MEET THE AUTHOR
NICK ROWAN
Nick Rowan is editor-in-chief of the UK published magazine, Open Central Asia, and author of “Friendly Steppes: A Silk Road Journey” which recounts his travel adventures along the Silk Road. Nick Rowan has an insatiable appetite for all things to do with the Silk Road both in terms of its history and the countries and cultures that line the old route today.
An Oxford University graduate, recently back from five years living in Moscow, Nick spends much of his spare time exploring Central Asia, having travelled to all the countries on numerous occasions, on the look-out for new experiences and people to meet.
His new book, The Silk Road Revisited, seeks to capture the powerful influence that the history of the Silk Road has left on the countries as you find them today. It follows the success of Friendly Steppes: A Silk Road Journey, which recalls his first encounters as an intrepid traveller of the Silk Road from East to West.
SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES
Nick is an engaging and entertaining speaker on the topic of his travels along the Silk Road and current events in the region. He blends personal experiences and history with ease - an amusing anecdote never is far from his script. He particularly enjoys taking questions from and developing a dialogue with his audience no matter how big or small. He tailors his speaking to every event and situation both virtual and live.
Nick has spoken in schools, conferences and at private events across Eurasia, from Moscow to Yakutsk, Almaty to Bishkek and London to Brussels. He has spoken at the Royal Geographical Society, Eton College, various Central Asian embassies and ministries.
If you would like to discuss a speaking opportunity please get in touch!
INTERVIEWS & ARTICLES
Nick regularly provides expert opinion articles and interviews for television, radio and print on the Silk Road history, current events in the region, and his travels. If you have an idea for a publication please get in touch.
His most frequently published articles can be found in the Open Central Asia (OCA) Magazine.
Please reach out and contact us if you have ideas or requests to discuss!
RECOGNITION
Awards & Honours
Nick has been fortunate to receive numerous awards, medals and recognition from across the region. Some highlights below.
KAZAKHSTAN
In 2014 Nick Rowan was awarded a Kazakh gold medal from the Ministry of Culture for efforts in the promotion of Central Asian literature.
KYRGYZSTAN
In 2013 Nick was delighted to receive the Aitmatov Academy Award for contributions to literature and promoting Central Asia.
RUSSIA
In 2017 Nick was honoured to receive the Eurasian Prize for Special Achievements from the Eurasian Award for his efforts in promoting Eurasian literature. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Academy in Moscow.
UNITED KINGDOM
In November 2022, Nick was awarded Best Travel Book for "The Silk Road Revisited" as part of the Hertfordshire Press Annual Awards. He received his award at the Yunus Emre cultural centre in London.