Joanna Lillis
@joannalillis.bsky.social
Almaty-based journalist reporting on Central Asia, author of Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan (2019) and Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan (out in November 2025)
Pinned
Joanna Lillis
@joannalillis.bsky.social
· Mar 18
Coming soon: my new book! Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in #Uzbekistan delves into the politics, economics, history and culture, through my 24 years of experience living in/reporting from/travelling there. Pre-order from Bloomsbury, Amazon or bookshops www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira...
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
Learn more about #Uzbekistan with #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social. Out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
November 10, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Learn more about #Uzbekistan with #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social. Out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
Silk Mirage is gearing up for publication by @bloomsburypol.bsky.social this week! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here substack.com/inbox/post/1...
November 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Silk Mirage is gearing up for publication by @bloomsburypol.bsky.social this week! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Please join me and @peterleonard1.bsky.social Clifton LitFest
in Bristol on Saturday 15 Nov to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social - and more about #Uzbekistan - still a few tickets left!
in Bristol on Saturday 15 Nov to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social - and more about #Uzbekistan - still a few tickets left!
At #CliftonLitFest in conversation with @peterleonard1.bsky.social
📆 Sat 15 Nov 2025, 3:00-4:00pm
📍The Clifton Club, 22 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DS
🎟️ bit.ly/3J7ztk8
📆 Sat 15 Nov 2025, 3:00-4:00pm
📍The Clifton Club, 22 The Mall, Bristol BS8 4DS
🎟️ bit.ly/3J7ztk8
Friends of Clifton Centre and Library
We are the "Friends of Clifton Centre and Library". We aim to keep the library as a thriving centre for the whole community. Explore the site and see what we're up to and how you can join!
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Please join me and @peterleonard1.bsky.social Clifton LitFest
in Bristol on Saturday 15 Nov to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social - and more about #Uzbekistan - still a few tickets left!
in Bristol on Saturday 15 Nov to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social - and more about #Uzbekistan - still a few tickets left!
Please join us next week on 18 November at this event to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social
and #Uzbekistan - in-person tickets sold out, but you can still tune in online
and #Uzbekistan - in-person tickets sold out, but you can still tune in online
Book talk with Ibrat Safo, co-hosted by Pushkin House and the Great Britain-Russia Society
📆 Tue 18 Nov 2025, 7:00-8:30pm
📍 Swedenborg Hall, Swedenborg House, Barter Street, London WC1A 2TH
🎟️ bit.ly/4hxUxNr in-person tickets sold out; live stream tickets still available!
📆 Tue 18 Nov 2025, 7:00-8:30pm
📍 Swedenborg Hall, Swedenborg House, Barter Street, London WC1A 2TH
🎟️ bit.ly/4hxUxNr in-person tickets sold out; live stream tickets still available!
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan. A Conversation with Joanna Lillis and Ibrat Safo
Talk: Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan. A Conversation with Joanna Lillis and Ibrat Safo
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Please join us next week on 18 November at this event to talk about my new book Silk Mirage - out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburypol.bsky.social
and #Uzbekistan - in-person tickets sold out, but you can still tune in online
and #Uzbekistan - in-person tickets sold out, but you can still tune in online
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
Our author @joannalillis.bsky.social has put together a fantastic event calendar to mark the publication of #SilkMirage! Find out below where to catch her in the coming weeks to get a glimpse of #Uzbekistan 🧵
November 8, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Our author @joannalillis.bsky.social has put together a fantastic event calendar to mark the publication of #SilkMirage! Find out below where to catch her in the coming weeks to get a glimpse of #Uzbekistan 🧵
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
Learn more about #Uzbekistan with #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social. Out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
November 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Learn more about #Uzbekistan with #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social. Out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
📷 'Life in Central Asia: Photographs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.'
Twenty-five of my best photographs are available to buy as high-quality wall prints – or as digital files for businesses and agencies to use:
jonathancampion.com/2025/01/07/l...
Twenty-five of my best photographs are available to buy as high-quality wall prints – or as digital files for businesses and agencies to use:
jonathancampion.com/2025/01/07/l...
Life in Central Asia: Photographs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Some of my photographs from Central Asia can be purchased through my store on Picfair. The collection is called Life in Central Asia. The 25 scenes – from cities and rural locations in Uzbekistan, …
jonathancampion.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:38 PM
📷 'Life in Central Asia: Photographs from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.'
