meaning,” Ayauly was telling me as we met over bubble tea in Milan.

Ayauly is a third-year student at Bacconi University studying International Economics and Management. She loves dance and has been dancing since she was a child. She has done many different types of dance, including ballet, traditional Kazakh dance, and even K-pop dancing! She is currently in a K-pop dance troupe that competed in Rome at the World of Dance Italy in April 2024. The Association of Kazakhstani Students in Italy is hosting a Nowruz Celebration on March 22 in Milan, and Ayauly, along with others, will doing a traditional Kazakh dance at the event. It’s so exciting that they get to share their culture through dance!

Moving abroad has not always been a smooth experience for Ayauly, but she is thankful for this opportunity because it has helped her to learn time-management skills and figure out how to live on her own. When she first moved to Milan, making friends was difficult. However, Ayauly continued to put herself out there and now has a strong community here. The night after we hung out, she was hosting a dinner party for some of her Kazakh friends who live in the city. She even met one of her friends through a portrait painting event hosted by her university. Looking back over her time, she is thankful, not only for how she has personally grown, but also for how Italian culture has taught her to take life a little slower. Italians prioritize living in the moment, and Ayauly has implemented that in her life as well.

Unfortunately, many people around the world don’t know about Central Asian countries. It can be frustrating for Central Asians living abroad to have to explain where they are from time and time again. They all have such rich cultures and love to share them with others! “Central Asians are a mix of European and Asian. When I talk to people from Europe, I understand them, and when I speak to Asians, I also understand them.” Ayauly explained. It’s wonderful that they are able to connect with people from so many different countries. Hopefully the stories that are shared through this blog will continue to educate people about Central Asian countries and cultures.

Friends across the world

Sun, 11 May 2025 07:37:43 GMT

I think it is truly spectacular to meet someone and instantly become great friends with them across the world. That is what happened the day we met Seher. While in Norway, I was looking for some friends to connect with that could help me learn more about different cultures in Norway. While searching on Instagram. I came across Seher. I immediately reached out to her to ask if she would be willing to meet up! To my surprise, she said “yes”, and we planned a time for the next week. We met at the cutest cafe in Drammen, Norway. While drinking coffee we learned about Seher’s life and what brought her to Norway. Seher grew up in the Eastern part of Turkey and considers herself to be a Turkish-Kurd. She loves her family and is very close to them. Her father is an Imam, and her mother stays at home.

Seher decided she wanted to travel and see the world after college, so she decided to backpack around Europe for a little bit. One day while she was in Italy she met a friend, but little did she know that this friend would change her life forever. She hung out with a group of people that night and one of the guys in the group showed interest in her. While she thought this was sweet, she knew that she did not have time to pursue a relationship. So instead, they kept in contact and communicated back and forth for a few days, which led to months. After a few months of traveling Seher moved back to Istanbul where she fell back into her normal day-to-day routine. She and the friend she met still continued to communicate until finally he asked to visit her in Istanbul. She said “yes” and to this day the rest is history. This man soon became her husband, and they married roughly a year later. He was from Norway, and soon they started their new lives in Drammen.

Seher grew up wanting to learn more about different cultures and loving to travel which made her move to Norway smooth. While the language has been difficult to learn, she is still persistent in seeking to learn it. Seher has been able to make a few close friends and has gotten close to her husband's family. She believes that when a person moves to a new place, they should seek to adapt to the new place that they are living in. Whether this is adapting to language, culture, or environment, it should be a priority. She thinks that you should work hard to integrate yourself into society. While there are still some vital parts of Seher’s culture that she wants to keep, she mostly wants to fit into the new society that she is a part of. Seher is in the process of starting up her own company! She loves adventure and is excited about this new stage of her life. While she still makes trips to see her family in Turkey, she is excited about her new life here in Drammen.

She was a joy to talk It was so much fun to share about our travels together and for her to give us some very helpful tips! Her love for her home and where she is now was apparent in our conversation. Seher even has an Instagram account dedicated to Turks in Norway and her experiences. Seher is incredibly smart and determined, she excels at all that she does. She is excited to see what the future holds, and I am excited that that future holds a new friend. Drinking coffee with her was the highlight of my day and helped me learn so much about the struggles and blessings of moving to a new place. How sweet it is to be strangers one minute and then to instantly become sweet friends the next!

Finding Confidence through Dance

Sun, 04 May 2025 04:43:35 GMT

I got to meet with Aziza, an Uzbek woman who moved to Switzerland as a child, leaving behind her home country to build a new life. Growing up in a foreign country wasn't always easy, but Aziza had big dreams. She pursued a degree in business and law, followed by a certificate in economics. Some amazing accomplishments from someone who had a fresh start in a new culture and language.

But recently, Aziza's life took an unexpected turn. After years of focusing on her career and academic achievements, she found herself looking for something more. That’s when she discovered dancing.

It started as a way to stay healthy, to find balance between her demanding work life and her personal well-being. But something exciting happened - dance became more than just exercise. It became a way to connect with herself, to express what words couldn’t, and most importantly, to feel truly confident in her own skin.

Aziza isn’t just dancing for herself, though. She’s passionate about encouraging other women - especially those who might not have always felt the same confidence in their bodies or their abilities - to embrace what they are capable of. Whether you're 18 or 50, dance is for everyone, and it’s a beautiful way to express yourself.

Now, Aziza’s sharing this journey with other women in Zuri

ch, hoping to inspire them to take that first step onto the dance floor and feel the freedom that comes with it. She leads a great example for those wanting to start something new in life. And no matter where you come from, it’s never too late to begin.

Aziza’s story is a reminder that life is about more than just achievements - it’s about feeling good in your own skin and building confidence, one step at a time.

Broadened Horizons

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 02:05:45 GMT

Have you ever wanted to study abroad in Italy? Anel, a Kazakh master’s student living in Milan, helps Kazakh students to achieve their dream of studying in Italy. She has clients that she helps one-on-one, but she also has a blog where she posts about studying and living in Italy. Anel was inspired to start her blog because there are many opportunities offered to international students in Italy, but finding the right place for each person and doing the paperwork can be daunting. Her hope is to grow her platform, so that she can help even more people have the same opportunities that she has had!

Anel is currently working on her thesis about migrants in Italy, specifically people who have been forced to migrate due to conflict or instability in their home country. She will hopefully complete her masters in the summer.

After she finishes her degree, Anel will move back to Kazakhstan, and she will continue her work as a consultant to students looking to study abroad. However, she will miss the life that she has built in Italy, “In one month, I can visit two or three countries. I have a very colorful life here, and I will miss that when I move back to Kazakhstan.” She has gotten to visit many cool places like Lisbon, Paris, Genoa, and Vienna. Of all her travels, she enjoyed Paris the most though. “Paris is a city that I could visit over and over again,” she told me. Of course, the main attractions were interesting, but it was the magic of the city as a whole that drew her in.

Even though Anel has loved the past year and a half in Italy, she still misses her home culture. Most of her days are spent speaking in English, so she loves when she is with other Kazakhs and gets the opportunity to speak in Kazakh. Anel is also really involved with the Association of Kazakhstani Students in Italy and even went to Munich to meet with other Kazakhstani student organizations from around Europe.

The community that this association has provided has allowed her to feel connected to home; while also using this time abroad to grow as a person. Living here, she has had the responsibility of figuring things out on her own, which has helped her to grow more confident in who she is as a person and in her decisions. Her time living abroad has expanded her horizons, and she is excited for whatever will come next!

Back in Turkey?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 02:52:55 GMT

In Drammen, Norway we got the privilege of eating at a beautiful cafe called Cappadocia. In Turkey, there is a wonderful area known across the world for its hot air balloons and this place is known as Cappadocia. While this place is known all across the world for its beauty, this restaurant is known across Drammen for its amazing food and wonderful atmosphere. While I was there, I met a waitress who was incredibly nice and welcoming. She took care of our needs and even invited us to hang out after. She was Romanian but had recently moved to Norway to be with her childhood sweetheart. They had known each other throughout elementary school because they were in the same classes together, but eventually, he moved away. He moved to Spain to study for college, but they still stayed in contact and started dating shortly after. They eventually decided to move to Norway together to start their new life. She got a job as a waitress in the beautiful restaurant Cappadocia. She had been working there only a few months when I met her. While she was from Romania, the rest of the workers were from a small city known as Konya, Turkey. They were excited to talk about their restaurant and how much they enjoyed working there. This was made evident by the wonderful Turkish food we ate there. It was so authentic and felt as if we were back in Turkey. The place was decorated like we were inside a cave with beautiful Turkish lamps lighting the way. This meal brought happiness to everyone's eyes that entered. We were shocked by how massive the food portions were. I ordered Pide, which is similar to a Turkish-style pizza but is thicker. It is made with a special mix of Turkish meat and vegetables. It comes with a salad with lettuce, pickled onions, tomatoes, and lemon to squeeze on top. The flavor of the lemon really adds to the taste of the pizza. It causes the flavors to be enhanced and allows a burst of flavors to explode in your mouth all at once. After enjoying our wonderful food, we were met with a great surprise at the end of our visit. We were brought Turkish tea, which is a must-have with any Turkish meal! This tea was brewed to perfection and ended the meal with a spectacular bang. If you are near the Drammen/Oslo area and want to experience the real culture of Turkey, stop by Cappadocia where you will be taken on a journey which you will never return the same.

A Conversation Over Carbonara

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:41:32 GMT

On a side-street in Milan, in restaurant that makes their own handmade pasta, I met with Gaukhar, a Kazakh living in the city. We chatted over delicious carbonara amid the hum of other patrons.

Gaukhar is a student at the University of Milan studying International Politics, Law, and Economics. She also works remotely as a translator for Russian, Kazakh, and English. On top of all that, Gaukhar is the vice-president of the Association of Kazakhstani Students in Italy. She helps to organize celebrations, meet-ups, and even Kazakh language events. In addition to events in Milan, she helps coordinate events all across Italy. Gaukhar’s dedication and love for the student association was evident as we talked. She told me, “One cool thing about studying abroad is that you not only get to network with people from other countries, but I have also gotten to know Kazakhs from different parts of Kazakhstan. I probably would not have met them if I hadn’t moved to Italy, but now I have friends and contacts all over Kazakhstan.” These connections will be helpful as she continues to pursue a career in international relations, hopefully one day working in an embassy.

From the beginning, Gaukhar has loved her time in Italy. She loves the food, culture, and opportunities that studying in Italy has afforded her. Since she has lived in Milan for almost three years now, she knows all the good spots and gave me lots of recommendations for my time here.

Last year, Guakhar had a unique opportunity to do an Erasmus program in Slovenia. Her classmates were from many countries including Italy, Turkey, Canada, and Japan. She loves to travel, so this program was perfect for her because she got to explore more of Europe outside of Italy. This was especially helpful as she is looking toward getting her masters in another country.

I had such a great getting to know Gaukhar and hearing about her experience in Italy. I hope this will not be the last time we see each other!

Valuing Culture

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 03:34:37 GMT

In Kyrgyzstan, we were enchanted with a small town named Talas that will charm you with its slow pace of life and welcoming residents. Talas is a town of only around 40,000 residents. It is located in the middle of two mountain ranges, providing beautiful views everywhere you look! One of these welcoming residents we got to meet was named Melek. Melek’s grandparents came to Kyrgyzstan from Türkiye. To S, her Turkish heritage is very important. Although she has never been to the beautiful land of Türkiye herself, she is planning to go soon! Melek spoke about her life in Talas and how she preserves her Turkish heritage. Although her family speaks Russian at home, Melek and her husband speak Turkish. Even though there is a small number of Turks in Talas, Melek views maintaining her Turkish culture as extremely valuable.

Melek also spoke about the mixture of cultures within their home and how she navigates that. Melek’s mother-in-law is orthodox, so their religious practices are a bit mixed. In her family, they celebrate orthodox holidays as well as Islamic holidays! Melek spoke fondly about the orthodox tradition of dying eggs for Easter. She also mentioned celebrating Bayram together as a family, which is a celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Bayram signifies a time of joy and generosity with loved ones, focusing on gratitude after a period of fasting. Melek mentioned that this mix of religion isn’t typical for families living in this area, but they embrace each other’s culture, knowing that loyalty to family is key. Melek’s story inspired us of the importance of maintaining and valuing culture even when it feels distant. What are some of the ways you value your culture?

Who Said Studying Can’t be Peaceful?

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:16:41 GMT

I got to spend the afternoon with Amir as we chatted over Swiss cuisine. Amir came to Zurich, Switzerland from Astana, Kazakhstan to experience the calm and quiet atmosphere that it brings while continuing his education. With great views all around and a quick train ride to the mountains, you cannot complain to get to study in Switzerland.

Prior to moving to Zurich, Amir got to travel to Bavaria, Germany while attending university in Kazakhstan. He spent three months doing an internship in a chemistry program at The Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. There he got to figure out life on his own, meet people from all over the world, adventure outside of Bavaria to see the forests, and got adapted to German culture. Knowing that Zurich has many similarities to Germany, it influenced his decision to choose to move to Zurich for his Master’s. Amir is attending ETH in Zurich to further his education in chemistry.

When Amir isn’t spending countless hours studying, he is exploring new places in and around Zurich, going out into nature, and playing piano! Amir has become quite the local here. He gave many options on restaurants to meet at, but we chose a place that served Swiss cheese since we are in Switzerland! He also gave me many recommendations on places to visit outside of the city, like Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Grindelwald. Near his campus, he discovered a farm that sells fresh milk when you bring your own jar.

Amir has been playing piano since he was five years old. He attended a music school in Kazakhstan for seven years with his childhood best friend. When he attended university, he joined a piano club where he was able to perform several times. Amir has been able to find a couple pianos within his campus to continue to play. This past year, he was offered to perform a piece by a Russian composer during a student-organized concert. He enjoyed being a part of the concert because people from different majors and musical backgrounds came together to support one another. Amir looks forward to being able to perform more later in his academic career when he has a little more free time on his hands. He also discovered that students get a discount to attend concerts at the local concert halls and he loves getting to attend shows there. You will certainly be able to find him there.

Amir has got to meet many Kazakhs through the years from his studies and now they are working or studying throughout Europe. He would love to travel to other nearby countries to see them and get to experience more of Europe.

