Fergana Valley - excluded from symbols

Reaching Southern Kyrgyzstan and its expansive flat and fertile agricultural land, one begins to wonder if the Tunduk – the yurt center – is a symbol wide enough to include these agricultural towns and urban centers – these places of passage, once protected by city walls. The Tunduk suddenly feels like a narrow definition for the nation. Not all here were once nomads. So boldly painted on the flag, I wonder if the numerous Uzbek population of Kyrgyzstan’s south resents this symbol that so blatantly excludes them.

a first thought on entering the Fergana Valley.