Uzbekistan, a Muslim nation in Central Asia, is almost beyond Western consciousness. However, back when Europe was in the 'Dark Ages', Uzbekistan was a hub of commerce and knowledge because it was an important trading point on the 'Silk Road'.

Last century Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union. In one of the images of this slideshow, the busts of Soviet heroes have been removed from their pedestals and dumped in a quiet corner of a city park.

Today, Uzbekistan is officially a republic, but in reality a dictatorship. The majority of the people I talked to there would prefer to return to Soviet times. Back then they could depend on having food on their tables.

These images are available as fine art prints. Please enquire for prices.