It was a delight to get to know Amir and hear about his time in Zurich as a Kazakh student!

New Beginnings

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:12:56 GMT

In the heart of London, on one of the most famous streets you’ll find the restaurant OshPaz, where you can get delicious and authentic Central Asian food. It was here that we met with Medina, a university student from Astana, Kazakhstan. The three of us chatted while enjoying plov and drinking Uzbek tea, surrounded by beautiful Uzbek decor.

Five years ago, Medina came to London for a summer school program. She immediately fell in love and decided that it was here that she wanted to go to university. She is in her first year of university now and loves it. When she first moved, she missed her friends, family, food, and culture that she left in Kazakhstan. However, gathering with other Kazakhs in London has felt like a piece of home! At Kazakh events like these, they gather to speak in Kazakh, eat Kazakh food, and just have fun together while abroad. There are only seventeen Kazakh students at her university, but there are many more at all the different universities in London. The Kazakh students have created an amazing community in London to support each other

Medina is studying liberal arts and social sciences with the goal is to work in media someday. She is already the head of the media club at her university. Her creative vision is clear through her social media. She has an eye for beauty and loves to capture it through different mediums.

Not only does Medina love to be creative and work in the media, but she is also a musician! She plays the dombra, a traditional, two-stringed, pear-shaped, Kazakh instrument. It is played by plucking the strings and is one of the oldest known Central Asian instruments. Medina has played the dombra for years, and she knew that she did not want to leave it behind when she moved abroad. She continues to play it for herself and to share her culture with others.

We loved hearing about Medina’s journey to study in London and about the life that Medina is making there!

Blossoming in Milan

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:21:57 GMT

Milan is a bustling city filled with people from all over the world! It is a global hub for fashion and design, but they also have many other excellent universities, one of which is Politecnico di Milano, where MJ, a 20-year-old Kazakh student studies civil engineering.

MJ always knew that she wanted to travel abroad for university because of the opportunities that it would afford her. Politecnico di Milano, or Polimi, is one of the best universities in Italy for engineering, architecture, and design, and so MJ set her sights on that. She is now in her third year there and excelling.

Transitioning to a new country can be rocky at times. Making friends with locals can be difficult if you don’t speak their language or understand their culture. However, MJ has created a great community for herself here with friends from all over the world that she has met because of her time at Polimi.

In addition, MJ shares her Kazakh culture with others through flowers. Flowers are such a big part of Kazakh culture, they are given for every type of occasion. When MJ moved here, she noticed how the flowers were so expensive, and often the arrangements looked rather sad. She decided to do something about that, and now she provides beautiful flower arrangements to order. If you want gorgeous and affordable bouquets in Milan, go check her Instagram page out at blssm.milano!

Looking back over the past three years studying abroad, MJ has seen how much she has changed. The experience of living away from her family and home has given her the opportunity of learning more about herself and growing more confident. It has been a time of growth and change as she has blossomed into an adult. In addition, this time abroad has helped open doors to other opportunities abroad in China and Dubai for after she graduates. Even though she is not totally certain what the future holds, she is thankful for her time in Italy and is excited for what comes next!

A Day in a Village

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:31:16 GMT

It was before dusk when we got out of bed to get into a car with a friend, we had just met the day before. We drove down a long bumpy road that did not seem to be much of a road anymore. Instead, a dirt gravel road filled with rocks and giant potholes covered with ice from the snow. We drove for a while outside of the village until we entered a smaller village and drove to a quaint farmhouse. Once we arrived, we were introduced to the family that lived there and were welcomed into their living room. Here we were given the opportunity to ask our burning questions about who our new friends were and their culture. We soon discovered our new friends were Kurdish and had lived in this small village in Kyrgyzstan their whole lives. They had adapted to this area and had settled at least 4 generations in their small home. During our time there, we heard their inspiring story of how they arrived in this region. We learned about their language and unique traditions, including every detail that takes place in a Kurdish marriage ceremony. They are accustomed to arranging marriages and for both parties to take part in payment for their children to be united. According to their culture, the wife is then to live with her husband and his family. However, all of these traditions are evolving as time passes. The younger generations prefer not to take part in arranged marriages and have found it easier for them to find a spouse on their own. While this is different than normal, it is still something that is seen as a beautiful picture of love. While we were at this house we were soon overwhelmed by the amount of food, tea, and goodies that were provided for us. In the middle of our conversation, we stopped to take a long tea and snack break that included lots of fresh eggs from their chickens outside, homemade bread, fresh jams, and fermented cheese. This meal included lots of laughs and tasty food. We were overwhelmed by the incredible hospitality that was shown to us and were awestruck by the love and loyalty that exuded from this family. When asked what is the thing that they value most in their life, they said “family”, it is the most important thing of all. Their hope is to continue to pass down to their kids the value of family. This value was evident in how they lived out their lives and made us feel like a part of their family from the moment we stepped in the door.

Celebration Dessert

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:06:02 GMT

Dessert is a huge part of Turkish culture. Everywhere you go there are tons of dessert places. There are chocolate houses, turkish delight, baklava, künefe, and more. Though the one that tops them all is helva. Helva is my favorite dessert from Turkish culture and has changed my outlook on celebration. Whenever I needed to celebrate a major life event, I go to get helva because it is consistently amazing! Though I have recently discovered that it is not the life event I am celebrating, it is helva itself. Whether you are happy, sad, or mad, helva can help. Helva can be found in a couple of different ways. The first one is in block form where it comes in a huge block and is cut into smaller pieces to add some extra flavor to your breakfast. Usually, this helva is served with kahvaltı and its consistency is very soft and a bit grindy. However, don’t let the texture throw you off because it is sweet and tastes like peanut butter! The second form of helva is usually for dessert. This helva is usually served warm on top of a bed of ice cream with a topping of Tahin and nuts. When the warm helva meets the cold ice cream and adds a bit of crunch with the nuts it creates the perfect combination. This combination melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. It is because of this amazing combination that it has soon rose to the top as one of my favorite desserts of all time.

Helva is very popular all throughout Turkey but thankfully it has also made its way through Western Europe. While traveling in Germany, I was sweetly surprised when I came upon this helva shop called Helvacı Ali. Of course, I had to go in and get some of my favorite dessert! When I did, I was met with such warm hospitality and kind service. We meet a Turkish man whose family was from Türkiye, yet he was born in Germany. While he still goes back to Türkiye to visit family every so often. He loves his life in Germany but also still follows Turkish traditions and even is fluent in Turkish. Not only was this the best helva we have had yet but it also came with a warm smile and friendly conversation. This place was so amazing we had to return a few days later where we were met with the exact same hospitality. So, if you are looking for a great way to celebrate any major life event go to Helvacı Ali where your dreams will come true.

Paving the Way in Norway

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 07:07:50 GMT

Madina began her journey to Norway when she chose to go to a Korean university in Tashkent. She knew that this university would open more doors for her to study abroad post-grad. After finishing her bachelor’s degree in IT, she looked for opportunities abroad to further her education in Europe. Ultimately, she chose to come to Oslo to get her master’s degree because it was a good choice financially and her uncle lived here, so she knew that she would have some built in community. Only two months after moving to Norway, she got an internship in an IT company, which eventually lead to her current job!

Originally, she had not planned on staying in Norway post-grad, but while getting her degree, she met her now husband, who was born and raised in Norway. They got married in February 2022, and now have an 18-month-old son.

Madina loves Uzbekistan and is still very connected to her home country. Going abroad, especially as the first one in her immediate family to do so, was intimidating. However, her uncle encouraged her to try it for a year. Initially, it was quite difficult to make friends and build community here. These issues were only exacerbated due to COVID-19 restrictions that were in place at the time. After moving into student housing during her second year though, she really began to form tight connections with her classmates and the people who lived around her. Madina keeps up with these friends to this day.

Fortunately, there is a good-sized Uzbek community in Oslo, so while she away from her home, she is still able to celebrate holidays and enjoy good Uzbek food with other expats. This year at their Eid celebration, they even dressed in traditional Uzbek clothes and had Uzbek dancing. Usually these gatherings are a potluck, so everyone brings dishes to share! Although not the same as being in Uzbekistan with family, it is a good facsimile.

Not only does she work outside of the home and is a mother, but Madina also has an Instagram blog showcasing what life looks like as an Uzbek mother in Norway. If you are curious what that looks like, go give her a follow @madinakholmatova_. We will definitely be following along with her on her journey!

Education Across Borders

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:34:44 GMT

We got a chance to sit down with a teacher at the KIRGIZ TÜRK ANADOLU KIZ MESLEK LİSESİ and share a conversation about culture and education. Yavuz is Turkish and came to Kyrgyzstan from Türkiye because of his interest in experiencing new cultures and educating the next generation. With his heart being pulled towards wanting to experience life in another setting while also loving his Turkish roots, teaching at a Kyrgyz-Turk school was the perfect opportunity for him! Yavuz has immense pride in his country and the efforts Türkiye is making to promote quality education throughout the world. He is a very kind soul and his passion for his work was evident in our conversation with him! In our interview with him, he explained the history and mission of the school and how it is making an impact on girls’ lives.

The KIRGIZ TÜRK ANADOLU KIZ MESLEK LİSESİ, or Kyrgyz Turkish Anatolian Girls Vocational High School, was opened in March of 1992, with the goal of promoting cultural ties between Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan. The school provides prestigious education for Kyrgyz girls in Bishkek. Education at the Kyrgyz Turkish Anatolian Girls Vocational High School is very competitive because of the incredible quality of education the students receive. Classes are provided in Kyrgyz, Turkish, English, and Russian so that when students graduate, they are proficient in 4 languages. Students can specialize in two areas, the first being the department of fashion design and the second being clothing technologies. The teaching staff at the school is made up of Turkish and Kyrgyz teachers, skilled educators who care about investing in the next generation. Turkish teachers come to Kyrgyzstan for 5 years at a time to teach at schools so they can gain valuable experience teaching in different cultures. After 5 years, new teachers are placed so there is a constant rotation of modern, proficient educators. The mission of the school is, “To raise world people who are happy, self-confident, successful, questioning, advanced in communication skills, prone to teamwork, critical in thinking, and taking responsibility for their own learning...”

One way the school accomplishes this mission is to focus on service and charity! The school often sends girls to various charities and organizations to learn first-hand how to use their skills to aid the communities around them. The students experience a wide range of cultures as musicians and speakers are brought in from different countries. The school also brings in students from diverse backgrounds as it offers free education to students whose families may not be able to afford it. The Kyrgyz Turkish Anatolian Girls Vocational High School is funded by the Turkish government, so the facilities are state of the art. This funding allows the school to provide university scholarships to students that wish to study in Türkiye, gaining valuable cultural experience and prestigious education. Another benefit of funding is that the school campus is open for students to live in if needed, with housing and meals provided. The Kyrgyz Turkish Anatolian Girls Vocational High School strives to provide quality education for each student, preparing them to be successful world people.

It was an enlightening experience to be able to sit down with Yavuz and hear his perspective on the importance of furthering education even in another country! It is incredible to be able to find quality educators like Yavuz and the other Turkish teachers at the Kyrgyz Turkish Anatolian Girls Vocational High School even in the heart of Kyrgyzstan.

Cultured Coffee

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 02:09:21 GMT

When first entering Türkiye, a sweet aroma feels the air. This sweet aroma has led people from every walk of life to this special place for decades. This aroma is not just a part of everyday life for Turks but is also a huge part of their culture. This aroma is what most people call Turkish Coffee.

In Türkiye, coffee shops are on every street and the one thing that all of them have in common is Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is a must have when visiting Türkiye because it allows you to step into their lives and enjoy an important part of their culture.

When Turkish coffee is made it requires this special brass pot that is in the shape of a cup called a Cezve. This pot is filled wiht finely ground coffee that is not filtered. The coffee is then placed in the pot along with some water and sugar (if you prefer it sweet). Once the coffee and water are placed in the Cezve, you then place the pot on the stove until the coffee starts to boil. Once it has stated to form bubbles around the top creating a film, it is taken off the stove. Once the coffee is taken off the stove it is then placed in a small mug that showcases Turkish culture and then served to the guest.

Often Turkish restaurants will serve this coffee after the meals for no extra cost. This is because Turkish coffee is a sign of welcoming someone into their home and making them feel cared for. This is why the primary place you see Turkish Coffee being served is within the home of a local Turkish family. Turkish Coffee is offered to every person that walks into the door in a way of showing hospitality. This is one of the reasons why Turks are considered so hospitable.

This coffee tradition has led an impact not only on anyone who visits Türkiye but the world. Even in other countries you can buy Turkish Coffee grounds to make this special type of coffee. Turkish Coffee is a staple to this society. So if you ever find yourself in Türkiye, make sure to stop at one of their many coffee shops and try Turkish coffee!

Sharing Culture Through Food

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:38:45 GMT

You might have heard of Nowruz, new year celebration in many cultures, Central Asians included. You might not have heard of the Central Asian restaurant called Nowruz in London though! Unfortunately, the last time we were in London, we were not able to make it to their restaurant. However, we got the opportunity to interview them via Instagram. It is now a must-visit place for the next time we find ourselves in the London area.

Who is your team? We’re a team of passionate women from various parts of Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Each of us has been in the UK for different lengths of time, but what unites us is our shared love for Central Asian food and culture. Together, we work to bring authentic flavors and a sense of home to London.

What inspired you to open a Central Asian restaurant in London? The inspiration came from noticing a real lack of Central Asian restaurants here—especially one that showcases key dishes from across the region. We wanted to create a space where people could explore the variety and richness of Central Asian cuisine all in one place.

Is your clientele mostly Central Asians? Yes, a good portion of our guests are from Central Asia, but we also have many Eastern Europeans and British customers who are curious to try something new. It’s rewarding to see such a mix of backgrounds enjoying our food and learning about our culture.

What are your favorite things about owning a Central Asian restaurant? One of the best parts is introducing people to Central Asian cuisine and seeing their excitement as they try it for the first time. Hearing their positive feedback and knowing that we’re sharing a piece of our culture with them is incredibly fulfilling.

