The Smile of Tea – Kyrgyzstan

The

The Smile of Tea – Kyrgyzstan

 

By the flickering glow of a storm lamp, each movement is precise, repeated since childhood. In this Kyrgyz yurt high in the mountains, black tea simmers in an enamel teapot. The hostess, her face lit by the firelight, pours the drink carefully into piala — small handleless bowls.
In Kyrgyzstan, serving tea is more than a daily habit: it’s a way of life, a ritual of hospitality deeply rooted in nomadic culture. The bowl is never filled to the brim — a gesture of respect and modesty — and is handed over with a warm smile, often accompanied by boorsok, homemade jam, or fresh bread.
Here, over tea, stories are shared, silences are welcome, and bonds are woven. Tea is the heart of the home, the warmth of welcome, the beginning of every encounter.

Kyrgyzstan: Nomad ride

The proverb “Who has no horse has no feet” tell a lot about the lifestyle of the Kyrgyz shepherds. Former a place of transit of Silk Road caravans, Kyrgyzstan is still home to a nomadic people, moving on horseback over seasons. With their herds, Kirghiz horsemen are riding through central asian steppes and mountains, looking for best pasture. Here is a selection of snapshot made on a trip through the land of “Celestial Horses”.
Continue reading“Kyrgyzstan: Nomad ride”