Hello, I’m Yuliya!
Welcome to Silk Road Chapters
Hello, I’m Yuliya! Welcome to Silk Road Chapters
For the past 18 years, I have been guiding travelers through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Central Asia and Silk Road. From the ancient cities of Uzbekistan to the archeological sites of Turkmenistan, each journey has been a story worth sharing. With Silk Road Chapters, I want to open these stories to a wider audience and make the Silk Road more accessible to curious minds.
This project is not only about history — it is about discovery, cultural exchange, and deeper understanding. It reminds us that the stories of the past are still alive in the way we learn, travel, and connect today.
The Value We Bring
Experience, insight, and authenticity — the core of everything we do.
Original Content
Every post and story come from real journeys, real research, and real voices — told the way they truly are.
18 Years of Experience
Nearly two decades of exploring Central Asia — turning lived experience into stories that bring history to life.
Learning Through Stories
We make history simple, relatable, and exciting — because learning should feel like discovery, not homework.
Personal Touch
Every chapter reflects genuine curiosity and connection — we share what moves us, not what trends.
Cross-Cultural Lens
We see the Silk Road as a bridge — linking East and West, past and present, people and ideas.
Curiosity First
Above all, we inspire curiosity — to learn, to travel, and to see the world with open eyes.
Learn for Free
Discover the Silk Road through free talks by an experienced guide.
ELECHEK - a beauty of Kyrgyz traditional outfit
Among the many symbols of Kyrgyz traditional culture, the elechek stands out as one of the most striking and meaningful. This elaborate women’s headdress, made from long, carefully wrapped lengths of white cloth, has been part of Kyrgyz identity for centuries.
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KURUTOB - a signature dish of Tajikistan
Among the many dishes that define the culinary identity of Tajikistan, kurotob holds a special and beloved place. At its heart, kurutob is a dish made from kurut — dried balls of fermented yogurt. These tangy, salty spheres are an essential ingredient in many Central Asian kitchens, but in Tajikistan they form the foundation of one of the country’s most iconic national foods.
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CHOR MINOR: Old Bukhara’s Gem
Hidden among the winding mahallas of old Bukhara stands one of the city’s most unusual and charming architectural monuments — Chor Minor, meaning “Four Minarets.” Despite its name, Chor Minor is not a mosque with multiple minarets, but rather a small and architecturally unique gatehouse built in the early 19th century.
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Up the Highest Minaret of Khiva
The Islam Khodja Minaret is one of Khiva’s most striking architectural landmarks — an elegant tower that has become a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Rising within the UNESCO-listed inner town of Itchan Kala, this minaret represents the culmination of centuries of architectural tradition in Khiva, blending classical oasis craftsmanship with the aesthetic vision of the early 20th century.
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LAUKH – An Exquisite Book Stand
The laukh — a traditional wooden stand for the Qur’an and other manuscripts — is one of the most elegant and meaningful objects found throughout the Islamic world, including Central Asia. Known under different names across regions (such as rihal in the Middle East and North Africa), in Central Asia the term laukh is widely used. This simple yet ingenious object has served scholars, students, calligraphers, and travelers for centuries, symbolizing both reverence for the written word and the craftsmanship of local artisans.
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BREAD OF SAMARKAND - taste full of legends
Samarkand bread is one of the most treasured symbols of Uzbek cuisine. Recognized for its round shape, golden crust, dense texture, and distinctive stamped patterns in the center, this bread has become an emblem of the ancient Silk Road city that gave it its name. For centuries, it has been praised not only for its flavor and beauty but also for its cultural meaning — hospitality, abundance, and the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Central Asia.
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Huge Buddha from the Past of Tajikistan
The monumental Buddha from Ajina Tepe is one of the most remarkable Buddhist artworks ever discovered in Central Asia, and today it is the star exhibit of the National Museum of Antiquities in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
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The Geography of the Silk Road
From China to Turkey, learn the cultures, histories, and landscapes of the countries that shaped the Silk Road.
Kazakhstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Iran
Turkey
Afghanistan
Pakistan
India
China
Kazakhstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Iran
Turkey
Afghanistan
Pakistan
India
China
Journey Deeper into History
Go beyond the basics — delve into detailed lectures and specialized courses created for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the Silk Road.
Where is Pakhlavan Makhmud buried?
Pahlavan Mahmud who lived between 1247 and 1325, stands as one of the most revered historical figures of Khiva. Known simultaneously as a poet, philosopher, wrestler, and Sufi master, he embodies a rare combination of physical strength and spiritual depth. Over the centuries, he became the patron saint of Khiva, and his mausoleum—later transformed into the dynastic necropolis of the Khivan khans—remains one of the city’s most sacred sites.
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PLOV must try in Uzbekistan
Plov – or palov, as it is often called in Uzbekistan – is far more than a rice dish. It is widely regarded as the national dish of Uzbekistan and is closely tied to everyday life, hospitality, and celebration.
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CHUGURMA - a traditional hat of the west of Central Asia
Chugurma (Uzbek: choʻgirma) is a tall men’s fur hat closely associated with the Khorezm oasis in the west of Central Asia – today straddling north-western Uzbekistan and parts of Turkmenistan. More than just winter headgear, it became one of the most recognizable symbols of Khorezmian identity, worn in city bazaars, desert caravans and, today, at festivals and in tourist photos from Khiva’s old town.
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NONPAR - a special bread stamp
A nonpar (also called chekich in Uzbek and tukhumbar in Tajik) is a handheld stamp used to imprint patterns at the center of bread before baking. Its primary purpose is both artistic and functional: the stamped design prevents the middle of the bread from rising too much, while adding an instantly recognizable visual identity to each loaf. The patterns—radiating dots, stars, crescents, sunbursts, rosettes, or tight geometric grids—can be read almost like a signature of the baker’s skill and regional heritage.