What are some challenges that you have faced either as an expat or as a restaurant owner? A key challenge has been raising awareness of Central Asian cuisine, as it’s not as well-known here compared to South Asian or Middle Eastern food. To help with this, we’ve designed the restaurant with informational elements and decor that highlight Central Asia’s geography and history, so guests can learn about the region while they dine.

How do you stay connected to your Central Asian roots while in London? We stay connected through events like the Central Asian Spring Festival at UCL and the Uzbek Culture Festival at Tower Bridge, where my team and I often participate. It’s inspiring to see the Central Asian community growing here, and it’s wonderful to celebrate our roots together.

Our favorite thing as bloggers is getting to hear stories like these, of Central Asians sharing their culture with those around them. Everyone has such unique stories even if they are all living in the same city, and it is such a joy to get to hear some of them. So, if you are in the London area, we would highly recommend going to visit Nowruz and learning more about Central Asian food and culture!

Istanbul

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:09:09 GMT

Welcome to Istanbul! Istanbul is the largest city in Türkiye and one that tourists and locals alike flock to because of the many things Istanbul has to offer. World travelers come to Istanbul to get a taste of beautiful Turkish culture through the historical landmarks, religious sights, and incredible food! Historically, Istanbul has been a city of major influence and a critical part of the Silk Road. It played a key role in the advancement of Christianity during Roman times before its transformation to an Islamic landmark after the fall of Constantinople. Today, Istanbul remains a world-renowned city as it was the most visited city in the world in 2023! It is the only city in the world that straddles two continents, both Europe and Asia. Because of this, there are sections of the city that are more European and sections that are more Asian in culture and architecture. The Bosphorus strait is a waterway that separates the two sides. Both sides of the city are unique and worthwhile to visit!

If you are travelling to Istanbul, there are a couple of must-see attractions. The first is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. This is one of the most famous mosques in the world, known for its interesting history and exquisite architecture and art. I recommend you purchase the all-inclusive ticket that allows you to tour the mosque and to visit the Hagia Sophia museum. The museum is a worthwhile trip to learn about the history of the mosque, its renovations, and the religious changes the mosque has experienced since its establishment. While you’re in Istanbul, you should plan to visit the Galata tower as well! The Galata tower is a historic watchtower that has been converted into a museum and exhibition space. If you climb to the top of the tower, you can experience the best view in the whole city! This is the perfect place to snap some pictures of the beautiful layout of the city and watch the ferries come and go. One of my favorite modes of transportation to take while in Istanbul is the ferry. If you’re looking to travel to the other side of the city, just hop on a ferry for a couple of stops and enjoy the relaxing ride. It’s a great way to escape the overwhelming traffic for a few minutes! Another must-see attraction is the Grand Bazaar. This is one of the most famous and oldest covered markets in the world! Here, you can find an incredible selection of unique souvenirs that represent Turkish culture such as lanterns, copper pots, and handmade pottery. Like all Turkish bazaars, there is also a variety of spices, nuts, dried fruits, and Turkish carpets to purchase.

Before you leave Istanbul, don’t forget to take advantage of the incredible restaurants that are available! I visited Ethem Efendi for the best Turkish Kahvaltı in the city! You’ll be served with an all you can eat buffet of traditional Turkish breakfast items such as cheeses, jams, baked goods, çay, and so much more! The food, the ambiance, and the service all make for an enjoyable experience.

Samarkand

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:17:42 GMT

Widely accepted as the tourist capital of Central Asia, Samarkand is an ancient city that holds something for every traveler. Thanks to Uzbekistan’s extensive rail network, you can easily reach this city within a few hours of Tashkent via train, or if you’re in a rush you can catch a quick flight. It is believed that over 1 million visitors a year make their way to this historic Silk Road city. With a continental climate (high temperatures in the summer, low temperatures in the winter), it is best to visit this beautiful city in either Spring of Fall, though you will find tourists here year-round.

No doubt, the Registan is the center of Samarkand tourism. The oldest of 3 madrasahs in the Registan dates back to the 15th century, when Ulugh Beg ordered its construction in 1417, during the Timurid Empire. The 2 other madrasahs present were built in 1619 and 1660. The architecture follows a distinctly Persian design and commands beauty from every angle. It is likely here that thousands gathered to hear proclamations from many kings and rulers of the time. Once you visit this historic landmark, it is clear why it is the most popular space in Samarkand – the details and hidden secrets woven within the architecture tell the story of the land. If you’re able to go visit in the evenings, you will see the Registan lit up in beautiful colors, showing other facets of its beauty!

Next, you can walk over to the Guri Amir (Tomb of the King) – a mausoleum of the well-known Timur. Construction began in 1403. Timur along with his sons and some grandsons, and his mentor, are buried here. After the fall of the Timurid empire the city saw much decline. It wasn’t until restoration after the 2nd World War that this monument was returned to its former glory. The handicraft and details incorporated within the construction are incredible.

There are many beautiful buildings, mausoleums, and historical places to visit in this city, it truly is full of history and beauty. I won’t go into the details of all the sites to see, but here are a few more of the popular places: Ulugh Beg Observatory, Imam Bukhari Mausoleum, Hazrat Khizr Mosque, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Daniel Mausoleum. Additionally, Samarkand City is currently in construction; a focused tourist location with modern hotels and all the best parts of Samarkand in one place. Although most travelers want to see the real buildings, it is a neat place to walk around.

Okay, I would be a poor traveler of Samarkand if I didn’t mention the osh (sometimes called plov). All the central Asian countries serve this, but it is world-famous in Samarkand. It is a MUST try, it’ll knock your socks off. Because it is so popular here, you’ve got to get it for lunch, most places run out of plov around 1pm. Additionally, I recommend trying the samsa and naan (bread). Samarkandi naan is also a staple among the locals.

You’ve got beautiful places to go and wonderful food to eat… I highly suggest you make a stop in Samarkand as you make your way around Central Asia, you won’t be disappointed!

From Nomad to Norway

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 06:26:21 GMT

From the mountain ranges of Northern Kazakhstan, Malika made her way to Oslo. After completing her bachelor’s degree and working for a year in Kazakhstan, Malika decided to get her master’s degree. She applied to multiple universities, but in the end chose to come to Oslo because she had always had an interest in Norway. After two years, she completed her master’s thesis this past June! After obtaining her master’s degree, she got a job working as an Inside Sales Specialist for a multinational company based in Oslo.

Norway is not Malika’s first adventure outside of Kazakhstan though. She did an exchange program in Arizona, USA during high school. While getting her bachelor’s degree, she was in France as well. Since moving, she has done some more traveling including Italy, Denmark, and other cities in Norway like Arendal.

Even though she is away from family, Malika has found a rich community of friends here in Oslo. Not only does she have a Norwegian boyfriend and Norwegian friends, but she also has Central Asian friends. During our conversation, it was evident that Malika has created a beautiful life here in Norway.

Turkish Pazar

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:21:35 GMT

One aspect of daily life in Türkiye that displays beautiful Turkish culture is the Pazar, or market! Each neighborhood has their own Pazar that local farmers and dealers come to sell their goods at. As you walk through the market, your senses are filled with Turkish culture. You can see the appealing arrangements of fruits with their popping colors. You can smell the fish that was freshly caught this morning by local fishermen. You can hear bargaining over prices being made and ablas (an endearing term used to address elderly women) catching up about what happened to them that week. You can even taste delicious samples of nuts and dried fruits to decide which you should buy that week. The fresh fruits and vegetables are always tasty and grown with care. There are dozens of choices of olives, cheeses, spices, nuts, and dried fruits. Selling these items are the smiling faces of locals that are eager for you to buy their produce.

The Pazar is about more than just shopping. The Pazar is about building community and supporting your neighbors. Every family in the neighborhood takes advantage of shopping at the Pazar because of the affordable prices and quality of produce. When you buy some nuts or molasses at the Pazar, you are supporting a fellow neighbor as they try to make ends meet for their family. I think this points to Türkiye’s collectivist culture. Turks value the welfare of the community over their individual needs. They are very loyal to their families and communities. They are giving, hospitable people that look out for the needs of others. I believe this is why Turkish Pazar's continue to flourish even though there is a grocery store on every corner.

The Pazar is full of hustle and bustle. Everyone is trying to quickly find what they need. It's common to bump into others or get sideswiped as you’re trying to buy the items on your list. With the sellers shouting prices at you, it can be easy for foreigners to get overwhelmed. However, the key is confidence! If you learn the basics of the language, the sellers are more than willing to help you find what you need. Then, you’ll be able to enjoy delectable, locally grown foods. Make sure to visit a Pazar in your neighborhood the next time you’re in Türkiye!

Chorvoq, Uzbekistan

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:45:11 GMT

Tucked away in the mountains of Uzbekistan lies a small town that overlooks a beautiful lake with snow-covered mountain caps in the background. If you’re visiting the wonderful city of Tashkent, you’ve got to make a day trip out to Chorvoq. You can easily take car for the day or rent a hotel along the lakeside. Once you make it to the lake, you’ll be greeted with a small bazaar where you can get some fresh loose-leaf tea from flowers that grow along the lake. I stopped along the way to grab some freshly squeezed pomegranate juice!

In the summertime, there are beach areas where families can go swimming, rent boats, and soak in the sun. All along the coast are hundreds of dachas, summer homes that many folks from the city come to live in during the hot summer months. There are many resorts along the water if you are interested in staying in the summertime. However, if you visit in the winter, there are still exceptional views to be seen and photos to be taken! Right now, the snow is beginning to fall and the mountains are taking a new shape and sight, one of magnificence and power.

If you keep driving around the mountain, you’ll be greeted with a ski lodge and a beautiful ski lift that will take you to some incredible views. I stopped along the way to grab some shashlik and bread. One thing that I love about getting away from the city is how friendly the people are. I spoke with some Uzbek men and even met a Kyrgyz girl who was working at the restaurant I stopped at. I practiced my broken Kyrgyz with them and shared a few laughs.

Because the mountains are right on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, you are likely to meet several Kazakh and a few Kyrgyz along the way. If you feel adventurous, you can attempt to hike some of the nearby peaks, you might even find yourself in another country! There are even a few Tajik villages tucked away around the lake, according to a local I spoke with. These Central Asian countries never cease to amaze me with their rich, cultural diversity.

Brew in the Botanical Gardens

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:37:27 GMT

Amidst the changing leaves at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, we met Yeldana, Yelaman, and their two-year-old son. We shared a cup of tea and chatted as their son played nearby.

Birmingham is not the first place they have called home. Yelaman previously participated in a work and travel program in Maine, USA, and both he and Yeldana earned their master’s degrees in France before marrying. They moved to Birmingham four years ago when Yelaman began his PhD journey. Relocating at the height of COVID-19 initially made it challenging to connect and make friends - especially for Yeldana, who, during that time, worked remotely as a math coach for children in Kazakhstan. Despite the six-hour time difference, Yeldana managed her online sessions well into the evening to support her students.

Now, however, they have found a vibrant Kazakh community in Birmingham. The couple regularly gathers with friends to socialize and, most importantly, share Central Asian food. Many of the Kazakh students in Birmingham are Bolashak Scholarship recipients, studying abroad before returning to Kazakhstan. Yeldana and Yelaman make a point of introducing themselves to any Kazakhs they meet around town, inviting them to join a WhatsApp group for community events.

Currently, Yeldana is on maternity leave and unable to work, but she stays engaged by running an Instagram blog. Through her posts, she shares aspects of their life in Birmingham and introduces her followers to the city, keeping connected with both her local and international communities. Yelaman is a researcher at the University of Birmingham, focusing on energy storage technologies. His work aims to advance sustainable solutions that support the growing global demand for clean energy, contributing to a future with reduced carbon emissions and greater energy independence. The family visits Kazakhstan once or twice a year, not only to reconnect with family but also to help their son stay in touch with his Kazakh heritage. However, they truly enjoy their life in England and don’t have plans to relocate anytime soon.

Hearing their stories and seeing how they blend their Kazakh roots with their life in Birmingham was inspiring. Hopefully, it won’t be our last meeting, whether in England or Kazakhstan!

Elâzığ

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 04:56:48 GMT

In the eastern Anatolian region of Türkiye lies a city full of history and beauty- Elâzığ. As my plane touched down in Eastern Türkiye, I was both mesmerized by the majestic mountains that lay before us. I found myself calling Elâzığ home for the next week I was there because of the strong community and gentle hospitality. As I walked the streets, I felt a stark difference between the eastern and western culture of Türkiye. An area divided by differences but united in their love for food, friendship, and tradition.

Elâzığ is located near the Euphrates valley and is known for its rich history. The locals enjoy picture perfect landscapes with beautiful mountains and sparkling lakes. The Euphrates River runs through the mountains to reveal what is thought to be where the first people in history lived. It is believed that generation after generation inhabited this area and eventually the rest of the world’s population was spread out from here. The Ottoman empire brought this region into the Turks’ hands after rule from the Romans. This area has remained inhabited throughout many wars and still belongs to the Turks of today.

After the Ottoman empire, a few Armenians settled in this region towards the top of the mountains in a place known as Harput. Harput is filled with beautiful architecture from this time and overlooks the rest of Elâzığ, creating spectacular views and wonderful history. In Harput, there are several museums about Turkish customs such as music, dance, tea, and Turkish baths. Since then, the area has been inhabited by mostly Turks, Kurds, and Zaza's. These people groups come together to make Elâzığ a home for everyone around.

Turkish hospitality is characterized by their love for food and community. Eastern Türkiye is known for their kabobs which are skewers of meat with bread and a collection of yummy toppings. The locals combine these together to make the perfect meal. One of the Turks’ favorite meals of the day is Kahvaltı, or breakfast. It is a collection of tasty assortments of cheese, meat, jam, bread, and vegetables. A traditional food in Elâzığ is Orcik. This is a string of nuts that is dipped into grape molasses over and over until it all sticks together and hardens. The locals love to eat this as a snack or for a sweet dessert. Another common food in this region is liver. These livers are cooked and spiced until perfection to create a taste that explodes in your mouth. This liver is often cooked and placed in wraps. Lastly, you can’t forget Turkish tea that is accompanied with every meal you eat in Eastern Türkiye. This tea is a traditional black tea that is usually served with sugar cubes.

