In an
age where media is very visual with many preferring to watch a Youtube video
than plow through a thousand-page history book, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, ‘Uzbekistan:
An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour’ may be set to change
that dynamic.
The book is arguably
quite ingenious. It not only talks about Uzbekistan’s culture and history in
quite delightful ways, but it allows the reader to express themselves
artistically. Next to beautiful illustrations of Uzbekistan’s cultural
treasures are short descriptions. Next to these are spaces to draw and color in
your own version of what you see. This interactive element of the book draws
you in. You feel you have become part of the book and contributed to it, and
indeed, you have.
Uzbekistan’s History in Colour and Words
The
book tells the story of the country in quite strikingly powerful imagery.
The country which was once fundamental to the Silk Road has a history that
Hollywood producers dream about. It has iconic architecture, and since it
regained independence from the former USSR, it is a country that is once again
inspiring travellers to journey east.
The country was put on
the map when China started to export goods in what would
become the Silk Road. Back then, around 138 BC, Uzbekistan was three kingdoms.
As the kingdoms became prosperous, they attracted the attention of conquerors
who prized the riches the Silk Road brought. As such, the region fell under the
rule of one empire or another, and this influence can bee seen in Uzbekistan’s
customs, and cultural treasures.
Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s
book brings these treasures alive. Featuring photographs of murals,
ceramics, tapestries, and ornamented textiles, and architecture, context is
provided by passages of text. This gives you a strong visual message and the
context to know their place in Uzbekistan’s rich history.
The book also highlights
the people of Uzbekistan. The Silk Road not only brought
trade, but it also brought different cultures and peoples together. The trade
route spanned continents and reached Europe in the west. It went south through
what we now know to be the Middle East and India and reached and traded with
much of Africa.
Customs, traditions,
cultures, religions, ideas were exchanged. Merchants that passed
through cities such as Samarkand, which at the time a major trading post, would
have sold art in one form or another. They would have bought locally produced
goods. All of this made a significant impact on the region.
In the 15th century,
Ulugh Beg made significant scientific breakthroughs and
established one of the oldest universities in the world. He invited the finest
Islamic scholars to study there. His efforts brought much enlightenment to the
world.
This melting pot was a
significant factor in shaping today’s Uzbekistan. The influences can be seen
today in all aspects of life in the country. This has all been
depicted in Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva wonderful book, ‘Uzbekistan: An Experience
of Cultural Treasures to Colour’.
The book would make a
wonderful Christmas present. You will enjoy learning about the country and have
a chance to express your artistic side.
