This collection was taken in 1999, a few years after Kazakstan declared full independence from the former Soviet Union.  Almaty was the capital city at that time, but was in process of being moved to Astana, later renamed Nur-Sultan.  

Bridget, Mary her friend and Rosie her sister, travelled with their bicycles, staying with local people and communicating in Bridget’s basic Russian.  The collection was originally made for the Time Life book series.

For license to use any of the photos, contact www.topfoto.co.uk or Bridget direct.