Turkish hospitality is especially seen all throughout Eastern Türkiye by the how welcoming the locals are. Since this is a smaller city, everyone knows everyone, so it is obvious when there is a new face in that area. Because of this, Turks go out of their way to make them feel welcomed and loved throughout their stay in their home. As soon as you enter their home, they shower you with food and tea. Turks will do anything to keep you staying as long as possible and just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of conversation. Their love for their families is revealed in how willing they are to let you into their lives and allow you the opportunity to spend time with their kids and appreciate every second you have with them to the fullest. Make sure to put beautiful Elâzığ on your list of places to visit in the future so you can experience their heartwarming hospitality as well.

Tatars in Almaty

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:19:51 GMT

Thus far I have highlighted specific locations that I have visited in Central Asia. Today I want to highlight a specific people – the Tatars. As I’ve traveled throughout Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, I have enjoyed the plethora of nationalities all living together within each city. The history of this region has brought about continuous mixing of ethnicities and languages, allowing many different nationalities to share some similarities in their people’s history.

My first encounter with Tatars was in Kyrgyzstan. I met Tatars in both Osh and Bishkek. I wrote about my adventures regarding the Sabantuy festival I attended in Bishkek earlier. If you haven’t read that article, please check it out! One of my greatest achievements was getting 3rd in the wrestling tournament at the festival. I made some special friends that day, some Tatar friends that live in Almaty. They told me about their Tatar/Bashkir cultural center in Almaty and invited me to visit.

When I made it to Almaty, I wanted to learn more about this Tatar center and the Tatar culture! I was able to connect with my friend and visit the Tatar/Bashkir cultural center – IDEL. There was a group of Tatars at the center that I was talked to and learned more about the Tatars living in Almaty. I was welcomed with a hot cup of tea and some sweets! There’s nothing quite like Central Asian hospitality. They told me about some of the things the center does to promote Tatar culture: there are Tatar language lessons every Sunday for those who want to learn some Tatar language basics, information on Tatar history, and special events for Tatars and Bashkir.

Tatars are one of the larger ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan with an estimated population of 220,000. Tatars have been in Kazakhstan for generations and they live throughout the country, with some cities having a higher population than others. Because of their long history in Kazakhstan, many of them speak the local language along with Russian, and some Tatars have maintained their native Tatar language.

The beautiful part of these countries are the many different cultures that all live together, respecting each other’s culture while doing life and business together. I encourage you to dive deep into culture and history if you get a chance to visit these Central Asian nations! Check out the brief video below. You may not understand him but you can hear and see a small glimpse of Tatar culture.

University of Glasgow

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:29:10 GMT

Glasgow University – Scotland’s second oldest university is something we learned as we got to meet up with one of the university’s very own professors! Abylay and his wife, Dayana, made their way to Scotland from Kazakhstan 7 years ago when Dayana began her PhD program at Glasgow University. With much curiosity and eagerness to explore the United Kingdom, Dayana looked at a couple different universities through a scholarship program for Kazakhs. Taking the time to work through the cost of living, career opportunities, and the environment for their daughter - the three of them made their way to Glasgow, Scotland.

Just like moving to any new city, it took time for the family to get out of their comfort zone and put themselves out there. They knew this was needed to get connected to locals. Once they did this, Dayana and Abylay quickly found out that the people of Glasgow are so friendly and welcoming! In addition, they connected with fellow Kazakhs who live and work in Glasgow. Before COVID, there was a group of around 200 Kazakhs that would meet to celebrate Nowruz, Independence Day, and many other special Kazakh holidays. Time with other Kazakhs while living in Glasgow is so valuable to them, particularly because they want their daughter to stay connected to her Kazakh roots. After COVID, there are not as many Kazakhs who gather, but there is still a solid community that they interact with regularly. As a family, they love preparing Central Asian dishes as one way to hold onto to their Kazakh culture.

Fast forward to today where Dayana has completed her PhD in education and Abylay has completed his master’s in business and is working on his PhD in business. Dayana teaches young adults' professional development, preparing them to step out into their career. Abylay teaches business classes at Glasgow University, while he finishes his PhD. He has enjoyed his time at Glasgow University partly because it has given him the opportunity to travel to other places, Southeast Asia in particular. He should graduate this summer and is excited for the possibilities of what could come next!

It was a delight to meet up with Abylay as he offered up his Central Asian hospitality showing us around Glasgow University to hear how they have transitioned so well and settled in Scotland as a family. Although they may not stay in Glasgow forever, this city and its people will always hold a special place in their heart.

Celebrating Culture Through a Hobby

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 12:27:41 GMT

Just a thirty-minute train ride from where we stayed in Malmo, we headed to Copenhagen to meet up with Javahir, who is originally from Azerbaijan. We began to listen to her wonderful story over tea and pastries at a cafe called Villette.

With the desire to travel, Javahir landed a scholarship to head to Australia for her bachelor’s degree. While at university, she had the opportunity to do exchange programs all over, one being in Denmark! After receiving her degree, she decided to get her masters in Denmark. Javahir later became a marketing professional working for brands like Pandora, Soundboks, and latest Noma (a 3-star Michelin restaurant!).

Seven years later, she has established her own life in Copenhagen where she has been able to have a nice work-life balance, meet up with friends she met while traveling, and get to join in on many great opportunities. A big perk about living in Denmark is that Javahir can easily travel around Europe. She was able to enjoy that for a while until there was the COVID outbreak. This led Javahir to have to stay put and rethink some new hobbies. She began cooking! And not just any cooking, but she decided to dig into her Azerbaijani roots and found recipes to now fix for herself and others.

After cooking a bunch of recipes and trying new things, Javahir has begun to set up dinner clubs! What is a dinner club, you ask? It is a night where Javahir will prepare Azerbaijani dishes at a venue and have up to 30 people join her to experience Azerbaijani culture. She prepares a long table for everyone to meet new people, join in conversation, and be included. Javahir will serve plate fulls of these dishes for everyone to help themself at the table.

Javahir and her family would cook together as she grew up and that left an impression for her as an adult. As she began her cooking journey, she was reminded of the nostalgia of hosting and having people over, the hospitality of having meals with people. Even when someone was just stopping by, there would be a table full of food ready. Javahir mentioned that it wasn’t that she was good at cooking, but she wanted to bring back the hospitality of hosting and inviting. That is what these dinner clubs are for, to share with others the hospitality of the Azerbaijani culture she knows and loves.

She continues to discover more recipes when she travels back to Baku. She enjoys finding cookbooks from the past and bringing back to life many dishes that many have forgotten about. She wants to preserve these recipes and make them available to others. This would allow other Azerbaijanis away from home to replicate them and show others what Azerbaijani dishes are! She also works on shifting the recipes to be able to be made in places with different ingredients than Azerbaijan.

She has influenced many people to want to replicate what she has done and even venue owners will invite her to host her dinner clubs at their venue! She has partnered with an Azerbaijani/Ukrainian living in Ukraine, Sevinj Abbasova, an artist that brought to life Javahir’s very own Azerbaijani recipe cards. They have now worked together on numerous projects together. She gifted these cards to us as we got to meet her. Her future goal is to create her own cookbook with all she has learned and been inspired to put together. We look forward to that day, to be able to fix these dishes for our family and friends and share the Azerbaijani hospitality as well!

World Nomad Games

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 13:17:02 GMT

During my visit to Astana, I had the opportunity to attend the 5th World Nomad Games. It did not disappoint! There were 89 countries that participated in 21 different nomadic sports. Kazakhstan came out on top with 43 gold medals and Kyrgyzstan followed with 19. There were so many unique sports to chose from to attend; I ended up going to horseback archery. Here, each contestant had 3 targets to hit while riding on horseback, both time and accuracy were taken into account. I can only imagine the skill and training required to hit those targets while riding on the back of a fast horse!

When I learned that the games were being held the same week I was visiting Astana, I was excited to go, but was not expecting much. I was blown away at the number of countries participating, the size of the sports arenas, and the professionalism of it all. Kazakhstan did an outstanding job hosting the games and welcoming so many outsiders. Unfortunately, the American team was unable to come away with any medals… but that’s not surprising considering the sports that were played.

The beauty of the Nomad Games is the preservation of culture. The history of each game was told in yurts that housed historical and cultural information near the events. There is so much pride from the participants, especially those who come from a country where the game was originally played. Watching the countrymen of the participants cheer their country on was about as exciting as the events were! To add to the cultural piece, the participants often dressed in traditional nomadic clothes which represented their people.

As someone who loves learning new culture and history, these games showed me more about the wonderful nomadic culture of Central Asians and others abroad. If you are traveling about and have the opportunity to go to the next games, I highly recommend it. The World Nomad Games are a time of honoring tradition while also inviting other nations to participate in celebrating the rich nomadic history of the world. As each participant shows their skill and training in very specialized sports, they are also bringing honor and attention to their country’s history in nomadic traditions, which were the building blocks for the societies we live in today.

Loving Life in Lund

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 19:07:42 GMT

A short thirty-minute train ride from the city of Malmö, Sweden, is the beautiful town of Lund. It is full of gorgeous ivy-covered brick buildings and lots of green spaces. The leaves have just started to turn, but the days are still warm. So, it was the perfect time of year to go check out the town. Even in smaller towns like this in Sweden, it is easy to find numerous cafes to grab a coffee and a pastry. It was in such a cafe, that we got to meet up with Gunel, an Azerbaijani woman living and working here. In true Central Asian fashion, we all got tea, and then spent the next couple of hours getting to hear about Gunel’s experience over the last year in Sweden.

After finishing her bachelor’s degree in Azerbaijan and working in banking there for a little while, she decided to pursue further education abroad. Gunel looked at multiple universities, some of them in the UK and Germany, but ultimately decided to go to the university in Lund because she received a scholarship. In addition, there is a large support network of other Azerbaijanis in Lund, which drew her here.

Upon completing her degree in data analytics and business economics, Gunel got a job in supply chain analytics in the area. She loves the work-life balance here in Sweden, so she knew that she wanted to stay here and work, at least for the time being. The process to get the job was lengthy, but she persevered!

Like I said before, there is a community of Azerbaijani alumni and students from Lund university that helped Gunel to not feel so far away from home. They celebrate holidays like Novruz together. There are even Azerbaijani families that invite them into their homes to enjoy home cooked food. She said this group was a large part of why she did not have a lot of culture shock when moving to Sweden. She of course misses her family, but now she has a great community of friends here in Sweden.

Eventually, Gunel had to head home, but hopefully this is only the first of many visits with our new friend, maybe the next time will be back in Azerbaijan!

Astana

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 08:32:00 GMT

Welcome to Astana! The beautiful, modern, flourishing capital of Kazakhstan. Astana has much to offer any world traveler and is a great place to start your adventures in Kazakhstan. Upon arriving to the city, I was amazed at how modern, large, and new everything felt. Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and has gone through several name changes, but now proudly carries the name of Astana, which means “capital city” in Kazakh. I was plesantly surprised that without any Russian or Kazakh, I could get around the city fairly easily. Many of the university students are fluent in English and are happy to show you around the city and help with any problems.

I took a day to see some of the well-known attractions in the city. I highly recommend checking out the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, which is built in the shape of a pyramid made of glass. You can go and take a guided tour through the facility where you will learn some about the many religions that live together in Astana, and the World Council that meets there! Right across the street, you can take a tour through the National History Museum. This is a massive museum with artifacts from early settlements in Kazakhstan all the way up to modern times. You will be immersed in Kazakh culture as you watch history unfold before your eyes.

As an avid culture lover, I always try to find the House of Friendships in all the major cities I travel to. These places house the many different diaspora leaders of different people groups represented in the country. I was able to find this building in Astana and was given quite a warm welcome. I was given a tour of the building and shown each of the ethnocultural centers for each ethnicity represented in Kazakhstan. It truly is amazing how many different cultures live together in these Central Asian countries.

For anyone wondering about food in Astana, let me assure you, they will have what you like! There were many options for local Kazakh food, Azeri food, fast food, and nice restaurants. For my American friends, there is a Hardees, Burger King, Starbucks, and KFC! There are many large superstores where you can buy some groceries if you are planning a longer stay.

The Kazakhs are proud of Astana, it shows the strength of the country and the wealth that it has gained through its natural resources. The city reaches extreme cold temperatures in the winter and is quite windy, as there are no nearby mountains to provide a barrier. But, the beauty of Astana is the architecture, and of course, the people. I was welcomed by many Kazakhs who offered me rides home and meals out. As I continue my travels in Central Asia, I am grateful for such warm, open people.

Stockholm's Hidden Uzbek Gem

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:31:37 GMT

Tucked away, north of downtown Stockholm, is a hidden gem that we found to get delicious Uzbek food. After dancing and singing at the ABBA Museum, we worked up an appetite to go grab some Central Asian food from Kolgrill Sam.

This restaurant was started by Uzbeks from Samarkand. They brought all their skills and spices to share a taste of Uzbekistan with Sweden. As you walk in, you are greeted with fun orange walls and the smell of fresh bread and plov (a favorite of ours) with quiet conversation of people meeting friends and family. We had many options to choose from on the menu – manti, lagman, a variety of kebabs, plov, borsch, samsa, and much more. Of course, we decided on the plov! There was also cake behind the glass that we decided to try. Behind the counter to order, you can watch the cooks prepare the food.

As we made our way to the table, there was a salad bar and a spot where you can pour your own tea into a tea pot. After only waiting a short time, our food came! Two plates of plov, two plates of tomato and cucumber salad, and some fresh bread. Wow! It was phenomenal. The plov had the perfect amount of oil and the sweet raisins added a great touch. The meat was juicy, and it all tasted so good with the tomato and cucumber salad. With a few bites left, the pieces of cake were brought to our table. At that time, we went up to grab tea to go along with the cake. What a perfect match that was to end our time at Kolgrill Sam.

We highly recommend if you’re in the Stockholm area and craving a solid Central Asian dish – Kolgrill Sam is the place to go!

Good Eats in Antwerp

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:16:21 GMT

Antwerp is well known for its diamonds and chocolate museum, but a lesser-known fact about the city is that they have delicious Central Asian food. There is not one, but two delicious Central Asian restaurants: Restaurant Bazaar and Uyghur Restaurant. We were able to try both in one day while we were in Antwerp! In both restaurants, you feel the authenticity in the atmosphere, and you can taste it in the food. Although they have similar menus, each restaurant has its specialty.

Restaurant Bazaar has a wide variety of Central Asian food such as plov, manti, and samsas. We tried different types of manti, some with beef, some with pumpkin. They were all delicious and tasted just like back in Central Asia. All of the plates and cups had traditional patterns on them, and the decorations were beautiful Central Asian designs. They even had traditional Central Asian clothes for guests to try on!

Uyghur Restaurant has a lot more types of noodle dishes. After we finished our meal, we had traditional tea, which was the perfect way to round out our experience there! The walls, full of Uyghur photos and Uyghur patterns, made this feel like an authentic experience before we even tried the food.

If you find yourself in Antwerp and want to try some yummy and authentic Central Asian food, go try one or both of these delicious restaurants!

Majestic Mountains

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:50:18 GMT

As you contemplate planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan, let me persuade you with one word: mountains. The Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan will take your breath away (quite literally if you climb them). Throughout my time in this country, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the magnificent mountains of Kyrgyzstan from east to west, south to north. If you’re looking for a quick trip into the mountains from Bishkek, you need to check out Ala-Archa National Park. After a quick 45-minute drive from the city, you will be among the towering Tien Shan mountains. There are many options for hikers, whether you are looking for a quick day trip or a week-long summiting experience.

On the other side of Ala-Archa lies Chunkurchak valley. There are several options for resorts if you desire to sleep at the foot of the mountains. I spent a few nights at Supara Chunkurchak, it was absolutely beautiful. You can choose to stay in a high-end yurt with an all-glass front that will show the gorgeous sunset every evening. As you drive along the dirt road through Chunkurchak, you will see many locals having picnics and enjoying the mountain air; it is believed that it is good for your health when you can breath the fresh, cool mountain air… and I agree!

If you’re looking for an escape from Bishkek, you can venture down to Jalal-Abad or Osh by way of taxi. On your 10 hour drive, you’ll experience the breathtaking views that Kyrgyzstan has to offer. You will go through, over, and around countless mountains as you see modern-day shepherds gathering their sheep on the road along with man’s best friend, a shepherd dog. I was amazed at the young boys who were herding these sheep, they couldn’t have been older than 10. After several hours, you’ll drive by Toktogul lake. A beautiful water reservoir between the mountains, fed by the melting snow off the mountain caps.

There is no doubt that the essence of Kyrgyzstan lies in its majestic mountains. The bulk of tourists travel here in order to experience the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. More than that, the mountains are at the core of who the Kyrgyz are. Traditionally nomadic, the Kyrgyz people have a unique love of their mountains. You will never meet a Kyrgyz who does not like the mountains, it is simply part of who they are! Whether you go east, west, north, or south, you will not be disappointed with the views that the beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan has to offer.

Issyk-Kul

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:40:34 GMT

As the hot summer weather is scalding us all, I felt it was time to share about Kyrgyzstan’s secret escape from the hot weather: Issyk-Kul! The name itself means “warm lake.” When the July and August heat hit Bishkek, people travel in droves towards Issyk-Kul to cool off. While the name may suggest that the water is warm, I can assure you, it is cool and refreshing! Lined along the lake are many resorts, hotels, and beachfronts designed to give you a relaxing and enjoyable experience as you cool off from the scorching sun.

If you’re looking to travel to Issyk-Kul from Bishkek, it will be about a 4-hour drive. However, this depends on the mode of transport you choose and where you’d like to go. Your travel time will largely be affected by where along the lakeside you would like to go. Issyk-Kul is the 11th largest lake by volume and the 8th deepest lake in the world, so there is no way to quickly drive around it. It is considered a saline lake, which helps it from deeply freezing over in the winter, just in case you were hoping to go ice skating…

I had the opportunity to go stay for a week along the north side of the lake with a group of friends and our EuroStan team! We stayed at a little resort which provided a place to stay right on the shore of the lake. The mornings are breathtaking. As you look across this large body of water watching the world wake up as the sun rises, you will not be disappointed. There are jet-skis to be rented, paddleboards, paddleboats, and much more. As the day heats up, take a dip in the cool mountain water to catch a break from the heat. Many of the beaches have a place to play a game of volleyball and then dry off to catch a tan as the day heats up.

There’s no doubt that the best escape in Kyrgyzstan during the hot summer months is Issyk-Kul lake. The beauty of this lake is that it also offers a spectacular view of the Tien Shan mountains, as the lake rests just along the foothills. With cool water on hot days, resorts, and a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, you’ll be pleased that you chose to visit Issyk-Kul on your trip to Kyrgyzstan.

Sabantuy

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 03:10:33 GMT

Celebrating with Tatars

What makes the world such a wonderful place? Well, when we remove the physical things, such as the beauty of nature, we’re left with the most wonderful thing of all: humanity! One thing that I love about people is how we create markers in our lives and the lives of our ancestors. We see the joy of people and the creativity of the individual in these celebrations. I had the joy of attending a Sabantuy festival recently in Bishkek, and I again experienced the beauty of humanity alongside people that were so warm and inviting to me.

Sabantuy is a traditional holiday celebrated by mostly Tatars and Bashkirs. It began as a celebration for farmers before the sowing season, and quickly grew to become a national holiday in Tatarstan. Today, it is celebrated all over Central Asia as people remember their heritage, though they may live hundreds of miles from their homeland. As a lover of culture and history, I was excited to discover Sabantuy being held at a park in Bishkek and down in the southern city of Osh.

My time at Sabantuy in Bishkek was one full of song, dance, food, activities, and wrestling. The event began with beautiful performances from some native Bashkir and Tatars, singing songs from their homeland in their native language. There were some dance performances by some of the youth, followed by more singing by others. There were different activities for the kids to participate in around the venue, as well as some traditional food that was brought in from Tatarstan. I found myself in a friendly wrestling tournament, as this is a staple at most Sabantuy festivals. After a long, hard-fought battle, I left with the respectable 3rd place medal. I’m thankful for the kind folks who allowed me a place in their sacred wrestling tournament.

I was able to attend the same celebration several weeks later down in Osh (for more information about Osh, check out some of the previous articles). The region of Osh contains a decent number of Tatars, but the celebration was smaller than the one I attended in Bishkek. Still, there were guests from Tatarstan, dancing, and singing. I had the privilege of sharing a meal with the organizers later and got an in-depth history lesson on Tatars in Kyrgyzstan. The more I am in this beautiful country, the more I realize the depth of cultures that live together here. So many ethnicities, cultures, and traditions come together throughout the glorious mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

If you have the chance to attend any local cultural festivals or holidays, I highly recommend it! You will make new friends and gain new experiences that will grow your love for cultures that are different from your own.

Issa in Sunny Spain

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 10:28:27 GMT

We recently got the opportunity to meet Issa, who lives and works in Barcelona, Spain. She got her bachelor’s there, and now works in sales here while working on her master’s. Issa has lived in Barcelona for almost six years now, so she’s basically a local at this point! She would be someone you could ask where to go and what to do.

In her time living in Barcelona, Issa has noticed how the city has changed. Although there were not many Qazaqs in Barcelona when she first moved there, more have moved here in the past few years. They enjoy gathering with each other and sharing Qazaq treats together. Not only have more Qazaqs moved to Barcelona, but she said it seems like the number of tourists has increased over the years. That can be frustrating, but she has learned to navigate the busy seasons.

Holding onto her Qazaq roots is important to Issa, but she also feels at home in Barcelona and loves her life there. At the moment, she has no plans to move away from Spain. Safe to say, she loves the Spanish warm weather and the amount of travel destinations that are more easily accessible from there. We loved to hear about some of her travel adventures over the past few years.

She told us that most people in Barcelona don’t know anything about Qazaq culture, so she has enjoyed sharing her culture with those around her. She has even had a couple of friends who were interested in joining her when she goes back to visit her family. This is exactly why we love to do what we do- so, many others will come to know about Central Asian cultures and enjoy what they have to offer!

Bishkek

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 03:13:28 GMT

The capital of the wild and wonderful country of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is nestled under the Tien Shan Mountain range, which boasts a beautiful view when the weather allows. You will often find yourself walking along the streets of this beautiful city and suddenly look up to see majestic mountains looking down on you. Bishkek houses nearly 20% of the population of Kyrgyzstan and is by far the largest city in the country. First named Pishpek in 1825, the Soviet Union then gave it the name Frunze, which was followed by Bishkek following the fall of the Soviet Union.

If you are a lover of coffee, you can find quaint little coffee shops on most city street corners. The city is full of traditional Kyrgyz restaurants where you can try many well-known Central Asian dishes. If you’re looking for Chinese, Indian, Korean, and of course, KFC, they’ve got it all in Bishkek. If you want to experience the full beauty of foliage in Bishkek, springtime is the way to go. There are colorful roses, tulips, and lilies all along parks within the city. As the snow is melting off the mountains, there is a constant flow of fresh water flowing through the city, keeping things relatively cool.

I especially enjoy the hustle and bustle of the local bazars. Osh bazar is one of the oldest bazars in Bishkek and is sure to satisfy all of your desires when it comes to your idea of a traditional bazar. Madina bazar has all of the fabrics and textiles you will ever need. You can find rugs, carpet, clothing repair, curtains, and much more in this lively local bazar. The mix of modern and ancient seems to be a constant tug even within the metropolis of Bishkek. On one hand, there are the traditional bazars where you can practice your haggling skills, and on the other, there are modern supermarkets, such as Globus, where you can walk in and grab what you need off a shelf.

Beyond the grand view of the mountains, the good coffee and food, and the bustling bazars, the people remain the greatest thing about Bishkek. People are kind and inviting, and very helpful if they see you are struggling from a language barrier. I have enjoyed discovering the many ethnicities and cultures which the people carry in Bishkek. There are multiple festivals highlighting the cultures of various peoples as they have chosen to make Kyrgyzstan their home. I have enjoyed attending some of these, and hope to share some of my experiences with you in later articles.

If you love the mountains, coffee, good food, and kind people, you are sure to enjoy a visit to Bishkek, as it is the gateway into the beautiful land of Kyrgyzstan.

Love in the Air (Astana)

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:51:53 GMT

Ansagan had caught the travel bug in 2015 while studying at university in Bulgaria. She has adventured to Poland, Portugal, France, Switzerland, and many more countries. After returning to her home country of Kazakhstan, she decided to go with a friend to an open interview with Air Astana – one of Central Asia’s largest airlines. She hadn’t expected to get a job that day, but they hired her to be a flight attendant. This decision eventually led her to find love in the air. Her now husband was a passenger on one of her flights- a story straight out of a romance movie! They connected, became friends and eventually started dating. After getting married the two of them made their way to Barcelona working in IT. They have made this city their own throughout the past couple of years. How sweet!

As we were deciding where to meet for the interview, the three of us bonded over our love of tea and desserts. Ansagan suggested Camelia Art Café, which has a good selection of all of those. As she walked up, Ansagan greeted us with a big smile and hugged both of us. We immediately felt like good friends. The three of us hung out for close to 3 hours, enjoying an array of delicious baked goods and delicious tea.

There is a large community of Kazakhs in Barcelona that Ansagan has been able to meet up with. They organize their hangouts primarily through the messaging app Telegram. Ansagan and her husband have enjoyed the connections they have made with not only Kazakhs but also Kyrgyz through this group. They have also met other Central Asians who live all around Europe. This large network of Central Asians in Europe makes it affordable and simple to visit other countries. Ansagan and her husband have hosted people as well as been hosted in homes all around the continent. Just a few days after meeting with us, she had plans to host a Kazakh friend who lives in France.

As is customary in Central Asian culture, before leaving, Ansagan gave us a gift of Kazakh chocolate. This is a precious commodity, so we were blown away by her generosity in sharing with us. She then showed us a few popular places around Barcelona - a Sagrada Familia built out of Legos at the Lego store and a bank downstairs of a clothing store. We took some photos and let out much laughter together. It was a wonderful evening spent with our new friend, Anasagan.

The Gift that Keeps Giving

Sun, 26 May 2024 03:28:03 GMT

Walking through the side streets of Madrid, you don’t want to miss this hidden gem, Alma Nomada. This beautiful shop is run by a Nuriya, a Kazakh woman who has a passion for sustainability and supporting unique artists. Sticking to her roots, which value hospitality and gift-giving, Nuriya has opened Alma Nomada to provide a place for others to purchase one-of-a-kind items as gifts! Before we left, she even made sure we were taken care of with bracelets made in Germany!

Nuriya has lived abroad for over twenty years in many different places, like England, Shanghai, Bangkok, and Spain. Her experiences in different cultures have shaped her into who she is today. After so many years of traveling, she has enjoyed making a home in Madrid for the past few years. Starting a business wasn’t easy – it did take trial and error and even some sleepless nights. Clearly, her hard work has paid off because her shop now has inventory from over forty vendors from countries worldwide, including Kazakhstan, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Germany, and Spain.

As she walked us through her store, Nuriya explained where the pieces came from, who made them, and more. We could clearly see how much attention she gives to every area of the shop and each piece that is sold there. There were some unique items, like 3D-printed belts, Central Asian kaftans, and handmade jewelry, to name a few. Some vendors only use secondhand and/or naturally sourced materials. It was inspiring to hear how Nuriya prioritizes slow fashion by supporting artists like this and providing a space where they can sell their goods.

Alma Nomada is not only a great place to find something for yourself, but if you are looking for a gift or a souvenir, this is the perfect shop. This is not a stop you want to miss on your trip to Madrid!

Osh

Tue, 21 May 2024 02:24:56 GMT

Along the Uzbek border, nestled in the Fergana Valley, lies the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan: Osh. Often considered the midpoint of the Silk Road, Osh is full of rich history dating back thousands of years. As a lover of history and culture, I was stoked to find remnants of the historic Silk Road all over this beautiful city.

