Kyrgyzstan day eight

The Silk Road

Some historical sites demand more of your imagination. We can’t always have towering Pyramids or mysterious civilisations hidden in the Peruvian cloud forest. Sometimes the passing of time takes a heavier toll, eroding and erasing the finer detail of a historical place, until all that remains is a shadow of its previous glory. But why shouldn’t we as tourists be forced to concentrate on the odd occasion? No immediate gratification or picturesque photo opportunity; this is a plainer landscape with subtle traces of history on display.

Tombstone, or burial stone. C. X Century AD

My journey out of Bishkek city centre, where I am studying Russian, to the town of Tokmok is relatively simple, especially early on a Sunday morning. A taxi to the bus station before we crowd onto a маршрут (minibus used for public transport) for one hour. From Tokmok to my final destination, the Burana tower, I take another taxi for fifteen minutes. The taxi driver is patient with my Russian, and I hold my breath at his driving. A regular tourist run, he happily engages in conversation, and patiently waits as I explore the site. As discussed previously, I am always grateful for the speaking practice!

Burana tower is a minaret that overlooked the ancient city of Balasagun from the 9–11 century AD. It also formed part of the Silk Road trade routes, which spread goods and commerce across Asia, through Russia and on to parts of Europe, from the 2nd century BC right through to the 15th century AD. Its historical significance is huge and, in my eyes, an essential pilgrimage whilst in Kyrgyzstan.

The Burana Tower, originally built in XI Century AD.

But there isn’t much there. Even the beautiful Burana Tower is mainly a 1950s Soviet reconstruction, however tastefully done. The original Burana Tower is thought to have stood at twice the height, with its call to prayer powerfully echoing across the Kyrgyz plains for all to hear. Today, it provides a stunning panoramic view that spans tens of kilometres in all directions: the dramatic Ala-Too mountain range to the South, Kazakhstan to the North, and of course the Silk Road route passing back and forth between China to the East, and so many markets and traders to its West! All gone now. Silence, stillness, and the shadow of history.

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Thanks for reading this post by The young European as a part of a new series on my time in Kyrgyzstan. If you liked it, please do recommend it by giving it some applause (see 👏 on left hand side) and share it with friends & family on social media!