CEN TR AL &

RT H ASIA
NO
ASIAN STUDIES
TOPIC OUTLINE: CENTRAL ASIA

TOPIC GUIDE
I. Introduction
A. Definition and Geographical Scope of Central Asia
B. Overview of Central Asian Countries

II. Historical Background

A. Nomadic Cultures and Warrior Organizations

1. Home and Culture of Steppe and Desert People
2. Military Advantages of the Steppe People
B. The Huns or Hsiung Nus
TOPIC OUTLINE: CENTRAL ASIA

C. The Ottoman Turks TOPIC GUIDE

D. Tamerlane and His Achievements

III. Contemporary Central Asia

A. Cultural Diversity and Religious Beliefs
1. Number of Followers of Different Religious Beliefs
B. Economic Activities and Source of Income
C. Flags and National Symbols
1. Meaning and Symbols of Flags
D. Government Structures
E. Significant People, Places, or Events
 OBJECTIVES!
CENTRAL ASIA
`1. To provide an understanding of the historical roots and cultural diversity of Central Asia.

2. To explore the emergence of warrior organizations and their impact on the region's history.

3. To examine the role of key historical figures such as Genghis Khan, Tamerlane, and
the Ottoman Turks in shaping Central Asia.

4. To analyze the contemporary characteristics of Central Asian countries, including

their economies, governments, and cultural identities.

5. To discuss the geopolitical significance of Central Asia in the context of global affairs.
CENTRAL ASIA
1. Kazakhstan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan
 GEOGRAPHY
CENTRAL ASIA
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
OVERVIEW
SOVIET LEGACY
Central Asia is described as a
dynamic and diverse region with a
complex history and strategic
INDEPENDENCE
importance.

ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Its journey from the influence of
ancient civilizations to modern
nation-states is characterized by a GEOPOLITICAL
mix of traditions, challenges, and DYNAMICS
opportunities that continue to shape
CHALLENGES &
its development.
OPPORTUNITIES
GEOGRAPHY
DEFINITION AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE OF CENTRAL ASIA

Geography plays a crucial role in

shaping the diverse landscapes and
environments of Central Asia.

Central Asia's geography is like a patchwork

of different landscapes. It's in the middle of
the big landmass called Eurasia.

Landlocked expanse that occupies 1/7 of

earth landmass.

Bordered by Russia to the north, China to the

east, Afghanistan and Iran to the south, and
the Caspian Sea to the west
LANDSCAPE
DESERTS
MOUNTAINS
STEPPES
FERTILE VALLEYS
CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Central Asia is described as a region

rich in diversity, with various ethnic
groups, languages, and traditions.

This diversity has been influenced by

civilizations such as Persian, Turkic,
Mongol, and Russian cultures, and is
reflected in aspects like architecture,
cuisine, music, and arts.
SOVIET LEGACY
During the 20th century, Central
Asia was part of the Soviet Union,
undergoing significant social,
economic, and political changes.
The legacy of Soviet rule is still
evident in the region's
infrastructure, education systems,
and governance structures.
INDEPENDENCE

In 1991, the Soviet Union fell apart

Independence Movements
Economic Problems
Political Changes
End of the Soviet Union
ECONOMIC RESOURCES

Central Asia is described as rich in

natural resources, including oil,
natural gas, minerals, and
agricultural land. The exploitation
of these resources has played a
crucial role in shaping the region's
economies and attracting foreign
investment.
GEOPOLITICAL DYNAMICS

Central Asia's strategic location

has made it important for regional
and global powers like Russia,
China, and the United States.
These countries compete for
influence in the region, leading to
complex geopolitical dynamics
and diplomatic maneuvering.
CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
Central Asia faces various
challenges, including economic
diversification, governance issues,
ethnic tensions, and security
concerns like terrorism and
extremism. However, the region
also presents opportunities for
economic development, regional
cooperation, and cultural exchange.
 ANCIENT CIVILIZATION

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 SILK ROAD
The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade
routes that connected the East and West,
stretching from China to the Mediterranean
Sea.

The historical Silk Road as it was known

during ancient times no longer exists in the
same form today. However, the concept of
the Silk Road continues to inspire modern
initiatives aimed at enhancing trade,
connectivity, and cultural exchange across
Eurasia.
NOMADIC EMPIRE
From around 2000 BCE to the
Middle Ages, nomadic tribes like
the Scythians, Sarmatians, Huns,
and Mongols roamed the steppes of
Central Asia. They formed powerful
empires and exerted significant
influence over the region.
ISLAMIC INFLUENCE
Islam spread to Central
Asia in the 7th century CE,
bringing with it new
cultural and religious
practices. Cities like
Samarkand and Bukhara
became centers of Islamic
learning and trade.
MONGOL CONQUESTS

In the 13th century, the

Mongol Empire, led by
Genghis Khan, conquered
much of Central Asia and
beyond. The Mongols
established the largest
contiguous land empire in
history, influencing the
region's politics and culture
TIMURID EMPIRE
Timur (Tamerlane), a Central
Asian conqueror, rose to
power in the late 14th
century. He established the
Timurid Empire, which
encompassed parts of Central
Asia, Persia, and beyond.
Timur's rule left a lasting
impact on the region.
RUSSIAN COQUEST

In the 19th century, Russia

expanded into Central Asia,
gradually annexing
territories and establishing
control over the region. This
period marked significant
changes in governance,
economy, and culture.
SOVIET RULE & INDEPENDENCE

Soviet Rule: After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Central Asia

came under Soviet rule. The Soviet government implemented
policies to modernize the region, including collectivization of
agriculture and industrialization.

