The next planned step was to build a fort on the Aral Sea.
For thousands of years, these had fed the Aral Sea.
The Aral Sea is a good example of the challenge facing the republics.
"The rescue of the Aral Sea is now our problem alone."
But in the 18th century, the river again turned north, flowing into the Aral Sea, a path it has taken since.
I've been looking at the big desert south of the Aral Sea.
We all know the horrific tale of the Aral Sea.
There is a project to save at least the northern part of the Aral Sea.
The Aral Sea was dying, if it wasn't dead already.
He found it very difficult to concentrate on the Aral Sea after that.