![](/userdata/gallery_en/2020/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11758.jpeg)
![On the way to the East... ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11232.jpg)
On the way to the East... ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The expedition first arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Here the team met with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism of XUAR. The expedition members presented their project of the guided tour - Great Silk Road in Central Asia. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11224.jpg)
The expedition first arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Here the team met with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism of XUAR. The expedition members presented their project of the guided tour - Great Silk Road in Central Asia. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![After Urumqi the expedition headed South-West towards Turpan. They had to travel under scourging sun through a desert of gray-brown sand and clay. Turpan is one of the oldest cities in the world and center of Buddhist culture. This landscape is known as “black gravel fields”, where vegetation is sparse and trees are few. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11225.jpg)
After Urumqi the expedition headed South-West towards Turpan. They had to travel under scourging sun through a desert of gray-brown sand and clay. Turpan is one of the oldest cities in the world and center of Buddhist culture. This landscape is known as “black gravel fields”, where vegetation is sparse and trees are few. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Wind turbines and oil rigs are near only things interrupting the horizon. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11229.jpg)
Wind turbines and oil rigs are near only things interrupting the horizon. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The temperatures here are above 60 degrees centigrade. Soil heats up to 90 degrees centigrade! ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11230.jpg)
The temperatures here are above 60 degrees centigrade. Soil heats up to 90 degrees centigrade! ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The local residents use the high air and soil temperatures to cook. The woman in the picture cooked several dozen eggs right in the sand. ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11300.jpg)
The local residents use the high air and soil temperatures to cook. The woman in the picture cooked several dozen eggs right in the sand. ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva
![Fire Mountain close to Turpan ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11231.jpg)
Fire Mountain close to Turpan ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![After covering more than 200 kilometres across the desert the team found itself in a completely different world. In Turpan, the lifeless desert was transformed into incredible vineyards and green fields. ©Vladiimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11228.jpg)
After covering more than 200 kilometres across the desert the team found itself in a completely different world. In Turpan, the lifeless desert was transformed into incredible vineyards and green fields. ©Vladiimir Prokopenko
![Harsh climate forced the local residents to show some engineering ingenuity in order to survive. They dug deep wells and connected them via underground tunnels. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11235.jpg)
Harsh climate forced the local residents to show some engineering ingenuity in order to survive. They dug deep wells and connected them via underground tunnels. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The undeground channels carrying water at the depth of 5 to 10 meters below the surface, which allowed water from underground springs to reach homes and gardens. This also made the city an important hub on the Great Silk Road, giving travelers and merchants a place to rest and stock up on water.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11236.jpg)
The undeground channels carrying water at the depth of 5 to 10 meters below the surface, which allowed water from underground springs to reach homes and gardens. This also made the city an important hub on the Great Silk Road, giving travelers and merchants a place to rest and stock up on water. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![This made the city an important hub on the Great Silk Road, giving travelers and merchants a place to rest and stock up on water.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11226.jpg)
This made the city an important hub on the Great Silk Road, giving travelers and merchants a place to rest and stock up on water. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Locals are keen on music. These are hand-made instruments the locals quite often play for tourists.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11227.jpg)
Locals are keen on music. These are hand-made instruments the locals quite often play for tourists. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A local woman. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11233.jpg)
A local woman. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Members of the expedition "Following Shoqan Walikhanov's Caravan Route". ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11303.jpg)
Members of the expedition "Following Shoqan Walikhanov's Caravan Route". ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![After leaving ancient Turphan, the expedition visited a city called Karashakhar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11237.jpg)
After leaving ancient Turphan, the expedition visited a city called Karashakhar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Albeit unable to stay here for long, the team from Kazakhstan managed to talk to the locals and learn something of their life in this town. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11238.jpg)
Albeit unable to stay here for long, the team from Kazakhstan managed to talk to the locals and learn something of their life in this town. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Xinjiang is also famous for silk carpets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11234.jpg)
Xinjiang is also famous for silk carpets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The team then reahed the highest mountain freshwater lake in China - Bosten Lake. The ancients called it West Sea or Fish Sea. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11239.jpg)
The team then reahed the highest mountain freshwater lake in China - Bosten Lake. The ancients called it West Sea or Fish Sea. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The surroundings felt especially enigmatic when the lake was topped by mist. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11240.jpg)
The surroundings felt especially enigmatic when the lake was topped by mist. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The locals cook fish on coals. They do no marinate but simply use salt and spices. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11241.jpg)
The locals cook fish on coals. They do no marinate but simply use salt and spices. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Overcoming nearly 100 kilometers from the city of Korla, the expedition members moved to the northern part of Taklimakan Desert to the site of an ancient village on the shore of Lop Nor lake. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11307.jpg)