Twenty-five of my best photographs are available to buy as high-quality wall prints – or as digital files for businesses and agencies to use:
jonathancampion.com/2025/01/07/l...
Twenty-five of my best photographs are available to buy as high-quality wall prints – or as digital files for businesses and agencies to use:
jonathancampion.com/2025/01/07/l...
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
Want to learn more about #Uzbekistan?
#SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social is out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social is out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
November 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Want to learn more about #Uzbekistan?
#SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social is out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social is out on 13th November - pre-order now!
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
My review of Backlash for @asia.nikkei.com looking at China's growing presence in Central Asia. Good background reading as Trump courts regional leaders in Washington and competition hots up for Central Asia's resources. asia.nikkei.com/life-arts/bo...
Books: Central Asia as a test case for China's new world order
'Backlash' explores how Beijing's Belt and Road ambitions face opportunity and opposition across the steppe
asia.nikkei.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:53 AM
My review of Backlash for @asia.nikkei.com looking at China's growing presence in Central Asia. Good background reading as Trump courts regional leaders in Washington and competition hots up for Central Asia's resources. asia.nikkei.com/life-arts/bo...
Beyond Karimov + Mirziyoyev there’s another political giant who transformed #Uzbekistan: read about the life and times of Sharof Rashidov on my Substack - and buy my new book Silk Mirage, out next week w @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social, for more Uzbek politics + history
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Uzbekistan's Original Elder Statesman
A political giant who transformed Uzbekistan, Soviet-era leader Sharof Rashidov is fondly remembered for presiding over a golden age – despite a cotton corrruption scandal that rocked the nation.
substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Beyond Karimov + Mirziyoyev there’s another political giant who transformed #Uzbekistan: read about the life and times of Sharof Rashidov on my Substack - and buy my new book Silk Mirage, out next week w @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social, for more Uzbek politics + history
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
We’re so excited for #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social! Only 1 week until publication – pre-order now! 👇
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#Uzbekistan
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#Uzbekistan
November 6, 2025 at 3:19 PM
We’re so excited for #SilkMirage by @joannalillis.bsky.social! Only 1 week until publication – pre-order now! 👇
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#Uzbekistan
📘 bit.ly/49sAAFA
#Uzbekistan
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
Incredible resource for Central Asianists, just as you'd expect from Sergei Abashin: abashin.org
История и Антропология Центральной Азии — Сайт Сергея Абашина
abashin.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Incredible resource for Central Asianists, just as you'd expect from Sergei Abashin: abashin.org
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in #Uzbekistan - out one week today with @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here joannalillis.substack.com/p/silk-mirag...
November 6, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in #Uzbekistan - out one week today with @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here joannalillis.substack.com/p/silk-mirag...
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in #Uzbekistan - out one week today! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here joannalillis.substack.com/p/silk-mirag...
November 6, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in #Uzbekistan - out one week today! Pre-order here www.bloomsbury.com/uk/silk-mira... and sign up for launch events here joannalillis.substack.com/p/silk-mirag...
I talk to Strategy Aaron podcast about my book Silk Mirage (out next week w @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social), #Uzbekistan's political trajectory + pivotal regional role + if Trump emboldens Central Asia's authoritarian leaders
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxY...
strategyaaron.ghost.io/new-old-uzbe...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxY...
strategyaaron.ghost.io/new-old-uzbe...
New old Uzbekistan | Joanna Lillis
YouTube video by strategyaaron
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:06 AM
I talk to Strategy Aaron podcast about my book Silk Mirage (out next week w @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social), #Uzbekistan's political trajectory + pivotal regional role + if Trump emboldens Central Asia's authoritarian leaders
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxY...
strategyaaron.ghost.io/new-old-uzbe...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxY...
strategyaaron.ghost.io/new-old-uzbe...
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
We are pleased to invite you to this Politics and Sociology event with author @joannalillis.bsky.social. Please join us to hear about her new book 'Silk Mirage' @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social.
🗓️ 27 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
@dianakudaibergen.bsky.social
🗓️ 27 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
@dianakudaibergen.bsky.social
November 5, 2025 at 2:43 PM
We are pleased to invite you to this Politics and Sociology event with author @joannalillis.bsky.social. Please join us to hear about her new book 'Silk Mirage' @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social.
