Central Asia: Difference between revisions

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'''Central Asia''' is a region in [[Asia]] that stretches from the [[Caspian Sea]] in the west to [[China]] and [[Mongolia]] in the east, and from [[Afghanistan]] and [[Iran]] in the south to [[Russia]] in the north. The region consists of the former [[Soviet Union]] republics of [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Turkmenistan]], and [[Uzbekistan]]. It is also colloquially referred to as "the 'stans" as the countries generally have names that end with the Persian suffix "-stan", meaning "land of".
==Central Asia==


== Geography ==
[[File:Central_Asia_(orthographic_projection).svg|thumb|right|Central Asia]]
Central Asia is notable for its vast steppe, which is a large area of flat, unforested grassland. This region is also home to the [[Karakum Desert]] and the [[Kyzylkum Desert]]. The [[Pamir Mountains]], [[Tian Shan]], and the [[Himalayas]] are the major mountain ranges in Central Asia.


== History ==
'''Central Asia''' is a region of Asia that stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and from Afghanistan in the south to Russia in the north. It is a region rich in history, culture, and diversity, often considered the crossroads of various civilizations due to its strategic location along the ancient [[Silk Road]].
Central Asia has a rich history that dates back to the [[Silk Road]], an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West. The region was a hub for cultural and economic exchange between different parts of the world. It was also home to several ancient civilizations, including the [[Scythians]], the [[Parthians]], and the [[Sogdians]].


== Culture ==
==Geography==
The culture of Central Asia is diverse and has been influenced by a variety of factors, including the nomadic heritage of many of its people, the Islamic religion, and the legacy of the Soviet Union. The region is known for its traditional music, dance, and visual arts, as well as its rich literary tradition.


== Economy ==
Central Asia is typically defined to include the five republics of the former Soviet Union: [[Kazakhstan]], [[Kyrgyzstan]], [[Tajikistan]], [[Turkmenistan]], and [[Uzbekistan]]. However, the region can also encompass parts of northern [[Afghanistan]], western [[China]], and even parts of [[Mongolia]].
The economy of Central Asia is largely based on natural resources. The region is rich in oil, gas, and minerals, and agriculture also plays a significant role. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing the region's potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power.


== See also ==
[[File:Central_Asia_definitions_(orthographic).png|thumb|left|Different definitions of Central Asia]]
* [[History of Central Asia]]
 
* [[Culture of Central Asia]]
The region is characterized by vast steppes, deserts, and mountain ranges. The [[Tian Shan]] and [[Pamir Mountains]] are significant geographical features, providing a natural barrier and influencing the climate and ecology of the area.
* [[Economy of Central Asia]]
 
* [[Geography of Central Asia]]
==Climate==
 
Central Asia experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The region is largely arid or semi-arid, with deserts such as the [[Karakum]] and [[Kyzylkum]] covering significant areas.
 
[[File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Central_Asia_1991–2020.svg|thumb|right|Köppen climate classification map of Central Asia (1991–2020)]]
 
==History==
 
Central Asia has been a melting pot of cultures and peoples throughout history. It was a crucial part of the [[Silk Road]], facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. The region has seen the rise and fall of many empires, including the [[Persian Empire]], the [[Mongol Empire]], and the [[Timurid Empire]].
 
[[File:Indo-European_migrations.jpg|thumb|left|Indo-European migrations]]
 
==Economy==
 
The economy of Central Asia is diverse, with significant natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Agriculture also plays a vital role, with cotton being a major crop in countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
 
[[File:Kazakhstan_steppe_Zhambyl_Province_(8).jpg|thumb|right|Kazakhstan steppe, Zhambyl Province]]
 
==Culture==
 
Central Asia is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The region's cultural heritage is influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations. Traditional music, dance, and crafts are integral to the cultural identity of Central Asian peoples.
 