When reaching this city, my attention was immediately drawn to the mountain that lies in the heart of the city: Sulayman Too. Sulayman Too is a World Heritage Site, known housing the famous prophet, Sulayman, from the Qur’an. I took some time to hike up this sacred site, along with its historical significance, Sulayman Too offers an extravagant view of the city of Osh. Along the way to the top, you will run into a small mosque built by Babur in the 1500s (a descendent of Timur and Genghis Khan).

Taking me back nearly 2,000 years, I visited Jayma Bazar, a large outdoor market that has been booming since the dawn of the Silk Road. Although there are cars on the road and cell phones in the hands of each shopper, remnants of the old market are very well still alive. One thing is sure in Jayma: if you need it, they’ve got it, and if you don’t want it, they still have it. I walked several kilometers going in and out of each stall, looking at genuine Turkmen rugs, cow legs, delicious food, traditional clothing, and so much more. I even met a local man, Jom, who was kind enough to show me around more parts of the market and share more about the city. I am continually thankful for the hospitality of Central Asians!

If you love history, culture, large and crazy bazars, or just enjoy Central Asian hospitality, I encourage you to add Osh to your list of cities to visit! There are few places in the world where such rich history can still be lived in the present day.

The Qazaq Student Society

Sat, 18 May 2024 05:18:18 GMT

While in Brussels, Belgium, we got to meet with Amirlan, who is a leader in the Qazaq Student Association in Belgium. Although most of them are from Kazakhstan, there are also students from other Central Asian countries who have joined. These students come to Belgium not only to get a degree but also to experience living in a different country. Many of them take the opportunity to travel to other places in Europe like Spain, France, and Luxembourg to get the European experience.

As is normal, they experience discomfort at times because of living in another culture. So, while in Europe, they want to hold on to their Qazaq identity. They gather regularly to stay connected to their culture and to each other. They continue to deepen their roots in their own language by hosting a Qazaq-speaking club. This is the first Qazaq Speaking Club in Belgium, but hopefully not the last!

Amirlan is in charge of the association's events. In March, they partnered with Turkish and Azeri students to host a Nauryz celebration. Nauryz is the Persian New Year holiday celebrated in many Central Asian countries. They had traditional food, outfits, and music for this party. In April, they hosted a fundraiser to help the victims of the floods that have been going on in Kazakhstan. These students not only enjoy getting together to celebrate their culture but also to give back.

In addition, they want to share their culture with those around them. “We want people to know our history. We love our history, and we want them to know who we are” Amirlan told us over coffee. Their monthly events give an opportunity to share Central Asian culture with other people. It was compelling to see how they stay connected to and share their culture even while they live far away. As they build connections and dig roots in their new home, they are laying a foundation for a future in Belgium if they want to stay!

The IT Consultants of Munich

Sun, 12 May 2024 12:36:02 GMT

Aigerim and Yerke are IT consultants in their late 20s living in Munich. They were connected to each other through a Kazakh expat group in the city. It didn’t take long for them to become close friends, and now they share an apartment.

Aigerim has lived in Germany for almost six years now. She came to Germany to get her masters in Darmstadt. After finishing her practicum, she moved down to Munich when she got a job a couple of years ago. Although she has really enjoyed her time in Germany, she is moving back to Kazakhstan in just a few months. “I never pictured myself retiring in Germany, and I don’t feel that I have anything else to accomplish here. So, I decided to return to Kazakhstan.” She is excited to be back with her family and in her own culture.

Yerke has been living and working in Munich for about two years. Although acclimated now, her first few months here were difficult because she felt that it was hard to connect with people. One difference that she noticed in Germany is that work and personal lives are more separated than they are in Kazakhstan. Yerke was surprised that her coworkers did not typically hang out together outside of work. Since she has been able to connect with other Kazakhs in Munich, she has felt much more connected and at home in Germany.

Something that they both have acclimated to in Germany is the punctuality. It did not take them long to enjoy that aspect of German culture. In addition, they have enjoyed the opportunity to go to other countries surrounding Germany. In fact, the day after our meeting, they were headed to the Netherlands for a short trip.

Yerke and Aigerim get together with other Kazakhs in Munich often. They still feel very connected to their Kazakh culture. They said that most Kazakhs who live here do not plan to stay in Germany long-term. Most of them plan to move back to Kazakhstan someday because they love their culture and miss their families. These young professionals want to contribute and give back to Kazakh society.

As we said our goodbyes, we promised that if we make it back to Kazakhstan, Aigerim can show us around Almaty and the surrounding area. Cheers to new friends!

A Chat with a Graphic Designer

Sun, 05 May 2024 14:29:03 GMT

Begi is a 25-year-old graphic designer who lives and works near Frankfurt, Germany but originally from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She moved to Germany in 2019 as an au pair. Then, she studied graphic design in Düsseldorf before moving to Frankfurt, where she got a job. She wasn’t excited about moving to Frankfurt because she loved the Düsseldorf area. However, a position landed in Begi’s lap that has brought her so much joy. She can use her talents for something she is passionate about. Her position involves partnering with other passionate people and creating a great work environment. This allows Begi to be encouraged and inspired to use her creativity.

Even though she has lived in Germany for about five years, she still gets homesick sometimes. Whenever she returns to Kyrgyzstan, she likes to bring back special things from home to make her own nest abroad. Decorating her flat with traditional Kyrgyz items brings her cozy feelings of home.

She likes to find restaurants with cuisines similar to Central Asia, like Afghan or Uyghur, to stay connected to her Kyrgyz culture. Meeting up with other Central Asians who live all over Germany at these places is a fun way to celebrate their Central Asian culture.

Bringing a gift is important in Central Asian culture, so when we met with Begi, we brought her a couple of Kyrgyz treats, kurut, and Central Asian chocolate. Kurut (or kurt) is a hard, salty cheese from fermented milk. Although an unusual snack for Westerners, this is a beloved and nostalgic treat for Central Asians, especially when they live abroad and cannot readily buy it anymore. In turn, Begi gave us a bag of her favorite chocolate-covered pecans.

We loved getting to know Begi and hearing her story. We ended our time together, hoping to meet the next time she visits Kyrgyzstan.

My Little Bukhara

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 03:14:54 GMT

Many Central Asians want to study abroad in other countries. Nadira Khalikova got the opportunity a few years ago to study abroad in Germany for her master's in international relations. Now, she lives and works near Stuttgart, Germany. She works a 9-5 job and teaches German, but she is most passionate about her fashion label “My Little Bukhara.” Her studies of human rights and the textiles of the Orient inspired her to start this brand. Talking with Nadira, you see her passion. She wants people to know more about Central Asian culture, specifically the fabrics and designs made there. She wanted to give back to her homeland by offering Uzbek women a way to make their own money. My Little Bukhara gives them an opportunity to share their skills and knowledge with a broader audience.

All of the pieces are made using a Central Asian fabric is called Suzani and Ikat. The Ikat designs have been made in present-day Uzbekistan for up 1,700 years. “Every pattern has a story, many of them going back a thousand years. They do not come from a religious context, but from a traditional background and our cultural heritage.” Nadira told us. Many patterns have generational symbolism as well as designs that symbolize spring and new life. The craftswomen dye, weave, and sew all of the pieces by hand in Uzbekistan. All the dyes are made with natural materials using traditional processes passed down from mother to daughter. For some of their pieces, they use upcycled sheep’s wool as well. Nadira and her partners are committed to having a sustainable luxury brand.

We visited the pop-up shop located at Karlstraße 4 in Stuttgart. There is also another location in Tübingen. You can check the shop out online at the link here! If you want to order one of the pieces, you can fully customize it, choosing the fabric colors and designs that you would want or go to one of the shops and check it out in person!

Ost Tandoori

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:12:58 GMT

Tucked away among the residential streets of Düsseldorf, Ost Tandoori is a traditional Tajik restaurant full of Central Asian flavors and flare. With only a few tables, this restaurant had a family atmosphere that immediately made us feel like we were back home in Central Asia.

While waiting for our food, we started up a conversation with the two workers there. They both were originally from Tajikistan but have lived in Germany for a number of years. The restaurant has only been open for a couple of years, but it is already a staple for many Central Asians in the area. They told us that many other Tajiks come to eat there, especially for dinner.

We had a cool experience watching them prepare our meals. Using only fresh ingredients, the meals were cooked using traditional Central Asian methods. While we waited for our food, they showed their Central Asian hospitality by bringing us a pot of tea and making a fresh mango drink for us.

The menu includes a variety of dishes unique to Central Asia. We ordered their plov and lagman. Plov or pilav is a popular dish among all the Central Asian countries made with rice, veggies, and meat. It is a seemingly simple dish, but fresh, filling, and flavorful. Lagman is also a traditional dish made with meat, veggies, noodles, and broth. There are many different varieties of lagman using different cooking methods. This time, we had the original version, which was delicious.

Ost Tandoori is a small piece of Central Asia among an array of different restaurants in Düsseldorf. It would be a great place to try out if you are wanting to explore Central Asian food or if you are from Central Asia and want a taste of home.

Creating Community

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 02:47:53 GMT

I have consistently written about the need for community and people when living abroad. Most people I have spoken with found ways to make those connections through their work or university. But what if you move your whole family to Europe? What if your children grow up away from their parents’ culture?

This was a question that Bayan and many other Kazakh families asked themselves when they moved to Berlin for work. Her family, along with twenty others, were able to find ways to connect during the pandemic and realized the importance of gathering, not just for their sake, but for the sake of their children. Bayan told me that during COVID, they would gather on Google Meet and realized how life-giving it was to speak in Kazakh with others. Before, she only had her husband to talk with in Kazakh. Thankfully, one group member had been in Germany long enough to know the importance of going through the bureaucratic process. Miras Community Center is the official center for Kazakh culture in Berlin.

The purpose of Miras is to teach their children the Kazakh language and the communal culture. While in the building, everyone only speaks Kazakh. Everyone sits around a round table where the adults discuss important information or solve problems together. Bayan commented, “It’s important for the children to see how we discuss and solve things.” The children participate in language lessons together. Additionally, they have a library of Kazakh books, many translated from other languages for the children to read. Bayan mentioned that comics are becoming popular, and they also have those in their library. It’s a beautiful way of teaching their children the importance of where they are from but providing fun ways to appreciate it.

Bayan was kind enough to meet with me at a café in the middle of Berlin to tell me her story and the story of people. She knew her history. She consistently took me down a fascinating rabbit trail of Kazakh historical culture throughout our conversation. As a former history teacher, I loved every second of it. She explained how showing her children that she is proud of her country is essential. One way she shows this is through her clothes. Bayan wore a beautiful coat with a subtle Kazakh pattern along the trim. The discerning eye would immediately know the pattern comes from the Central Asian steppes. While chatting, another woman walked by in a coat in an Uzbek pattern. Among the neutral tones of Europeans, their pops of color were a lovely change of pace.

It’s important to remain connected. To know your heritage. Children live in an in-between, being taught what it means to be Kazakh or Central Asian in general, while they also grow up in a new place that will feel natural to them. They won’t fumble through silly language mistakes or be confused about German cultural nuances. But to be able to connect well with grandparents and relatives in Central Asia is equally important. Thankfully, places like Miras Community Center exist to help bond the Kazakh community in Berlin and raise their children to know and be proud of their roots.

**Photo given to author from kas_kulturzentrum_miras @Instagram

Students Unite Abroad

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:37:08 GMT

In the States, most students dream of the opportunity to study abroad. I personally studied in England for the summer, and it was one of my best college experiences. But most American students go for a semester, maybe two at most. To move to another country to get a degree is unheard of. Yet, for many in Central Asia, to study in another country is the goal. They learn English, German, or Korean with the hopes of getting their degree abroad. This is the case for Damir and the many other students in the Kazakh Student Association (KSA).

Damir met with me and my friends at a cute restaurant in Berlin. I must admit, I felt a little like Damir’s mother as I pressured him to eat the food at the table. He is in college, after all, and I know that for any student, money is always tight. Despite his ignoring my pestering to eat, it was fun getting to know him and hearing about his university experience in Berlin.

Damir is from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and has been a business administration student for two years at Humboldt University. He is a leader of the Kazakh Student Association in Germany. This group is unique compared to most student groups because it spans the country rather than focusing on one university or city. That is likely because there are not many students from Kazakhstan in the country compared to other international students. Damir estimated about 500 total and 70 in Berlin. They have get-togethers for Kazakh holidays but also parties just for the fun of it. Recently, there was a concert of a famous Kazakh group that many people I met in my short time in Berlin were going to attend. Though Damir admitted they don’t get to meet as often as they would like, he expressed the importance of maintaining the connection of people who share the same language, culture, and homeland.

Damir emphasized the desire to learn the local language well, in this case, German, but also needing some time to be with people who understand you without explaining one’s cultural thought process. When you are with people from your home country, though there are regional differences, there is an unspoken understanding among each other. You can laugh at the same things and be nostalgic about foods you miss. It’s a Catch-22 because you know you need both. However, in a case like Damir’s, where the Kazakh student population is growing but still small, there is less opportunity for balance. I resonated with him, remembering my Russian language learning days. Without practice, there is no improvement, but sometimes it is exhausting. I vividly remember how relaxed I felt during one Thanksgiving celebration in Russia with just me and co-workers: the food was comforting, we weren’t worried about our grammar or vocabulary, and we argued about proper traditions such as watching the Lions or the Cowboys game (obviously, one should watch the Lions).

When Americans study abroad, they are going for the adventure of it. It broadens their worldview, and they enjoy life in a new culture, always knowing it will come to an end. However, students like Damir are in Germany not for adventures but for the opportunities a German education brings. Damir is not sure what he will do after he graduates. Still, no matter where he is, Kazakhstan will remain a core to his identity. That seems to be the Central Asian student experience. Like others in his student group, they want to stay connected to their roots, and they do that with the community. Thankfully, organizations like the KSA exist for that purpose. They are essential in helping students thrive while being abroad.

Plove Berlin

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:07:14 GMT

When I walked into Plove Berlin, I immediately felt that I had been transported to Central Asia. From the décor to the smells and the hospitality, the small café had a special atmosphere. The food was absolutely delicious, and I wanted to learn more about this place. I was grateful when Saikal, the owner, agreed to meet with me and let me hear more.

