Kazakhstan
KAZAKHSTAN - The remnants of the ancient city of Otrar lie on a dry plateau in the southern part of the country half way between the Cities of Shymkent and Turkestan. The site dates back to the Persian empire and was an important trading center along the Silk Route between China, Europe and the Middle East. I was intrigued by both its rich history (it was sacked by Genghis Khan’s troops in 1219) and the simple beauty of shadow and light that played off the architectural remains. From the slight rise of the terrain I could imagine watching as the Mongol troops advanced from the east.