Kazakhstan

As you may have noticed from the post below, I have interests in Central Asia. This is not new. Since living in Russia I have been fascinated with the people and cultures of both the Caucuses and Central Asia. Without being the home to any of the greatest empires of world history they are regions constantly in the crossroads of historical movements and change: silk road trade, Ghengis Khan, Alexander the Great, Tamerlane, Scythians, Russia and Britain's "Great Game," and now a center of focus in the war on terror. Among all of that is a collection of countries whose diversity of culture and geography is a mystery to much of the world. As Robbins describes in his book, he once heard a person give credit to "Borat" for creating Kazakhstan so as not to offend any real country with his satire.

Upon first glance "Apples Are From Kazakhstan" appears to be a simple travelogue but it is so much more. Robbins delves deep into the stories and legends of the country, including many that have impact around the world today. The title is based on the claim that apples are from Kazakhstan, a fact yet to be proven entirely but I was certainly hungry for some of the varieties described. I was also happy to get more information on a tidbit I had once heard about central Asian origins of the Arthurian legends. There is also great detail on many of the tragedies of Russian (especially Soviet) influence in the region which served as the home for numerous exiles.

What makes this book especially interesting is that the information is all provided through the lense of those who the author interviews. From tour guides and taxi drivers to the president and his pastoral peasants, Robbins allows each story to remain "Kazakh" in both its origin and telling. Most importantly, it only increased my desire to someday travel to central Asia and discover the place for myself. As for Borat, I am sure he intended to be viewed in good fun. I never got around to seeing the movie but now I think I'll make a point to refuse it.