Bukhara: towards the outskirts
The viewing platform at the harem quarters of the Emir's Summer palace, from where the last emir, Mir Said Alim Khan, would savour the view of his naked concubines frolicking in the waters below and toss a ripe apple to the beauty who had most captivated his heart. Once chosen, the fortunate girl would be washed in donkey's milk (the emir found the odour strangely arousing) and delivered to his bed chambers.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Sat Jun 15, 2013