Plove Berlin is a new café, having only opened in March. Saikal said that they opened the café because they missed home. With the felt artwork of yurts and the smell of plov in the air, it could have easily been a favorite café back in Central Asia. I confess my favorite Central Asian dishes are samsa and manti. I tasted both of them and can only rave about it. Samca’s are a Central Asian hot pocket usually filled with meat. However, they offered one with spinach and cheese. Though you would not see that on the streets of Central Asia, for any spinach lover, it’s worth eating. The manti had pumpkin, a favorite among friends.

An important part of Central Asian hospitality is that you never arrive empty-handed to a home. Even though I was not in Saikal’s home, I wanted to show my appreciation for her time. I handed her Kyrgyz chocolate and a popular snack, kurt (kurut, depending on where you are from). I call them salt balls. Others refer to it as fermented milk duds. I think you get the idea. Kurt has not become a favorite among Westerners, but her eyes lit up as she opened the packet and popped one in her mouth.

Saikal is from Osh, the region of Kyrgyzstan, which is famous for its cooking. It immediately made sense why the food was so delicious. Yet, there were some things on the menu that I had never heard of. When I asked about them, Saikal wanted to ensure that their food represented not just Kyrgyzstan but all of Central Asia. Even their staff came from scattered places in the region.

Her story is one of resilience and creativity. Before COVID, Saikal had a salon. Unfortunately, like for many, they closed during the pandemic. But in time, she started catering and selling her food at the bazaar. It all eventually led to Plove Berlin. Plov is a traditional Central Asia dish with rice, meat, and carrots. Each country has its own twist to the dish. She added the ‘e’ to the word to incorporate “love.” It was a wise choice because the love of plov goes deep for those in Central Asia.

When I went to chat with Saikal, she offered up Kyrgyz hospitality. I thought we were taking pictures of food since I had already eaten at the cafe, but she offered me the whole table. Literally, it was the entire menu. Though I could have easily stuffed my face with all of the goodness before me, I had been freezing in Berlin, so I gladly gobbled up the Chuchpara soup (a brothy soup with meat dumplings). It did not disappoint. While I was simply on a European vacation and not gone long enough to miss Bishkek, I can say that I felt at home at Plove Berlin and am grateful for this small enclave in the center of a great city.

An Au Pair in Berlin

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 15:21:31 GMT

When I think of an au pair, for some reason I always envision a Hallmark Christmas move situation where a small town girls becomes a nanny in a city like New York or Paris. Though Berlin is not as magical as the other two options, the experience is just an interesting despite not being like a Hallmark Christmas movie. I had the fortunate experience to meet an au pair in Berlin, who is actually from my neighborhood in Central Asia.

On a chilly night in Berlin, my friends and I decided to swing by a café and eat Central Asian food. We were immediately greeted by the warmth of the server, Elniza. She is from Kyrgyzstan and is a newer arrival to Berlin. We were able to chat for a bit, and thankfully, Elniza was kind enough to meet with us on another day.

Here, for over a year, Elniza is an au pair and was connected to a German family through a program in Kyrgyzstan. We chatted as we walked through a park with a flea market. I loved hearing about her hopes for the future as we shopped around and was glad to hear that her experience in Germany has been positive. One can immediately see that she loves the children she watches. Being an au pair, Elniza gets to improve her German and learn about culture as she cares for two children. Living and working with a family, she gets a real inside view of Germans. She noticed how differently Germans raise their children compared to Kyrgyz and the things she liked about it, as well as the things she didn’t. As an outsider in both cultures, it was fascinating to hear her thoughts.

A perk of being an au pair is that Elniza can travel with the family she works for. As a result, she has been to places that many of us only dream of and rarely have the opportunity to see. So far, her favorite place has been Brittany, France. I asked if I could go on her upcoming trip but, unfortunately, was denied as she laughed at my proposal.

I have frequently written about TCKs and their struggle in the in-between. Though not a TCK, she has her own version of the in-between after living in Germany. While missing and loving her family and home, when you are exposed to things outside of your worldview, you change. It is a natural part of the process. I often feel out of place in Central Asia, knowing that I am not, but also the tension in the US because I see things differently now. Anyone who leaves their home country to live in another culture feels this tension.

Despite loving the traveling and opportunities Germany brings, like most people, Elniza still misses home. Homesickness for anyone who lives far from home is very real. One has to search for a remedy that cannot be solved by purchasing a plane ticket. Everyone has their own way to get over their homesickness. Elniza’s cure is to go to cafes where she can enjoy Kyrgyz food, meet with other Kyrgyz friends in the au pair program, and celebrate Central Asian holidays. When she can, Elniza visits a relative in another city. Being reminded of a place one loves brings an extraordinary comfort that cannot be accurately described.

When I originally asked Elniza to meet and write about her, she said, “My story is not very interesting.” However, everyone has a story to share with their own unique perspective. She sees Germany, and now Kyrgyzstan, in a unique way. With another year left in her program, Elniza hopes to stay in Germany to study at the university. How long she stays is another question that she does not have the answer to yet. In the meantime, she is enjoying her new home. Yet, parts of your culture never leave you. With true Kyrgyz hospitality, she helped me get to the train station the day I left Berlin.

I look forward to our next walk in the park, but in Central Asia, where I can return the hospitality and kindness she has shown me.

The Struggles of a New Life

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 03:58:50 GMT

My meeting with Aizada was unique for several reasons. First, we actually met in Central Asia. Like how I have connected with everyone else on this blog, I started following her on Instagram. However, I noticed a familiar place not long ago in one of her photos. It was one of my favorite cafes in my city! I had seen that Aizada lived in Italy but was excited to meet her in Central Asia to hear about her experience in one of the most famous countries in the world.

I have to admit, I was surprised by the conversation that I had. Before meeting, I thought, how could life in Italy have any negatives? The desserts alone are heavenly. The cities are breathtaking and have deep history. Having Italian roots, I admit my slight bias. Still, if you have ever eaten a fresh cannoli or gelato on a hot summer’s day, you know exactly what I am talking about. For one year, she studied in Vicenza, Italy. However, it was not as positive of an experience as hoped. Which also made her story different from most people I speak with.

Aizada is also unique in that she had also studied abroad before Italy. Most people consistently compare their experience with their home country, while Aizada mainly compares Italy to Japan. You are correct if you imagine Japan and Italy to be very different. Japan, a highly structured, system-loving place compared to Italy, much more relaxed in its systems and life, with several hour-long lunches and businesses closing early. It was challenging to do simple things and essential parts of life, such as getting the proper documents. I chuckled to myself as I vividly remembered trying to do a simple task at the post office only to be closed for the lunch hour, not knowing that everyone took their lunch at the same time. I was not laughing while staring at the locked post office door, but I empathized with Aizada’s frustration.

Being in a smaller city was also challenging because there was less to do compared to a city like Rome. Aizada had hoped to dive deep into Italian culture and community, but instead, she felt isolated from others. The local people in her city kept within their circles. In class (which was in English), her Italian classmates kept their English speaking within the confines of the classroom. As a result, it wasn't easy to make friends.

Despite the difficulties, not every part of Italy was bad. “You always feel like you are in a museum,” she added. The landscape is beautiful as well as historical. Now, a few months after leaving, Aizada recognizes some of the good qualities of the country. She notes that life seems more balanced there. Businesses close early so that people have time with their families. There is time for enjoyment instead of the overworked cultures that she has been in. She recognizes that had she lived in a larger city, she may have had a more positive experience. Soon, Aizada moves to Poland to continue her education. There, she already has friends and has visited the city and is confident that she will enjoy her life there.

Yet those in the Euro side of Eurostan need to understand the challenges for people, in this case Central Asians, moving to their countries. Aizada emphasized how for those moving to the new place, “You are starting at zero.” Unless you already had connections, one arrives with no friends, little language, and little understanding of how to function in a place so different from where they grew up. One may arrive with some language, but it doesn’t make it less complicated. The systems are different, and without the help of others, one feels like they are swimming in an endless sea of frustration, lines, and closed doors. Finding a community of friends can be tough if it isn’t naturally built within their life. She encourages others to listen to people’s stories and about their cultures to be kind to the newcomers trying to adjust to their new life. Aizada’s story is important because it provides a stark reminder that life in another country is not a vacation. One has good days but also a lot of bad ones. As much as people like Aizada want to enjoy the country they are living in and embrace the culture, they also want you to know about theirs, which is also rich in history and beauty. Her Italian adventure reminds us to be mindful of the struggles that people experience in moving to our cities. Most people need a kind word and help as we adjust to the new life before us.

No Tree Grows Without Its Roots

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 03:11:20 GMT

“No tree grows without its roots.” During our conversation, Kamila quoted this to me, stating it was her favorite quote. It has since stuck with me because she is right. Roots ground you. Even though one does not often see them, the roots hold and nourish the tree. Anyone who has moved to another culture can easily resonate with this quote. While trying to fit in, adjust, and understand their new home, part of you is also clinging on to the life that was. You grow as you see life in a new light and worldview, but you also don’t want to forget who you are and the culture and people that have profoundly influenced you. It’s no surprise that this is Kamila’s favorite quote as she has used her to examine her roots while also thriving as an artist in London.

Kamila is a London-based artist who moved to the UK from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, when she was eleven. Her mother, from Uzbekistan but Russian, and her father Uzbek, mixed with spending formative years in London, Kamila is a true example of the third-culture kid (TCK), constantly feeling somewhere in the in-between.

As a TCK, she had an identity crisis in trying to understand who she is. She said, “I’m not too modest, and I’m not too modern, but I’m somewhere in between. I’ve always felt that way. I started to explore what does my culture mean to me and how it shapes me.” You can see the influences of different cultures in her art. One can see both the modern and traditional woven into each piece. I am proud to admit that I bought a print and anxiously await it in the mail!

She has been drawing since childhood. Her dad, a major supporter and inspiration, continually challenged her to communicate her emotions through her artwork. It was sweet to hear Kamila talk about her father. Family is foundational in Central Asian culture, but it is clear that her love for her father is not just because of a cultural norm. He challenged his daughter to draw abstract concepts. He guided Kamila as she figured out who she was: a person and an artist in the middle of many worlds.

“No tree grows without its roots.” She is right. Kamila was able to look deep into her roots that spread across the globe and learn who she is now, representing her people in a way that can only be done by her. This discovery is part of the human experience, but even more so for those who have left their home country. Despite an identity crisis, she has grown into a beautiful, confident, creative, and strong woman representing the deep roots of Uzbekistan in her art and life.

Check out Kamila's beautiful art on her website: https://www.artynumpty.com/

Photo by WeConnectHumans

Weaving Cultures

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:11:34 GMT

Anyone who knows me knows how proud I am of my hometown. Though I haven't lived there for over 15 years, it still is a big part of who I am. I see the influence of my hometown’s culture within me daily, and I'm proud that it’s still there despite the distance. So, when I met Shakhina and heard about her passion for Uzbekistan, I knew she was a kindred spirit.

Shakhina moved to the UK when she was twelve years old. Fifteen years later, she is still there and recently finished her degree in textile design. She is passionate, driven, and talented. What was fun for me was how easy it was to talk with her. I felt like I related to Shakhina on so many levels, and it was a joy to speak with her.

Many would call her a third culture kid (TCK): someone in this no man's land between cultures. She has remained true to her Uzbek roots while also adopting the British culture she has lived in for so long. She says, "I've created a third version of myself." I am not a TCK, I was an adult when I left America, but I understand her when she talks about this tension. You're not entirely at home in either place despite your love for them both.

Shakhina has a true passion for her art. I didn't have to ask many questions because she would talk and explain everything on her own. A textile designer, I think she would agree with me in saying that weaving found her. Hearing how she came to study textile design was fascinating because it was an unexpected journey. Shakhina naturally understood that she should go to her university immediately after seeing it. She explains how she was interested in everything but was eventually drawn to the looms. Shakhina began university thinking she had a passion for print. However, she was ultimately drawn to the looms. There, she learned the process of making the Ikat. This special weaving technique is the traditional Uzbek way of weaving. Shakhina had fallen in love with the art rooted in her culture. The rest is history.

Shakhina incorporates Uzbek patterns and colors in her designs. The colors are vibrant, and the prints are distinct from her country. With weaving, she is able to use modern technology but incorporate the long-lasting tradition from Uzbekistan. I first saw Shakhina’s work on Instagram. She created small miniatures with samples of beautiful Uzbek patterns. Little did I know that those patterns were actually small products of her weaving.

Shakhina desires to share her Uzbek culture with those in England while also helping those in Uzbekistan. During university, she helped organize a Nowruz celebration in London. Now, she volunteers, teaching English to students in Uzbekistan. Through this, Shakhina found the happy medium of the TCK life. Recently graduated, Shakhina currently teaches at a school; her dream is to someday open a craft school. Her desire is for people to show their pride in who they are through traditional crafts.

Our call seemed quick, but it was anything but. We talked for hours and finally had to end our call after Zoom rudely cut us off several times. Shakhina was easy to talk to because she was passionate about her cultures and craft. Her "third version of herself" is beautiful and caring, weaving a beautiful tapestry of her Uzbek roots and London life.

A Music Therapist and her Kobyz

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:09:22 GMT

The people of Central Asia are kind and friendly. They love to smile and laugh. It’s easy to start chatting with people, and you feel their warmth. Kamila was no exception. A London-based music therapist from Aktau, Kamila, and I chatted on the phone. Despite the distance, I immediately felt her warmth, as if we had been friends for years. She is also Anel’s (see “A Chat with a Photographer”) sister-in-law, which made the conversation even more special. In Central Asia, it’s all about those connections, especially when one is far from home.

I have to admit I had no idea what music therapy was. I was surprised to hear the range of clients she had; autistic clients, those recovering from a stroke, dementia patients, NICU babies, and their parents. From birth to death, Kamila is helping people through the power of music. I asked her how she uses music to help. She sang me some sentences and then explained how you can be “Fun but strategic with music.” Kamila talked about its power, “We are musical beings.” She explained how sound is the first thing a baby hears in the womb and usually is the last thing to go in older people. Dementia patients, for example, may not remember anything about their lives or even how to speak. Still, they can sing and remember words through the music. Her passion for music therapy exuded from the screen. Clearly, she could have talked for hours just on this subject. I’m not a musician by any means. I was a band dropout in the 6th grade. But after hearing Kamila talk, she could have easily convinced me to take up learning an instrument to begin a career change.