Overcoming nearly 100 kilometers from the city of Korla, the expedition members moved to the northern part of Taklimakan Desert to the site of an ancient village on the shore of Lop Nor lake. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![The river called Tarim is unusual. It migrates all the time and shifts the location of Lop Nor lake with it. Now, the lake has gone shallow due to various factors. Photo ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11301.jpg)
The river called Tarim is unusual. It migrates all the time and shifts the location of Lop Nor lake with it. Now, the lake has gone shallow due to various factors. Photo ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva
![Artistic installation about the life of ancient Lop Nor inhabitants. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11242.jpg)
Artistic installation about the life of ancient Lop Nor inhabitants. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Thereafter, the members of the expedition went deep into the Taklamakan Desert and visited relict turanga forests. The 300-year-old turanga has well adapted to the local climate. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11243.jpg)
Thereafter, the members of the expedition went deep into the Taklamakan Desert and visited relict turanga forests. The 300-year-old turanga has well adapted to the local climate. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![These trees have very thick-skinned leaves and bark that can preserve precious moisture in the harsh desert conditions. Many believe that turanga nectar has medicinal properties and helps against heart ailments. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11244.jpg)
These trees have very thick-skinned leaves and bark that can preserve precious moisture in the harsh desert conditions. Many believe that turanga nectar has medicinal properties and helps against heart ailments. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The project participants spent a few days in the ancient city of Kuchar, or Kucha as written by Walkhanov, who cited merchants in his writings.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11246.jpg)
The project participants spent a few days in the ancient city of Kuchar, or Kucha as written by Walkhanov, who cited merchants in his writings. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The city isn't big. Tourist come here very rarely, immediately becoming the object of curiosity for its residents. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11304.jpg)
The city isn't big. Tourist come here very rarely, immediately becoming the object of curiosity for its residents. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![Female members of the expedition changed into clothes more appropriate for the local tradition. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11252.jpg)
Female members of the expedition changed into clothes more appropriate for the local tradition. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A local boy. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11306.jpg)
A local boy. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![People here prefer using electrically powered mopeds to move around, so the sound of roaring engines is uncommon in the streets of Kushar unlike most other cities.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11250.jpg)
People here prefer using electrically powered mopeds to move around, so the sound of roaring engines is uncommon in the streets of Kushar unlike most other cities. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![There are just a few cars in the streets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11256.jpg)
There are just a few cars in the streets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A local man. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11249.jpg)
A local man. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The city is rich in fruit. A mixture of smells from grapes, small apples, peaches and pears is common for the local markets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11245.jpg)
The city is rich in fruit. A mixture of smells from grapes, small apples, peaches and pears is common for the local markets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A local man. ©Орденбек Мазбаев](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11305.jpg)
A local man. ©Орденбек Мазбаев
![Traditional bread. ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11299.jpg)
Traditional bread. ©Dzhaliya Dzhaidakpayeva
![Shish kebab on the market.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11247.jpg)
Shish kebab on the market. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Quite a few beggars can be seen on the city streets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11253.jpg)
Quite a few beggars can be seen on the city streets. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A girl in clothes characteristic for the region. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11251.jpg)
A girl in clothes characteristic for the region. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The local population has increased dramatically in recent years. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11248.jpg)
The local population has increased dramatically in recent years. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![This writing on the wall says that population growth should be proportional to the development of the economy. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11257.jpg)
This writing on the wall says that population growth should be proportional to the development of the economy. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![In Kuchar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11254.jpg)
In Kuchar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A cart with air conditioning from a local craftsmen. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11302.jpg)
A cart with air conditioning from a local craftsmen. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![The expedition managed to meet the honorable prince of the city, a descendant of the Kuchan Khanate rulers Davut Maksut. However, due to illness, the meeting with the 87-year-old prince was brief. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11308.jpg)
The expedition managed to meet the honorable prince of the city, a descendant of the Kuchan Khanate rulers Davut Maksut. However, due to illness, the meeting with the 87-year-old prince was brief. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![The group also visited a settlement called Subash that used to be inhabited by Buddhists. There was a large temple with many caves, where the locals came to pray and praise Buddha. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11309.jpg)
The group also visited a settlement called Subash that used to be inhabited by Buddhists. There was a large temple with many caves, where the locals came to pray and praise Buddha. ©Ordenbek Mazbayev
![Toll roads in China. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11258.jpg)
Toll roads in China. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![After leaving Kuchar, the expedition visited Tianshan Grand Canyon (Keziliya Grand Canyon).
