Tolkuchka Bazaar: Turkmenistan's Pushy Traditional Market

38°02'41.14"N 58°25'17.57"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   Ashgabat is justifiably one of the most bizarre cities on Earth. Almost all buildings and statues are made out of Italian white marble arranged in an extravagant architectonic style, while the plazas are massive monumental surfaces barely traversed by either locals or tourists due to strict governmental rules and a complicated VISA policy. But this eerie atmosphere immediately vanishes in today's Blind Witness:the Altyn Asyr Bazaar (most commonly known as Tolkuchka) is the city's main commercial hub in which hundreds of people gather daily to contemplate and purchase the fruit, handcrafts, jewelry, livestock and traditional carpets exhibited on the various stalls. Let's take a look at the history of the Turkmen capital, Tolkuchka's traditional heart and the famous carpet-woving culture of this country, that has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Kizhi Pogost: The Best-Preserved Remains Of Russia's Wooden Architecture

 62°04'03.02"N 35°13'25.07"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   At first glance it might look impressive, but once someone realizes that it is completely made out of wood, it turns out to be even more majestic. Kizhi Pogost, located on the island of the same name at Lake Onega, is one of the few remaining well-preserved pogosts from Russia's prominent wooden architecture of the 18th century. The complex is conformed by two churches and a bell tower, yet, Soviet authorities transferred additional ligneous constructions from throughout the country, transforming the island into a collection of wood structures. Nowadays, Kizhi reflects the stunning past rustic traces of a growing global superpower.

Hahoe Village: South Korea's Traditional Capital

36°32'20.22"N 128°31'05.22"E

(from Wikimedia Commons)

   When you think of South Korea, you'll associate it with K-Pop, heavy technological industrialization, or even the tensions it has with the "other" Korea. However, beyond these modern elements, South Korea also has a traditional side where the most representative place is Andong Hahoe Village. This hamlet is said to be the capital of Korea's traditional culture as it stuns in architecture and festivals, and was even chosen as a highlight during Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Korea. But maybe the most striking aspect is that the inhabitants are stuck in the past: the houses are made of mud, they cook with firewood instead of ovens, and a simple television would look otherworldly here.