Chris Aslan: Unravelling the Silk Road
Has the latest issue of Selvedge sparked a little wanderlust for Central Asia? If so, Chris Aslan’s Unravelling the Silk Road: Travels and Textiles in Central Asia might just tempt you further. Through the lens of the region’s three ancient trade routes—the Silk Road, the Wool Road, and the Cotton Road—Aslan weaves a rich narrative of history, culture, and craftsmanship. But this is more than just a travel book. It’s a deeply immersive journey into the lives of those who have long depended on these textiles for survival, trade, and identity, revealing how their stories are interwoven with the fabric of Central Asia’s past and present.
Having spent over fifteen years living and working in the region, Aslan brings a firsthand understanding of Central Asia’s landscapes and communities. He takes us from the buzzing bazaars of Uzbekistan to the remote highlands of Tajikistan, peeling back the layers of history along the way. The famed Silk Road, which connected East and West through shimmering silks, is only part of the picture. The Wool Road—older still—was key to the nomadic herders whose felted yurts made life on the harsh steppes possible. Then there’s the Cotton Road, a story tangled up in colonial ambition, environmental disaster, and forced labour, particularly under Soviet rule.
Through meticulous research and personal encounters, Aslan brings these histories to life. He shares the fortunes made and lost through textiles, weaving in stories of artisans still fighting to keep their craft alive. His deep respect for the region’s people shines through as he captures moments of everyday resilience, from weavers clinging to centuries-old techniques to herders adapting to a rapidly changing world. National Geographic describes the book as an exploration of “fortunes made and lost through shimmering silks, life-giving felts, and gossamer cottons,” while The Times Literary Supplement praises Aslan’s ability to capture the warmth, hospitality, and generosity of the people he meets along the way.
More than just a history lesson, Unravelling the Silk Road is a deeply personal and immersive read, reflecting on how tradition endures in an ever-changing world. Aslan stitches together past and present with vivid storytelling, offering a fascinating glimpse into the complex tapestry of Central Asia. Whether you’re a lover of textiles, history, or immersive travel writing, this book is a must-read—one that transports you right to the heart of this extraordinary region.
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