==Demographics==
 
The population of Central Asia is ethnically diverse, with major ethnic groups including [[Kazakhs]], [[Uzbeks]], [[Tajiks]], [[Turkmen]], and [[Kyrgyz]]. The region is predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the major religion.
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Silk Road]]
* [[Tian Shan]]
* [[Pamir Mountains]]
* [[Karakum Desert]]
* [[Kyzylkum Desert]]
 
[[File:Bringing_the_sheep_home,_on_the_southern_shore_of_Issy-Kol._(3968109583).jpg|thumb|left|Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issy-Kol]]


[[Category:Asia]]
[[Category:Regions of Asia]]
[[Category:Central Asia]]
[[Category:Central Asia]]
{{Asia-stub}}
{{food-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Central_Asia_(orthographic_projection).svg|Central Asia
File:Central_Asia_definitions_(orthographic).png|Central Asia
File:Central_Asia_borders4.png|Central Asia
File:Bringing_the_sheep_home,_on_the_southern_shore_of_Issy-Kol._(3968109583).jpg|Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issy-Kol
File:Kazakhstan_steppe_Zhambyl_Province_(8).jpg|Kazakhstan steppe, Zhambyl Province
File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Central_Asia_1991–2020.svg|Central Asia
File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_Central_Asia_future.svg|Central Asia
File:Indo-European_migrations.jpg|Indo-European migrations
File:Assimilation_of_Baltic_and_Aryan_Peoples_by_Uralic_Speakers_in_the_Middle_and_Upper_Volga_Basin_(Shaded_Relief_BG).png|Assimilation of Baltic and Aryan Peoples by Uralic Speakers in the Middle and Upper Volga Basin
File:Mongol_dominions1.jpg|Mongol dominions
File:Men_from_Khiva.JPG|Men from Khiva
File:Mongolia_in_1636.svg|Mongolia in 1636
</gallery>
== Central_Asia ==
<gallery>
File:Central_Asia_(orthographic_projection).svg|Central Asia
File:Central_Asia_definitions_(orthographic).png|Central Asia
File:Central_Asia_borders4.png|Central Asia
File:Bringing_the_sheep_home,_on_the_southern_shore_of_Issy-Kol._(3968109583).jpg|Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issy-Kol
File:Kazakhstan_steppe_Zhambyl_Province_(8).jpg|Kazakhstan steppe, Zhambyl Province
File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_Central_Asia_1991–2020.svg|Central Asia
File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_Central_Asia_future.svg|Central Asia
File:Indo-European_migrations.jpg|Indo-European migrations
File:Assimilation_of_Baltic_and_Aryan_Peoples_by_Uralic_Speakers_in_the_Middle_and_Upper_Volga_Basin_(Shaded_Relief_BG).png|Assimilation of Baltic and Aryan Peoples by Uralic Speakers in the Middle and Upper Volga Basin
File:Mongol_dominions1.jpg|Mongol dominions
File:Men_from_Khiva.JPG|Men from Khiva
File:Mongolia_in_1636.svg|Mongolia in 1636
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:03, 23 March 2025

Central Asia[edit]

Central Asia

Central Asia is a region of Asia that stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to China in the east and from Afghanistan in the south to Russia in the north. It is a region rich in history, culture, and diversity, often considered the crossroads of various civilizations due to its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road.

Geography[edit]

Central Asia is typically defined to include the five republics of the former Soviet Union: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. However, the region can also encompass parts of northern Afghanistan, western China, and even parts of Mongolia.

Different definitions of Central Asia

The region is characterized by vast steppes, deserts, and mountain ranges. The Tian Shan and Pamir Mountains are significant geographical features, providing a natural barrier and influencing the climate and ecology of the area.

Climate[edit]

Central Asia experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The region is largely arid or semi-arid, with deserts such as the Karakum and Kyzylkum covering significant areas.

Köppen climate classification map of Central Asia (1991–2020)

History[edit]

Central Asia has been a melting pot of cultures and peoples throughout history. It was a crucial part of the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between the East and West. The region has seen the rise and fall of many empires, including the Persian Empire, the Mongol Empire, and the Timurid Empire.

Indo-European migrations

Economy[edit]

The economy of Central Asia is diverse, with significant natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals. Agriculture also plays a vital role, with cotton being a major crop in countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Kazakhstan steppe, Zhambyl Province

Culture[edit]

Central Asia is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The region's cultural heritage is influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations. Traditional music, dance, and crafts are integral to the cultural identity of Central Asian peoples.

Demographics[edit]

The population of Central Asia is ethnically diverse, with major ethnic groups including Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turkmen, and Kyrgyz. The region is predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the major religion.

Related Pages[edit]

Bringing the sheep home, on the southern shore of Issy-Kol