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11259.jpg)
After leaving Kuchar, the expedition visited Tianshan Grand Canyon (Keziliya Grand Canyon). ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The unique geological structure has acquired its present form due to exposure to high temperatures, sunlight and strong wind for millions of years. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11260.jpg)
The unique geological structure has acquired its present form due to exposure to high temperatures, sunlight and strong wind for millions of years. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Further, the group visited another Buddhist temple called "Myn uy" (translated as ‘thousand houses" from Uighur). It is also called the Thousand Buddha Caves and is a site of great many caves carved right into the mountain. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11261.jpg)
Further, the group visited another Buddhist temple called "Myn uy" (translated as ‘thousand houses" from Uighur). It is also called the Thousand Buddha Caves and is a site of great many caves carved right into the mountain. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![A roadside cafe. Specialty of the house? - Grilled pigeons.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11262.jpg)
A roadside cafe. Specialty of the house? - Grilled pigeons. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Almost in Kashgar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11263.jpg)
Almost in Kashgar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![150 kilometers away from Kashgar the Kazakhstan expedition stopped in a village called Shikyar, which means "sweet" in Uighur. Indeed, the place is famous for delicious watermelons and melons.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11264.jpg)
150 kilometers away from Kashgar the Kazakhstan expedition stopped in a village called Shikyar, which means "sweet" in Uighur. Indeed, the place is famous for delicious watermelons and melons. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Finally, after covering more than 1500 kilometers from Urumqi, the expedition arrived in Kashgar, the ancient and mysterious city of Xingjiang. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11268.jpg)
Finally, after covering more than 1500 kilometers from Urumqi, the expedition arrived in Kashgar, the ancient and mysterious city of Xingjiang. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Nowadays, Kashgar is a big modern city with skyscrapers.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11278.jpg)
Nowadays, Kashgar is a big modern city with skyscrapers. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The locals prefer using electric mopeds. They can be recharged at any store by asking an extension cord. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11265.jpg)
The locals prefer using electric mopeds. They can be recharged at any store by asking an extension cord. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Unfortunately, the old Kashgar as described by Shoqan Walikhanov, can now be found only as a collection of several architectural objects and a small district in the old city.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11289.jpg)
Unfortunately, the old Kashgar as described by Shoqan Walikhanov, can now be found only as a collection of several architectural objects and a small district in the old city. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![One can find houses that were built anywhere between 200 year ago and in places as far back as 500 years ago. The expedition members walked the ancient winding streets in the historical part of the city, talked to the locals and imagined how Shoqan Walikhanov felt about the city and what he thought when he lived there.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11273.jpg)
One can find houses that were built anywhere between 200 year ago and in places as far back as 500 years ago. The expedition members walked the ancient winding streets in the historical part of the city, talked to the locals and imagined how Shoqan Walikhanov felt about the city and what he thought when he lived there. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![23-year-old Shoqan, disguised as a merchant named Alimbai, arrived in the ancient Kashgar on October 1, 1858. He moved in with his supposed relatives and began studying the region. For five months the Kazakh scientist immersed himself in learning the local way of life, culture and customs.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11271.jpg)
23-year-old Shoqan, disguised as a merchant named Alimbai, arrived in the ancient Kashgar on October 1, 1858. He moved in with his supposed relatives and began studying the region. For five months the Kazakh scientist immersed himself in learning the local way of life, culture and customs. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![One can find numerous antique shops in the old city. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11269.jpg)
One can find numerous antique shops in the old city. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Inside one of the shops. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11270.jpg)
Inside one of the shops. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Life in the old city is sustained mainly because of tourists. Travellers from all over the world come here. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11276.jpg)
Life in the old city is sustained mainly because of tourists. Travellers from all over the world come here. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Many local residents try to preserve their houses in an original traditional guise. They are happy to welcome tourists and talk about the life of Kashgarians. They can also show you around the house for a small charge. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11286.jpg)
Many local residents try to preserve their houses in an original traditional guise. They are happy to welcome tourists and talk about the life of Kashgarians. They can also show you around the house for a small charge. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Inside one of the houses. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11287.jpg)
Inside one of the houses. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Traditional oven. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11288.jpg)
Traditional oven. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![However, one could not escape the feeling that life in this part of town was quite poor. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11275.jpg)
