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Moynak
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Moynak. The Tragedy City
To leave this place, but where to?.
Mashrab
Many modern cities have emerged from the settlements standing on the trading ways crossings, river banks or industrial projects. But what happens to them when the trading ways change, the factories are closed, and the rivers dry up? To get at least a partial answer to the question, go visit the city of Mujnak because it is the living example of the Aral tragedy.
The city of Mujnak used to be located right on the Aral Sea coast - now they are 100 km apart. The lake which was called the sea for its magnificent beaches, abundance of fish and large size, has now turned into a desert. The locals name it Aral Kum (similar to the Kyzyl Kum Desert).
The sea-desert’s waters used to be navigated by sea crafts which are now standing in the port of Mujnak in the well-known “ships’ cemetery”. It's hardly possible that they will ever return to the Aral Sea waves so they just stand there abandoned rusting and sinking to the depths of non-existence.
The Aral Sea navigation across ceased in 1970, the cold reports testify. The old timers still recall the sea waves flooding Mujnak embankment in the late 50s - the early 60s.
Today the sandy beaches have disappeared without a trace; the fishermen do not brag about their big catches anymore, the people leave their homes. The hope of the sea returning is fading away, the regional economy is trying to adjust to the new conditions, and the Tragedy City itself is in a drowse. Nobody knows if the city will prosper like it did 30 years ago.
Moynak, Uzbekistan - Pictures
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