Independence: With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991,

Central Asian countries gained independence. Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan emerged
as sovereign nations, each charting its own
 NOMADIC CULTURES AND
WARRIOR ORGANIZATIONS
HISTORY
Nomadic Cultures: Nomadic cultures in Central Asia were characterized
by people who lived a mobile way of life, moving from one place to
another in search of resources such as water and pasture for their
livestock

Warrior Organizations: Warrior organizations were formed within nomadic

societies to provide protection, conduct raids, and engage in warfare with
neighboring tribes or sedentary civilizations.
THE HUNS
HSIUNG-NU OR XIONGNU

The Huns were a group of nomadic

people who originated from the steppes
of Central Asia, particularly in the region
of modern-day Mongolia. They were
known for their fierce warrior culture and
skilled horsemanship. The Huns were
organized into a confederation of tribes
and were led by powerful chieftains.
They were known for their military
prowess and often raided neighboring
territories.
THE OTTOMAN TURKS

The Ottomans were a Turkish-speaking

people who migrated from Central
Asia to Anatolia in the 13th century.
Over time, they established
themselves as rulers of various
territories in Anatolia, eventually
forming the Ottoman Empire. The
term "Ottoman Turks" specifically
emphasizes the ethnic and cultural
identity of the people who founded
and ruled the empire.
CONTEMPORARY CENTRAL ASIA

A. Cultural Diversity and Religious Beliefs

1. Number of Followers of Different Religious Beliefs
B. Economic Activities and Source of Income
C. Flags and National Symbols
1. Meaning and Symbols of Flags
D. Government Structures
E. Significant People, Places, or Events
KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan is the largest country in
Central Asia and the ninth largest in
the world.
Kazakhstan measures about 1,820
miles (2,930 kilometres) east to west
and 960 miles north to south.

The people of Kazakhstan,

known as Kazakhs, comprise the
majority ethnic group
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES & SOURCE OF INCOME

1. Energy Sector
2. Mining
3. Agriculture
4. Manufacturing
 WHAT ABOUT...
The President of the Republic of
Kazakhstan is the head of state, the highest
political official, who determines the main
directions of the domestic and foreign
policy of the country and represents
Kazakhstan on the international arena.

The President is a symbol and guarantor of

the national unity and the state power,
inviolability of the Constitution, as well as
the rights and freedoms of an individual
and citizen.
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Kassym-Jomart K. Tokayev
 SIGNIFICANT

Almaty and Nur-Sultan Nursultan Nazarbayev

Nauryz
 KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country located
in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to
the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan
to the south, and China to the east.
The capital city of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek,
which is also the largest city in the country.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES & SOURCE OF INCOME

1. Agriculture
2. Mining
3. Tourism
 SIGNIFICANT

Manas Epic Issyk-Kul Lake Kurmanjan Datka

Ala-Too Square
 WHAT ABOUT...
The president, according to the constitution,
"is the symbol of the unity of people and
state power, and is the guarantor of the
Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic, and of
an individual and citizen."

The office of president was established in

1990 replacing the Chairman of the Supreme
Soviet that existed, in different forms, from
1936 whilst the country was known as the
Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic.
The President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan
Sadyr Japarov
TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan, landlocked country
of Central Asia. It is the second
largest state in Central Asia, after
Kazakhstan, and is the
southernmost of the region’s five
republics.

The capital is Ashgabat

(Ashkhabad), which lies near the
southern border with Iran.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES & SOURCE OF INCOME

1. Natural Gas Export

2. Agriculture
3. Construction
4. Textiles
5. Chemicals
WHAT ABOUT...
Serdar Berdymukhamedov took over
in March 2022 as the third president
of the authoritarian state.

His father Gurbanguly had become

president in 2007, on the death of
his own mentor Saparmyrat Niyazov.

Serdar Berdymukhamedov
The President of Turkmenistan
 SIGNIFICANT

Saparmurat Niyazov
Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedow

Akhal-Teke Horses Karakum Desert

SIGNIFICANT

Darvaza Gas Crater

TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan is a landlocked country
located in Central Asia, known for
its stunning mountain landscapes
and rich cultural heritage.

The capital city, Dushanbe, is the largest

city in the country and serves as its
political, economic, and cultural center.
Tajikistan's geography is dominated by the
Pamir Mountains, often referred to as the
"Roof of the World," which offer
breathtaking scenery and adventurous
trekking opportunities.
ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES & SOURCE OF INCOME

1. Agriculture
2. Mining
3. Remittances from
Tajik migrant
 WHAT ABOUT...
Emomali Rahmon 1 (born October 5, 1952)
has served as the head of state of the
Republic of Tajikistan since 1992, under the
position of President since 1994.

Rahmon was born to a peasant family in

Kulob, in the Kulob Oblast, now part of
Khatlon province. In 1971-1974 he served in
the Soviet Armed Forces
Emomali Rahmon
President of Tajikistan
 SIGNIFICANT

Ismoil Somoni Peak (then known as Communism Peak) Ismail Samani Avicenna

Dushanbe Tajik Civil War

UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan is the
geographic and
population center of
Central Asia. The
country has a diverse
economy and a relatively
young population.
 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES & SOURCE OF INCOME

·Agriculture:
·Natural Resources:
·Textiles and Garments:
·Manufacturing:
·Services:
·Remittances:
WHAT ABOUT...
Shavkat Mirziyoyev was elected
President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan with 88.61 percent of the
vote based on the results of the
presidential elections that took
place on December 4, 2016. He
officially assumed the post of
President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan on December 14, 2016. Shavkat Mirziyoyev
President of Tajikistan
 SIGNIFICANT

Tamerlane Islam Karimov

SIGNIFICANT

Samarkand and Bukhara

SIGNIFICANT

Registan Square in Samarkand

THANK YOU!

Katherine-Joys M. Tulabing
Ofelia Alicante