🗓️ 27 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
@dianakudaibergen.bsky.social
🗓️ 27 November at 5pm
📍 UCL SSEES
➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanit...
@dianakudaibergen.bsky.social
Tune into Pieces of History podcast where I'm talking about my new book Silk Mirage: "we dive into the forces shaping #Uzbekistan’s identity, challenge common assumptions, and shed light on a nation navigating a complex path between tradition and modernity"
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Silk Mirage: Through the Looking Glass in Uzbekistan
Podcast Episode · Pieces of History · S3 E24 · 35m
podcasts.apple.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Tune into Pieces of History podcast where I'm talking about my new book Silk Mirage: "we dive into the forces shaping #Uzbekistan’s identity, challenge common assumptions, and shed light on a nation navigating a complex path between tradition and modernity"
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Reposted by Joanna Lillis
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - first review from Caravanistan. Out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 11:10 AM
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - first review from Caravanistan. Out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
Last chance! Only 4 in-person tickets left to join me + BBC journalist Ibrat Safo to talk about my book Silk Mirage - out next week - + more about #Uzbekistan, 18 November 1900 London or join us online
www.gbrussia.org/silk-mirage-...
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
www.gbrussia.org/silk-mirage-...
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
November 4, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Last chance! Only 4 in-person tickets left to join me + BBC journalist Ibrat Safo to talk about my book Silk Mirage - out next week - + more about #Uzbekistan, 18 November 1900 London or join us online
www.gbrussia.org/silk-mirage-...
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
www.gbrussia.org/silk-mirage-...
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
UN experts express "serious concerns about forced evictions" + demolitions in Samarkand, noting recent destruction of an entire neighbourhood. Read more on forced demolitions in my book on #Uzbekistan, Silk Mirage, out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Uzbekistan and UNESCO must address forced evictions at world heritage sites
GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed concern about forced evictions and housing demolitions in the city centre of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site since 2001.
www.ohchr.org
November 3, 2025 at 11:33 AM
UN experts express "serious concerns about forced evictions" + demolitions in Samarkand, noting recent destruction of an entire neighbourhood. Read more on forced demolitions in my book on #Uzbekistan, Silk Mirage, out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - Caravanistan. Out 13 Nov w @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social caravanistan.com/uzbekistan/b...
November 3, 2025 at 11:19 AM
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - Caravanistan. Out 13 Nov w @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social caravanistan.com/uzbekistan/b...
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - first review from Caravanistan. Out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
November 3, 2025 at 11:10 AM
"Silk Mirage is a valuable historical document that will still be read decades from now for its deep research, unique testimonies and on-the-ground reporting on a country that has had so little of all that" - first review from Caravanistan. Out on 13 Nov with @bloomsburyacad.bsky.social
Rewilding the wild horse in #Mongolia - my report for Eurasianet on the amazing but precarious success in returning the takhi, or Przewalski's horse, to its natural habitat eurasianet.org/mongolia-end...
Mongolia: Endangered horses back from the brink
Back into the wild.
eurasianet.org
October 31, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Rewilding the wild horse in #Mongolia - my report for Eurasianet on the amazing but precarious success in returning the takhi, or Przewalski's horse, to its natural habitat eurasianet.org/mongolia-end...
Countdown to Clifton LitFest, starting 2 weeks today! I'll be in conversation with @peterleonard1.bsky.social about my forthcoming book Silk Mirage + all things #Uzbekistan. Between us we have 4 decades of experience covering Central Asia - come and join us! Tickets here foccal.com/litfest-even...
October 31, 2025 at 7:24 AM
Countdown to Clifton LitFest, starting 2 weeks today! I'll be in conversation with @peterleonard1.bsky.social about my forthcoming book Silk Mirage + all things #Uzbekistan. Between us we have 4 decades of experience covering Central Asia - come and join us! Tickets here foccal.com/litfest-even...
Silk has ancient roots in #Uzbekistan, but the industry is still thriving in the modern day - check out my latest on Substack open.substack.com/pub/joannali...
October 30, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Silk has ancient roots in #Uzbekistan, but the industry is still thriving in the modern day - check out my latest on Substack open.substack.com/pub/joannali...