Uzbekistan and the forgotten traditions of the Silk Road inspires romantic visions for adventurers eager to live vicariously roads not travelled. The National (UAE) shares a story of Chris Alexander’s work with Operation Mercy, a Swedish humanitarian organization operating in Afghanistan, Jordan, Sudan, Yemen and elsewhere.

We learn in-depth of Alexander’s efforts working with UNESCO to create a new carpet-making workshop in and a detailed history of traditions Khiva, with glimpses into the lives of its women.

Life as a newlywed is tough for women in Khiva. They live with their husband’s family and are called gelin, which means “someone who’s come in”. A good gelin should not speak unless spoken to and should never look directly at her mother or father-in law. Each morning they’re up at 5am to sweep the street outside their house, and they’re usually the last to bed at night, carrying the heaviest burden of domestic drudgery. Gelins are not supposed to eat much, but should just pick at their food, and it’s important that they know their place and feel a strong sense of shame, until they’ve had their first son.

Read more about the lives of Khiva’s women and the traditions of life along The Silk Road via The National Newspaper.

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