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KHOVUZ - a source of water in Ancient Bukhara
In the old city of Bukhara, khovuz (also written hauz or howuz) were more than just decorative ponds. For centuries they formed a clever – and sometimes dangerous – water system that kept life going in this desert oasis. Medieval Bukhara was laced with canals bringing water from the Zarafshan River into the city, where it was stored in stone-lined basins. By some accounts, there were once more than 200 such pools scattered through the neighborhoods.
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MANTI DUMPLIMGS - one of the main dishes of Central Asia
Manti dumplings are one of the most iconic dishes of Central Asia. Found in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and parts of western China, manti represent far more than just steamed dough with meat.
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Arba, or Arava - the main vehicle of the old Central Asia
For centuries, long before motor roads and railways reshaped Central Asia, everyday life moved on the slow, steady rhythm of the arba — also known as arava in Tajik and Uzbek. This traditional two-wheeled wooden cart was one of the most recognizable and enduring vehicles of the region. Whether crossing the steppe or navigating the tight lanes of ancient cities like Bukhara and Samarkand, the arba served as a reliable companion for merchants, farmers, craftsmen, and caravan workers alike.
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Famous tea of Bukhara
Among the many sensory treasures of Central Asia, few are as intriguing as the famous spiced tea of Bukhara — a drink that has survived centuries without changing its essence. Unlike most teas of the Silk Road, which traveled in caravans from China or India, this Bukharan brew is remarkable for what it doesn’t contain: there are no black or green tea leaves in its classical form.
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The road to knowledge begins here
Discover the Silk Road in motion.
Stories from the Silk Road
Explore reflections on the ancient routes — their history, culture, and the connections that bridge past and present.
What Travelers Say
Real stories and impressions from those who’ve already explored Central Asia with Yuliya — journeys told through authentic voices.
Oh what an adventure! Traveling in Central Asia with an incredibly knowledgeable guide Yuliya was never something I imagined doing. The history, the architecture and the beauty of the 5 countries are beyond belief and should be on every travelers list. Explore & absorb!!
Cheryl Claiborne
I was very fortunate to have Yuliya as my tour director for the Five Stans tour of Central Asia. Her deep knowledge of the history, customs, and cuisine of these countries combined with outstanding descriptions of the architectural wonders brought this region to life. She has a fantastic personality, great sense of humor, and was always positive and upbeat.
David Ginn
We traveled with Yulia throughout the Stans and she is a wealth of knowledge. History, geography, culture, cuisine and current world affairs. Yulia was able to pull all the information together seamlessly and presenting it to us in a manner that was culturally and temporally appropriate. We have a much broader understanding of that region of the world and its history.
Mimi and Howard Simon
Yuliya was an absolutely wonderful guide for our travels. Her knowledge of the culture and history of the cities and places we visited was extensive and conveyed to us in the most articulate and appropriate way. She was able to convey her enthusiasm and love for the people and architecture in a warm and friendly manner that we left thinking we would very much like to return. She is the very model of a guide and we have recommended her to our friends who plan to explore the Silk Road.
Roger and Annie Cook
On my trip to the five Stans Yuliya was our expedition leader. She was by far one of the best if not the best leader I’ve ever had in my many trips around the world. She was exceedingly knowledgeable, reliable, helpful, honest, pleasant and funny. I would highly recommend her and most in a capacity in the tourist world. I hope she’s one of my expedition leaders and my future travels.
Edward Beall
Our guide, Yuliya, brought each country to life with her deep knowledge, humor, and effortless organization. She was efficient, organized, and endlessly resourceful — and she made every day feel effortless. From hidden corners to bustling markets, she revealed the true spirit of Central Asia.
Kathryn Keller
Yulia added so much to my enjoyment of visiting Uzbeckistan and Kyrgyzstan. I really couldnt find much information about this region in English. Yulia was entertaining and knowledgeable about the rich history and marvelous handicrafts.
Margaret Schuler
Yuliya is an outstanding guide: knowledgeable, professional, personable, and caring. Her command of English is incredible. She made our trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan an unforgettable experience. Strongly recommend!
Susan Bassow
One of my most favorite trips was the one to The Five Stans. The scenery, the museums all beautiful but thanks to our wonderful guide and tour leader Yulia who made the trip fun and exciting... Julia’s knowledge is vast, her personality caring and she is very patient and I hope to return to this magical land and have Julia show me around again. She is indeed the BEST!!
Anjali Ahooja
Yuliya truly brought the history and culture to life with her personal touch and deep knowledge of the region. Everything was exceptionally well organized — from the delicious local food to the comfortable accommodations. I would wholeheartedly recommend Yuliya’s expertise to anyone planning to visit this beautiful area. She made our trip unforgettable!
Bill Keller
I had the opportunity to travel with Yuliya to 5 countries in Central Asia, across difficult borders and different social and political settings. She was the perfect organizer and everything went smoothly, so that I really enjoyed the trip.
Guiseppe Ventura
Traveling through Central Asia with Yulia was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had anywhere. Her deep knowledge of history, culture, and local life brings every site and story vividly to life — she’s not just a guide but a gifted storyteller and lecturer. I left with not only a deeper understanding of this fascinating region, but also great admiration for her professionalism and warmth.
Mehrdad Mobasher
Yuliya was a fantastic guide. Her explanations were clear, her English was excellent, and she were funny! She made sure everyone was happy all the time. Guiding seems to be a passion for her, not just a job.
Karin Bebee
Yuliya was an excellent guide! Her breadth of knowledge was amazing and the organization of the trip was flawless. Let her pick your food and you will get to enjoy all of the delicious local specialties. You can’t go wrong working with Yuliya. I highly recommend her and would definitely use her again in the future.
Heather Wood
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