When people, especially in Europe, think of great travel destinations, they often imagine France, Spain, Italy, Japan or Thailand. Rarely does Kazakhstan come to mind. Yet this vast Central Asian nation offers something increasingly difficult to find in modern tourism: authenticity. But for me, as a Belgian journalist, Kazakhstan is one of the most underrated travel destinations. It is so rich that, in one country, you can experience so many different things.
For two exclusive evenings on May 13 and 14, Batavia restaurant hosted the “Semaja Takeover”, bringing together the modern culinary artistry of Chef Glenn Erari and Chef Agus Hermawan. Together, the chefs transformed a corner of Brussels into a sensory gateway to Jakarta. This was more than just a dinner - it was a masterclass in gastro-diplomacy, proving that one of the most powerful ways to understand a nation is through its flavors and spices.
A small country between giants, Uruguay is quietly redefining what modern tourism looks like, offering authenticity, stability, and a deeply human travel experience that increasingly attracts visitors seeking something beyond mass tourism.
Written by journalist Danylo Aleksandrov.
Tunisia stands out with its rich history including Carthage and El Djem, diverse landscapes like the Sahara Desert and Djerba, and vibrant culture, offering affordable tourism options.
By Dmytro Melnyk. 2 April 2026.
A small country between giants, Uruguay is quietly redefining what modern tourism
looks like, offering authenticity, stability, and a deeply human travel experie
Author: Armanzhan Narbekov
Introduction
Ethiopia, a sleeping giant in the world of tourism, holds the history of one of the oldest countries in the world. Located in the heart of East Africa, in the Horn of Africa, it, like Liberia, escaped complete colonization, preserving its identity and pristine appearance, like an unpolished diamond. Ancient traditions and a unique atmosphere have been preserved in its depths, which awaiting discovery. Ethiopia is an island of identity, whose history goes back to the most ancient times, when the first civilization was born on the planet. The only country on the continent that was able to maintain its independence during the era of colonial conquest, Ethiopia has preserved not only the legacy of ancient Christianity and its unique alphabet, but also its own chronological system, different from all others. In Ethiopia, where coffee originated, there are amazing contrasts: the majestic highlands of the Abyssinian Highlands stand side by side with the fantastic landscapes of Danakil, as if transporting us to another planet. The ancient heritage of the Aksumite kingdom is intertwined with the modern dynamics of Addis Ababa, which is the diplomatic center of Africa. This country is full of surprises, where the emerald peaks of the highlands are replaced by other equally spectacular landscapes of Danakil, and traditional rituals continue to live on in everyday life.
Mount Rinjani is an impressive 3,726-meter volcano on Lombok Island, serving as both a sacred site for the Sasak and Balinese communities and a renowned ecotourism destination thanks to its rich geology and natural beauty. Shaped by major eruptions, the mountain stands out with its vast caldera and Segara Anak Lake. As a national park, it maintains a sustainable balance between cultural heritage, biodiversity, and tourism.
Why should we visit Guldursun-Kala in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan? Hidden in the windswept plains just 9 kilometers north of Turtkul lies a forgotten titan of history — the awe-inspiring fortress of Guldursun-Kala.
Hidden in Russia’s Volga region, Chuvashia is a cultural treasure waiting to be discovered. Cheboksary, its picturesque capital, dazzles with stunning landmarks like the Monument of Mother, vibrant public art, and the National Museum’s rich displays of traditional costumes and crafts. Here, folklore, music, and centuries-old traditions thrive alongside modern life, offering travelers an authentic glimpse into a proud and living culture.
This study explores how ceramic forms exhibited in the İzmir Archaeology Museum reflect the aesthetic sensibilities and cultural spirit of the civilizations that produced them. Beyond their functional roles, these artifacts embody the creative dialogue between humanity and nature, capturing the rhythm, values, and worldview of their eras. Through formal and stylistic analysis of ancient ceramics, the paper argues that each vessel, figurine, or amphora serves as a silent chronicle of its time—preserving the aesthetic ideals, technological knowledge, and emotional depth of the societies that shaped them. By interpreting ceramics as cultural texts, the study situates them within a broader framework of artistic continuity and human expression.
This article examines the evolution of ceramic art from its historical development to contemporary technological innovations. It focuses particularly on how digital design, 3D printing, automation, and new material technologies have transformed ceramic production. The balance between preserving traditional handicrafts and embracing the possibilities offered by modern technologies is discussed, emphasizing that these two spheres should not be seen as mutually exclusive but as complementary.
Since 2010, the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island (Lake Van) has hosted an annual service, held under special permission and led by the Patriarch of the Armenians of Turkey. The expression “13th service” does not refer to any liturgical tradition of the Armenian Church, but simply indicates that the ceremony was held for the thirteenth time since the reopening in 2010.
In my series on why to visit Kazakhstan, I would like to focus on one of my favorite cities in Asia: Almaty. I have traveled to Switzerland and other places, yet it is the Kazakh mountains that left the deepest impression on me. I will share my experience with you...
Samarkand, the historic capital of Uzbekistan, is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most touristy cities in Asia.
