2 Travel adventures Uzbekistan

From Amsterdam to Tokyo

1 mei 2016 - 8 augustus 2016 (100 days)

Inside the Ark, I visit the mosque, the throne room, and climb the watchtower. From the top, I have a view of the impressive clay city walls and the mosques and madrasas of Khiva. I wander through the town and admire the various buildings. It feels like time has stood still here. Khiva was one of the key cities along the Silk Road. My attention is drawn more to the architecture itself than to the exhibitions inside. The Juma Mosque dates back to the 10th century and features 212 wooden columns supporting the roof. Through a low entrance, I reach a spiral staircase inside the 47-meter-tall Juma minaret. The steps are steep, and the stairway is dark. From the top, I can see the old town of Khiva — magnificent! I keep wandering through Khiva. A mosque here, an old Quran school there. At the east gate, I enter the old bazaar.

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Uzbekistan

Go Uzbekistan

Boys proudly show their favourite team

Chor Minor Mosque

The Chor Minor Mosque with its distinctive four domed minarets

Kukeldash Madrassa

The Kukeldash Madrassa in the old centre of Tashkent

Diesel Refueling

Its difficult to get diesel in Uzbekistan

In the Footsteps of Marco Polo

28 april - 1 juli 2012 (65 days)

Shortly afterward, I have a ticket for the international match between Uzbekistan and Iran. At the entrance, a large police presence is visible. The riot police are holding back the few hundred people. When I show an officer my ticket and ask if I’m in the right place, he lets me pass immediately. I walk into the stadium. Again, a large police presence is visible. All the officers examine my ticket. Even after I sit down, agents still point to the opposite side. Turns out I’m in the wrong section. The stadium is completely sold out. The stands are full of energy. To the beat of the big drum, everyone chants "Uz-be-ki-stan." When I show my Uzbekistan scarf, a cheer goes up. I’m part of the crowd. After the national anthems, a huge Uzbek flag is pulled across the stands above my head. It must be quite a sight for those on the other side and for viewers at home. The match begins.

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