Kok Kok and more Kok.

The little old Babushka was looking glum and bored sitting alongside her companions, watching over the few items she was selling.

She soon had a smile on her face when a few of my companions took an interest in her tat.

Now that is tat of the highest order.

Whereas this cool guy appeared not to give a shit whether he sold anything or not

Smokin'

Kok Bazaar

Cue smutty innuendo of the highest order?

What smacked me in the face was the fact that the whole place was incredibly clean. It was immaculate, no bits of chewing gum stuck to the floor, no discarded waste or old papers lying around. I must write an email to the small town sheriffs of my local govt. telling them to buck their ideas up.

The market in one shape or form has ben around since 1875, and was and still is an important trading point in Almaty.

It started life as just a big open yard for traveling merchants and caravans, travelling the Silk Route from Asia to Europe.

You can buy all sorts of stuff here, (in well laid out, well signed areas, it ain't random), from spices, prepared foods, vegetables and meat of the finest order, textiles, furniture, and a wide variety of different tat, including antiques. (real, as well as those made last week...in China)

It was in 1927, when Uncle Joe was ruling the USSR with an iron fist collective farming began with large-scale trade in agricultural products, vegetables, and fruits. The bazaar took shape and was named in a very Soviet way.... the Central Farm Market.

Though people being people they still called it the kok market. And why not?

It was not until the mid 70’s. that the wooden stalls and tent like awnings were pulled down and a covered building was built and remains so today

Buying and selling

Getting the evil eye

Not suitable for fussy eaters

Lovely to serve up with some Jersey Royals, peas and mint sauce. Also good in a Vindaloo.

Nowt wrong with it, tried it once just like a tough piece of cow really, needs braising at gas mark 1 for a few hours I reckon.

Now who likes a bit of tongue?

Boiled sheep's head is quite a delicacy in this part of the world.

Whenever you see a pig it is always smiling, such happy little sausage makers.

Dead heads with gold teeth? Another one of life's mysteries.