Every issue we will bring you a selection of what we have recently discovered, that may be of interest to you. We found a wonderful pianist, whose fingers truly know the meaning of jazz. Ancient arts that had almost become extinct are starting to once again emerge in both Samarkand and Bukhara. Just when you thought that you had seen everything there was to see, a newly renovated historical site has been proclaimed in Samarkand and opens to tourism in the fourth quarter of 2002.

1. Uzbekistan
Margilan, Fergana Valley ~ At the intersection of Alfargoniy and Ravnak-1 Streets, is the Centre of the Development of National Crafts "Ikat". Headed by Dadajanov Fazlitdin an artist and designer, Ikat manufactures silk and clothes painted with natural dyes namely: shoyi, adras, abrbyaz, bekosab. Ikat replicates ancient designs and are currently being sold in England, France, U.S.A. and Japan.

2. Uzbekistan
In the XIX century the last Kokand Khan, Hudoyarhan gathered local specialists to build the most grandiose palace in the Fergana Valley. His aim was to build a magnanimous palace equal in size and beauty to palaces of neighbouring khans. Each of the 7 courtyards, all different in size, have an avian with beautifully sculptured colons. A large park surrounds the well-preserved palace. Now operating as a museum, it displays memorabilia from the 17th - 20th centuries. Gifts presented to the Khan, include an elegant elephant shaped teapot from the Indian raja, Japanese and Chinese ceramic vessels, Russian porcelain made prior to the revolution and many embossed items.

3. Kyrgyzstan
The Alakul Lake lies in an arch along the northern slopes of the Terskey Alato Range of the Central Tien Shan. It lies 3500m above sea level in an alpine area between a narrow gorge and the Takir Tor Glacier. The colour combination of snowcapped peaks, tinged red rocks and velvety grass islands against the crystal blue lake background is a sight to behold.
Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate the Tien Shan Forest, which is situated 25kms between the Lake and the town of Karakul. Karakul is honoured for the grave of the famous 18th century Russian explorer and scientist Prezhevalsky. A chapel, and museum, dedicated to his travels are open to the public.

4. Uzbekistan
Horses are synonymous to Central Asia, the wealth of a family was often measured by his horse. Do you enjoy horse riding as a form of social recreation, or would you like to start riding lessons? A riding club in Tashkent offers both: lessons at the riding club in Tashkent, or the freedom of galloping across the slopes of the mountainous area of the Bastanlik district in Uzbekistan on the finest Russian thorough bred horses.

5. Uzbekistan
Do you like to dine while listening to good background music? If so, don't miss the chance to listen to your favourite ballads by Vladimir Perskiy, a popular pianist, playing both classical and jazz compositions. Mr. Perskiy has performed solo-concerts at the Italian, German and French embassies in Uzbekistan and at the Alisher Navoiy Theatre. He performs in the Asian Center's "TE-MOON" restaurant in Tashkent daily from 1.00pm to 3.00 p.m. and from 7.00pm to 9.00 p.m.

6. Uzbekistan
Womens' accessories come in many shapes and forms, but undoubtedly the handbag is the most important of them all. Our hand-made handbags are made from natural materials, decorated with national embroidery or ancient braid. They can be bought or ordered, at reasonable prices. A unique Christmas gift for a eollege or friend, for a woman of any age.
Contact: ART BUTIK 60 Amir Temir Str., Fergana, Uzbekistan.
tel: +998 (732) 26 82 77
e-mail: info@iak.uz

7. Kyrgyzstan
Nearly every tourist returning from Kazakstan, Uzbekistan or Kyrgyzstan arrives at the airport with a new acquisition or two tucked under their arm. Rugs or carpets are high on the agenda of "must buys". Kyrgyzstan produces intricately made mosaic woven rugs, or Shyrdaks. These coloured motif carpets, ranging in colours from reds, blues to natural browns and grey, have graced many a nomadic home, serving both as a practical and ornamental piece of art for nomadic life. The rugs vary in size, colour and motif, generally the squared patterned areas are large, vibrant and a fusion of colour. The swirls, curvilinear patterns and motifs are a collection of patterns through the ages. Many of the beautiful designs are true replicas of hieroglyphics found on rock faces in Kyrgzstan. Osh, Jalalabad and Issyk Kul are 3 areas where this wide spread art is produced.

8. Uzbekistan
The recently restored architectural monument from the XV century - "Kosh-Hauz" mosque in Samarkand, has been reopened to the public. Situated between the Registan Square and the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Kosh-Hauz complex lies on the tourist road, surrounded by old dwellings. Catalogued as a historical site, Kosh-Hauz includes a double storeyed building comprising of a mosque, minaret, and many tiny cells (huju), which were used to teach the Koran. An interesting aivan (terrace) on the second floor overlooks the city. Drinking water for Kosh-Hauz was originally purified before passing into the two hauz (pools). Kosh-hauz ("kosh" means double) officially opened for tourism in October.