What was so fun about listening to Kamila talk about music therapy was its importance and connection to Kazakh culture. “Music is embedded in my culture, in all of us, actually.” She showed me the traditional Kazakh instrument, the kobyz (pictured above). Despite living in London for twenty years, Kamila wants to remain connected to her roots. Playing the kobyz is one way she does that.

You may be like me and have never heard of this instrument before. Despite the Islamic dominance in Central Asia for hundreds of years now, there are still traditions rooted in the pre-Islamic era. The kobyz is one of those traditions. In studying this instrument, another writer described it as, “The kobyz may seem similar to a violin, it is played rather like a cello, held in between the legs” (1). Traditionally, the instrument is performed by shamans to cure people.

Interestingly enough, Kamila told me about a man she met in Kazakhstan who was extremely depressed and an alcoholic. A shaman played the kobyz for three days for the man. Shortly after, the depressed man had a dream where he performed various types of art; sculpting, writing poetry, and playing music. After the dream, the man found some wood and began sculpting. Now he is an artist. “It’s a miracle recovery story. There was something in that music that helped him get up and change his ways,” she said. Kamila has great goals: she wants people to see this deep connection even more about the link to music and its healing abilities in London and Kazakhstan. Not many people have the opportunity to truly have fun in their work and help people. Yet, Kamila has the unique to do so.

It felt our friendly phone call ended too quickly. Honestly, I wanted to hear and see Kamila play the kobyz. I hope that someday soon, I will be back on the London streets sipping tea with Kamila and her sister-in-law Anel, listening to the beautiful Kazakh music she loves.

[1] Anastasiia Ilina, “An Introduction to Folk Instruments: The Kazakh Kobyz” March 5, 2018. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/kazakhstan/articles/an-introduction-to-folk-instruments-the-kazakh-kobyz/

The Turkmen Gallery

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:23:02 GMT

You may not naturally associate Central Asia with rugs, but they are well known for their beautiful craftsmanship. From Turkey to Afghanistan, the people of the Silk Road have perfected rugs. I proudly have one from Dagestan, in the Caucasus mountains. I am always in awe of its colors and patterns. Each people group has their own style and color scheme. Only a person with a trained eye can spot the differences. I don’t have the trained eye required, but I’ve lived in Central Asia long enough to know that I found a store full of Silk Road craftsmanship.

I was more than excited to accidentally find the wonderful Turkmen Gallery store. I was just wandering around on a beautiful fall London day, and there it was, begging me to come in. That is the beauty of Eurostan. Central Asia surrounds me in Europe, but it is not as visible as some other cultures. I walked into the store and was immediately taken aback by its beauty. The store was full of colorful lamps that covered the walls, jewelry tables, and fabric mounds in the form of pillowcases and rugs. I immediately knew that I had hit the jackpot.

I slowly explored the store, looking for the perfect gem I would take home. I rummaged through pillowcases and rings when my mostly untrained eye saw it: a rug from the North Caucasus’. The antique hung beautifully across the wall just waiting to be brought to someone’s home. Rugs tell a story of the culture. Each has its patterns, colors, and history that are beautifully woven together. Caucasus carpets, for example, come from the high mountains where many different people groups live, each with their own unique language. Deep reds and greens are consistent with the Caucasus style, along with arrows and sharp shapes. The patterns and colors show strength, just like they are. While I didn’t get a chance to chat with the owner about the tapestry collection, I wandered through the piles noticing the vastness of labels and where they all came from. I could have easily been in there for hours. Unfortunately, I left the store with nothing to show for it (my theater tickets were worth the sacrifice). But if you want to envision Central Asia in a way other than from the kitchen, you will not be disappointed at the Turkmen Gallery.

A Chat with a Photographer

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 01:41:25 GMT

A Kazakh in Bristol turns her hobby into something more

I’m a sucker for good photos and am a wannabe photographer. Many years ago, after showing pictures from my travels, one of my aunts told me, “I don’t want to see your artsy photos. I want to see the place.” I tried, at least. I’ve since given up my photography dream, but I love seeing other people use their talent well. Anel’s photos are stunning. She clearly has a skill that I never had. A Kazakh living in Bristol, I knew I needed to get to know her.

Life in Central Asia is all about connections. Though the region is quite large, it is usually not difficult to find degrees of connection through mutual friends or even small cities we have visited. In Central Asia, it rarely gets to those six degrees of separation. More often than not, it’s only one or two. Anel and I are no exception to that rule. Originally from Aktau, Kazakhstan, Anel has lived in Bristol with her family for four years. I felt a tinge of excitement when I knew which city she was from; it wasn’t far from where I used to live. Her husband’s family used to live in my former city. Somehow in a very Central Asian way, this Kazakh-Bristolian woman and this American-Kyrgyz gal were linked.

Since Anel and her family are newer to England, I was really interested in how they have adjusted. Having just moved to a new country myself, I know the excitement and stress that comes with it. Unfortunately for them, the pandemic has overshadowed most of their time. When you leave your home, we all crave community and that new set of friends to make the new place feel like home. Anel is no exception. I asked what she missed from Kazakhstan, and she immediately answered, “family.” Through the Bristol Kazakh Society, she met other Kazakh ladies. There is comfort in not only having friends but friends who you can communicate with easily and understand your context. Now that COVID restrictions are gone, they can finally live their lives and get to know people. When we talked, her kids were playing in the park enjoying ice cream.

I asked Anel what she liked about England. There was no hesitation in her answer. Anel liked how people are more open to different things, tolerant, and polite. I’m sure, as no surprise to anyone, the weather did not make her list of favorite things. “It’s somehow always cool,” she says. I laughed, knowing what she meant and how hard it is to live in after a warm climate.

Photography originally started as a hobby. However, in time, people began requesting Anel to take their photos. It’s clear why people sought her out. Anel highlights beautiful Bristol and London architecture but doesn’t distract from the person’s beauty in her picture. Anel added that this is what she loves to do: take portraits but also emphasize the beauty around the person. I messaged her after seeing one of her photos done with intricate archways. I was secretly hoping they were in London so I could take some pictures, but unfortunately for me, they were in Bristol.

I would love to chat with her while drinking British tea, eating Kazakh manti, and being surrounded by the backgrounds that inspire her photography. Unfortunately, our chat was over the phone. By the time we connected, I was already back home. Yet I was still able to feel Anel’s warmth and friendliness. I hope to be able to return to England soon so that we can meet face-to-face.

Land of Fire

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 05:04:36 GMT

Food is at the heart of culture. It is something that we are always so proud of and want to show others. When my friends in Central Asia ask me about American dishes, my eyes brighten as I describe a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I even go so far as to host several Thanksgiving meals each November. That’s how much I love it and want to share it with others.

When I went to the Land of Fire, an Azerbaijani restaurant, in London, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Not far from King’s Cross Station, the restaurant is only open for dinner. While I eagerly waited for it to open, I decided to try it after a quick look at Harry Potter fans taking pictures at Platform 9 ¾. From the outside, the restaurant looked so refined (and it was) I didn’t feel like I would fit in with my sweatshirt and converse. Yet, those fears quickly disappeared with the kind hospitality of the people there. Her warmth and friendliness were contagious. I was brought to a room that made me feel like I was back in my tiny city from years ago. There was a TV with Russian music videos playing, beautiful and traditional Azeri tablecloths, and the feel of visiting a family. Despite the owner being from Azerbaijan, we spoke in Russian, and it felt like we were catching up like old friends. Being part of the former Soviet Union, most people from the Silk Road speak Russian. I was happy that I could surprise her with my Russian speaking. Something is comforting about speaking in your language while in a different country.

The owner brought me black tea with thyme. The herb added so much to my cup of tea that it was hard not to guzzle it down. The menu had a mix of foods from the Silk Road: three variations of plov (pilaf in English) and khinkali (dumplings). I loved that the menu represented everyone in the region.

It was hard to choose what to eat. Plov is the classic dish. Each country in Central Asia has its own twist, but there is always rice, meat, garlic, and carrots. Tajiks add chickpeas and Uzbeks red peppers. However, at Land of Fire, they offered a plov that I had not seen before, which piqued my interest. Sebzi plov didn’t have carrots (gasp!) but instead meat, spinach, and green onion. The owner said it was her favorite, and who am I to argue? I ordered it not sure what to expect. I also had to get my summer salad, the classic bowl of cucumbers and tomatoes- something seen on every table for every meal in Central Asia. It would be blasphemous to have plov without it.

While waiting for my food, I was introduced to the owner’s son, who sat quietly doing his homework in the corner. Her daughter was upstairs working hard, helping other customers. I could hear the chefs chatting away in Russian, not far from me. Again, even with the restaurant’s elegance, I felt like I was sitting in my friend’s kitchen, chatting as she cooked. I heard a little of her story of how her family came to London and how much they have enjoyed being here. We laughed about the woes of learning the language, and I shared some of my favorite Russian language mishaps.

My Sebzi was brought to the table, and the beautiful aroma immediately hit me. I love spinach, so despite my slight (only slight) skepticism about this variation of plov, it was delicious. After walking all day throughout London, it was a challenge not to gobble it up quickly. I quickly decided that Land of Fire will always be a stop for me every time I’m in London. Not only do you get an authentic and delicious meal, but you also get a true cultural experience through their hospitality.

Tea with an Artist

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 02:53:12 GMT

British tea, an Azeri artist, and me

One thing that is essential in understanding cultures along the Silk Road is their value of hospitality. Everyone should and must feel like an honored guest. Gulnara was no exception to this rule. Even though we had never met, and I just was a stranger in her Instagram inbox, she treated me to a meal, tea, and a lovely conversation.

Gulnara is an artist who lives in London but is originally from Azerbaijan. I stumbled upon her Instagram page and was instantly drawn to her art. Before knowing where she was from, I immediately recognized her work's Silk Road patterns and style.

Gulnara still loves her homeland and visits it every year. Her family was so kind to this strange American girl who spoke Russian with a bad accent. We had a nice lunch and got to know each other before she showed me her work. I can see her love of nature and mountains in the few paintings I saw. Yet, it was also clear that she doesn’t confine herself to only that. “My husband tells me that I need to pick a style,” she laughs as she shows me pictures of her artwork.

Art is clearly her passion. We talked for a long time about her European trips and art. While I’m no art aficionado, I have traveled to France and Italy and spent considerable time in art museums. As we chatted about the art we saw during our travels, we both agreed that the Mona Lisa is too small. I asked Gulnara who her favorite artist was (and then I shamefully had to look him up), “Gustav Klimt,” she said, “I love his colors and his style. I would love to paint like him, but my style is more realistic than his.” I immediately understood what she meant. Several of her paintings were hanging on the wall. One depicted the mountains of her hometown with horses galloping along. The other was a beautiful painting of a caravan of camels. It reminded me of a little city I used to live in that is surrounded by desert. I couldn’t help but imagine travelers trekking along the Silk Road. One painting brought me so many places in the region of the world that I have grown to love.

Gulnara told me some of her story in our mix of English and Russian. We spent a lot of our conversation talking about her current project. It started with a mosaic portraying seven princesses from Nizami Ganjavi’s epic love poem Seven Beauties. The famous Azeri poet wrote a tale about a king’s seven wives, who come from different parts of the globe. His poem allows each woman’s story to be heard. I had never heard of these seven princesses before, but it is now on my book list. Gulnara actually designed the picture of the mosaic when she was 17. Years later, it is still proudly there in its colorful depiction of these seven women.

Gulnara had taken on the gigantic task of painting each beauty or princess. What I loved most about this project was the details and intentionality she took. She told me about the research she did for each princess, and it shows. The patterns and colors each tell a story. Even after researching this poem a little more, I instantly understood more of the symbols in her art. Each princess has their own style while also in the painting style of Gulnara. She hasn’t finished these yet, but I am excited to see the final collection. I don’t know if I will be in London when she finally can exhibit her work, but I hope I'll see the finished product one day.

As with all true hospitality, we ended our time with a cup of tea in beautiful Turkish-style teacups accompanied by chocolate. We then said goodbye with a British handshake. The perfect blend of the East and the West.

What is Eurostan?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:35:30 GMT

I have lived in Central Asia for almost a decade now. Often when I tell someone where I live, I get silence paired with a perplexed stare. Though a critical region, the nations of Central Asia are not well known in the US and Western Europe. For Eurostan purposes, this includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the North Caucasus. Yet, these nations were once in the center of history as they formed the Silk Road. Everyone knew of these territories at one point as they connected the West to the East, bringing the goods Europeans loved so much. Central Asia and Europe have been intertwined for centuries.

These nations are rich in culture and consist of many people groups. The many peoples stretching through Central Asia maintained their own culture while also being influenced and often conquered by Christianity, the Mongols, Islam, and the Soviet Union. In short, there is a lot to learn from this part of the world that Westerners rarely recognize.

Recently I moved to a city in Central Asia. There, I realized that literally every person I met had at least one relative in Europe. Research shows that people from the Silk Road are increasingly immigrating to Europe. In 2019 BC (before COVID), over 1.2 million Central Asians migrated to Europe. [1] The name Eurostan comes from recognizing the significance of this population in Europe and wanting to know more about them. One always brings their culture with them wherever they are and we want to see how Silk Road peoples have transferred their culture to the European continent.

The goal of Eurostan is to show how these two worlds come together. First, we hope to expose you to the Central Asians in Europe. Most of you have walked by a Central Asian restaurant without even noticing. With that comes the missed opportunity on a delicious plate of plov or manti. We will visit cafes with Central Asian food or find places where people are so that you can engage with them and try to learn more. You will never meet friendlier or most hospitable people, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on that. Secondly, we want to share with you their insights about their own culture and their experiences in Europe. We won’t engage in politics but simply inform. Think of it as your personal tour guide and geography teacher. Ultimately, the hope is that when you meet someone from Central Asia, you don’t reply with a blank stare when they say where they are from but excitement as you describe how much you loved that first plate of manti

So welcome Eurostaners! And open your eyes to the beautiful people around you.

[1] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the International Organization for Migration.