As the day started to pull down its curtain, we found ourselves in a park outside Ichaan Kala (the fortress). The hot weather has since subsided and cool down a bit. Now we have an open blue sky with a summer breeze started to blow the heat away. Such a wonderful feeling of summer that I used to experience during my time in cold countries (Japan , England and the US). Sometime just to get out of the long cold days and nights was a blessing that could never be explained. The worst cold winter was in Japan when the snow covered the whole height of my car.
I wanted to feel this summer vibes longer but my feet and legs were giving up. The only energy left was to carry myself to the airport and endure the long flight home. But Khiva was something else; the place so strange to me but refused to let go.I wanted to know the people more and explore the inner hope that remains at the bottom like silt in a muddy water. About Islam and what is there for the future generations. How their children will live and get by. A street advert infront of a youth club promised a better future(from the pictures and some English wordings) in sports. The many champs from local community were proudly displayed. So we got the message that priority is now in this field( not in tahfiz or religious studies); but the glorious secularistic future.
The crowd at the mosque comprised of about 50% young people. The young faces that will develop the future of this place. Good to know that the hope for Islam is there no matter ”which Islam” will be sustained. Another thing I observed was the results of “institutional brainwash”; the whole society had changed according to what the state wanted. A clear picture of hopelessness appeared along with their smiles and gestures.
Tomorrow I will leave this place. Leaving my short holiday vibes blown away with the dust and the sand. Most probably I won’t return to experience this again but the memory will remain for as long as I can remember.
Good bye Khiva. Good to know that you exist.