However, one could not escape the feeling that life in this part of town was quite poor. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The old narrow streets of Kashgar.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11272.jpg)
The old narrow streets of Kashgar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Children in the old city. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11279.jpg)
Children in the old city. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Local residents. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11277.jpg)
Local residents. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![One can smell history everywhere here. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11274.jpg)
One can smell history everywhere here. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![In Kashgar's suburbs one can find an urban county named Artush. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11266.jpg)
In Kashgar's suburbs one can find an urban county named Artush. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Preparation of traditional food in tandyr owen. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11267.jpg)
Preparation of traditional food in tandyr owen. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Monument to Mao Zedong in the center of Kashgar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11281.jpg)
Monument to Mao Zedong in the center of Kashgar. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Having returned to the historical center of Kashgar, the expedition visited one of the major landmarks of the ancient city - the tomb of the rulers of Kashgar, the mausoleum of the religious and political leader of Eastern Turkistan Abakh Khoja.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11280.jpg)
Having returned to the historical center of Kashgar, the expedition visited one of the major landmarks of the ancient city - the tomb of the rulers of Kashgar, the mausoleum of the religious and political leader of Eastern Turkistan Abakh Khoja. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The expedition members spoke to the locals. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11282.jpg)
The expedition members spoke to the locals. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The Id Kah mosque, which is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and one of the three most respected mosques in Central Asia, was the next sight visited in Kashgar. Its other name “Aitigaer” translates from Uighur as "festive". ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11283.jpg)
The Id Kah mosque, which is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and one of the three most respected mosques in Central Asia, was the next sight visited in Kashgar. Its other name “Aitigaer” translates from Uighur as "festive". ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![There are 18-meter minarets at each side of the gates of Id Kah. After the central arch there is a large courtyard, the place of worship. The yellow-white mosque can accommodate more than ten thousand people.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11284.jpg)
There are 18-meter minarets at each side of the gates of Id Kah. After the central arch there is a large courtyard, the place of worship. The yellow-white mosque can accommodate more than ten thousand people. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Next, the project participants from Kazakhstan visited the mausoleum of Turkish writer and thinker of the 11th century Yusuf Khass Hajib Balasaguni. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11285.jpg)
Next, the project participants from Kazakhstan visited the mausoleum of Turkish writer and thinker of the 11th century Yusuf Khass Hajib Balasaguni. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![After leaving China, the expedition went to Kyrgyzstan. The project participants traveled through Torugart (Torogat) on August 4. Walikhanov mentioned this border crossing in his writings.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11290.jpg)
After leaving China, the expedition went to Kyrgyzstan. The project participants traveled through Torugart (Torogat) on August 4. Walikhanov mentioned this border crossing in his writings. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![At the border. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11291.jpg)
At the border. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The expedition arrived to the ancient caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan late after dark. The name of this place is Tash Rabat. The expedition explored the site the next day after having an overnight sleep in a yurt camp right next to it. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11294.jpg)
The expedition arrived to the ancient caravanserai in Kyrgyzstan late after dark. The name of this place is Tash Rabat. The expedition explored the site the next day after having an overnight sleep in a yurt camp right next to it. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The building was built to shelter travellers on the Great Silk Road. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11296.jpg)
The building was built to shelter travellers on the Great Silk Road. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![The building is now an architectural heritage of Kyrgyzstan. It has been restored, some of its parts rebuilt. Today, Tash Rabat is 38 meters long and 36 meters wide. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11295.jpg)
The building is now an architectural heritage of Kyrgyzstan. It has been restored, some of its parts rebuilt. Today, Tash Rabat is 38 meters long and 36 meters wide. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Kyrgyzstan landscape.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11292.jpg)
Kyrgyzstan landscape. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![This structue in Kyrgyzstan is called Burana Tower. Its purpose is still unknown. The structure dates back to the X-XI centuries A.D. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11298.jpg)
This structue in Kyrgyzstan is called Burana Tower. Its purpose is still unknown. The structure dates back to the X-XI centuries A.D. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![In Kyrgyzstan. ©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11293.jpg)
In Kyrgyzstan. ©Vladimir Prokopenko
![Ancient sculptures in Kyrgyzstan.
©Vladimir Prokopenko](/userdata/gallery_en/2014/gallery_585/thumb_b/photo_11297.jpg)
Ancient sculptures in Kyrgyzstan. ©Vladimir Prokopenko