A Cemetery Outside Uchkuduk

Somehow Uchkuduk, a tiny mining town in the middle of nowhere, is big enough to locate its cemetery about 10 minutes out of town, way in the Kyzyl Kum Desert. Buried beyond the middle of nowhere.

Approaching the cemetery. Nothing, and then graves.

Arms race of appealing family mausoleums.

Inside a typical mausoleum, the traditional, simple Muslim grave mound and markers.

Cemented details. Soda bottles, permanent flower vases. Tea set, mounted.

Plenty of room for growth (death).

Around Uchkuduk, Part Two

Continuing the tour around Uchuduk, concentrating on some lovely details.

Uchkuduk translates to Three Wells and there's a big monument, sculpture to that theme at the edge of town. The Soviet band Yalla also wrote a famous song devoted to the city that everyone in Uzbekistan knows. Welcome again!

Methane fuel station. Walls between pumps are to limit explosions. Wall at station's edge is to keep out the infinity of the desert. Surreal sunshade.

Tetris-looking, mixed-use apartment building.

Whitewashing. Tree protection and a down day at the local market stalls.

Behold the great mine! Operating since 1967! Several surrounding hills proudly display extraction accomplishments.

Around Uchkuduk, Part One

Getting to Uchkuduk in Uzbekistan is a bit of a feat. The small mining town is waay out there, not a place for tourists and not on the way to anything. Let's go!

Big Welcome sign. Uchkuduk is in the middle of the Kyzyl Kum desert. If you're on the road to town, you won't miss the town.

A model city. There's a tiny museum at city hall, more a set of rooms with development accomplishments. A large mural at a school. Studying is for winners!

A sculpture to the past. Life size look at a typical Silk Road-era camel caravan.

Uchkuduk is a low rise, dusty town filled with Soviet-era apartment blocks. And little kiosks painted in curious colors. Plum is in.

Schoolgirl at the mini mart/fabric emporium.