Lessons from Fund for Teachers Fellowship in Amazing Central Asia

I must thank Fund for Teachers (see https://fundforteachers.org) for the ability to apply for and receive this fellowship money, so I could fulfill this dream of learning in Central Asia.  

I learned more than I could have imagined visiting four of the five "stans" whose early histories were central to so much of world history and the learning from the Islamic Golden Age and then were part of the Russian empire and then the Soviet Union.  

Here are some things I am thinking as I move forward with how I will incorporate this learning into my classroom and personal life:

1. The importance of hearing and valuing other perspectives 

I found it challenging, for example, to have my paradigms about the evils of the Soviet system shift, as I understood the nostalgia many experienced in this region, especially early on after independence.  I also was able to talk to some and read about this region's ties to Russia currently, as well as China.  This was interesting and enlightening.  

Further, I loved the focus I found about all of the incredible contributions from here during the Islamic Golden Age that inspired parts of the European renaissance and learning in math and science.  Often these are not focused on enough in world history in classes focused on western civilization.

Spending time in and learning about another Islamic region in the world was a reason I wanted to do this tour, and it did not disappoint. It was interesting to see the ways Islam is practiced here and compare and contrast to what I saw in the Arab world or in Turkey.  I found it as inspiring as always to stand in a beautiful mosque and ponder how the designs usually made me ponder on the magnitude of the universe and the meaning of God.  I always find studying how people believe fascinating and stimulating, and this experience was no exception for creating opportunities to learn about others' faith and practices.  

2. People of this region are resilient, friendly, and moving forward in creating stable, successful communities.  It is not a backward region, and I found beauty in the simplicity of many of the lives I saw.

Staying in guest houses in small villages were some of the most rewarding days on this journey.  I loved hearing songs around a campfire, enjoying home-cooked, lovingly prepared dishes with fresh vegetables from the garden and always in a beautifully prepared spread, most often in separate courses.  The cheeses and variety of salads were amazing, and all of these families welcomed us, usually trying to speak a little English (which was much better than the Russian I attempted). The children were always delightful and would call out "hello" to us with pride, knowing they had English-speaking visitors.  I did not photograph a lot of them because of privacy, but they are in my heart.  I have a bracelet from Voru village made by the sweet hands of a young girl that I am too afraid to wear much, but will put it where I can cherish that memory.  These people have strong familial bonds, and while I still have concerns about the rights and abilities of women in this region, I do believe things are improving for them. 

3. I hold an increased sense of gratitude for the opportunity to travel and to live in a country with rights, less corruption, and good infrastructure.  Nevertheless, going back to the last point, I appreciate how people find joy with what they do have.  

4. I find the Silk Road history and that of the Islamic Golden Age more fascinating than ever, and I am eager to keep learning.  I also will be keeping a better eye on Central Asia on the contemporary world stage.  Uzbekistan is putting a lot of money into its tourism industry and is a much easier now to travel in than under the prior president's regime.  I am eager to see what happens to this and the other "stan" lands.  Kyrgystan was such a beautiful place with perhaps the most friendly people and spectacular mountainous scenery, and I will be following its politics, culture, and tourism as well.  When they finish some of the roads that were all ripped out, they will likely have a surge in visitors.  

Finally, if you want to go on a great group tour, teachers, consider GEEO at geeo.org (G Adventures).  They believe in sustainable tourism, which helps local people and economies.  They never have groups stay at chain hotels, for example, as they believe in helping locals with guest stays and boutique hotels.  I generally loved our accommodations, and would totally do this tour again.  I plan to travel with them again.  

Some favorite images that highlight memories from this fellowship: