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It's been a bit of a journey to get here, but seeing this part of the country has really made me appreciate uzbekistan's more traditional culture. and my last stop is taking me even further back in time. i'm on my way to khiva, one of the most ancient cities in central asia. the old town, itchan kala, is so well preserved, it's like a film set. the kalta minaret, the islam khoja mosque, and even the walls themselves are just a few of the landmarks that uzbekistan has been painstakingly restoring.

And today it looks like something special is going on. uzbekistan's first—ever world ethnosports festival, an event designed to preserve the more traditional sports in their authentic form. teams from over 60 countries have travelled here to take part, and locals tell me this is the biggest event that khiva has ever hosted. it's great here. there's always something going on. turn any corner and you'll find some sort of action. kurash wrestling is traditional to asia, but here today, unusually, it's being practised by young women. borjon khumluva is representing uzbekistan.

It's been a bit of a journey to get here, but seeing this part of the country has really made me appreciate uzbekistan's more traditional culture. and my last stop is taking me even further back in time. i'm on my way to khiva, one of the most ancient cities in central asia. the old town, itchan kala, is so well preserved, it's like a film set. the sites here are all over 1500 years old. the kalta minaret, the islam khoja mosque, and even the walls themselves are just a few of the landmarks that uzbekistan has been painstakingly restoring. and today it looks like something special is going on....

As the sun sets on khiva, it's a perfect end to my trip. i'll be honest — uzbekistan has not really been on my radar, but, in a way, that's not surprising. this country's been closed to the outside world for nigh—on a century. once at the heart of the silk road, linking the east and west, it's now looking to reconnect and wholeheartedly embrace tourism — keen to show the world its vibrant culture, ancient heritage and architectural wonders. it's forging a new identity while being just as proud of its past.

The kalta minaret, the islam khoja mosque, and even the walls themselves are just a few of the landmarks that uzbekistan has been painstakingly restoring. and today it looks like something special is going on. uzbekistan�*s first—ever world ethnosports festival, an event designed to preserve the more traditional sports in their authentic form. teams from over 60 countries have travelled here to take part, and locals tell me this is the biggest event that khiva has ever hosted. it's great here. there's always something going on. turn any corner and you'll find some sort of action. kurash wr...