When I was in Istanbul, I had the opportunity to check out a photography exhibit on Soviet architecture at Salt Galata. It was a really interesting exhibit and was displayed in a creative way. I loved looking at the retro photographs and hunting for references to Kyrgyzstan (although it seems that Georgia, Ukraine, and [duh] Russia got the best funky-looking buildings).
Cool line drawing of a building (or plans for a building?) in Dushanbe.
Lots of old video footage, I love seeing scenes of city life from several decades ago.
The best part of the exhibit was this music video projected on a random concrete half-wall jutting out of the floor, “Shine on, Tashkent, star of the East”. The song is performed by Yalla, who are apparently a well-known musical ensemble. I absolutely adore the singer’s dress and the band’s mustaches, plus the camera shots that say, “Look at both of our glorious buildings!”
Just a coincidence that I managed to get a photo that matches the Youtube video’s screenshot.
The exhibit will continue through mid-August, in case you find yourself in Istanbul with nothing to do between coffee breaks.
Diorama of a structure that I don’t think was actually ever built.
Bishkek!
Update: This is not in Issyk Kul, but a skating rink in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I must have mixed up the captions. Thanks for the catch, Ashleigh and Batman (heh).
“This is in Issyk Kul! Anybody know in what town? I would guess on the northern shore.”
No. This is Medeo, is an outdoor speed skating rink in Almaty, Kazakhstan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medeo
Thank you for your blog. Nice at all))
I think that the last picture is actually of the ice rink in Medeo just south of Almaty- this looks like a photo from the 1950’s when it was brand new. It is rather close to Issyk Kul- just on the other side of the mountains.
I updated the post, thanks for catching that!