Extending through desert and mountain ranges from China to central Europe the Silk Road has an illustrious past. It’s network of ancient roads, connecting cultures and converging resources – a hub for trade and so-it-seems trade-off’s.
As a point of exchange for thousands of years, the Silk Road of modern day reflects a mixture of cultures, influenced by the ways and wares of others – with no distinct identity. Whilst history still imbues the geography (including ruins from the Han Dynasty), political and practical sway has altered the passage imeasurably.
Has trade replaced tradition?
What impact has consumerisim, ethnic diversity and the expansion of megacities – had upon the Silk Road?
In search of the answers, photographer and travel writer Tom Coote embarked on an adventure – exploring the more remote areas along the road.
In his book ‘Tearing up the Silk Road’ Tom uncovers an undistilled essence remaining in the true cultures which live there. Offering the perspectives of a variety of characters from soldiers and monks to pilgrims, travellers and modern-day Silk Road traders. The collective and unofficial view-point which emerges, makes for compelling and insightful reading.
The author writes with a wonderful depth and precision so as to engross you in his journey, providing adventure with a unique and revealing perspective for life along the silk road. You can purchase a copy of the book and read more articles by Tom via his website.
Read Tom’s article ‘Black Death Renaissance – Environmental Degradation on the Silk Road’ (page 86) in the latest issue of Bare Essentials Magazine.
