Central Asia: A New History from the Imperial Conquests to the Present

Adeeb Khalid provides a comprehensive history of Central Asia from the mid-eighteenth century to the present, exploring how foreign conquest, ethnic heterogeneity, and Soviet and Chinese Communist attempts at managing national and cultural difference have shaped the region. He highlights the deep interconnections between the Russian and Chinese parts of Central Asia and demonstrates how Xinjiang remains an integral part of Central Asia despite its fraught relationship with contemporary China.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Central Asia, a region often perceived as remote and isolated from the mainstream of modern history, holds a pivotal position at the crossroads of global events. Spanning Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and the Xinjiang province of China, it encompasses a rich tapestry of cultures and historical influences. In his comprehensive work, Adeeb Khalid offers the first comprehensive account of Central Asia's history, spanning from the mid-eighteenth century to the present day. Through meticulous research and analysis, Khalid sheds light on the historical forces that have shaped the region under imperial and Communist rule.

Central Asia's predominantly Muslim population, characterized by both nomadic and settled communities, experienced the influence of Russian and Chinese rule in the 1700s. Khalid explores how foreign conquest interconnected Central Asians with global exchanges of goods and ideas, fostering stronger connections to the wider world. He delves into the complex dynamics of ethnic heterogeneity faced by the Qing and Tsarist empires, comparing their approaches with Soviet and Chinese Communist attempts to manage national and cultural differences. The book also highlights the enduring interconnections between the Russian and Chinese parts of Central Asia, which continue to shape the region's political and economic landscape.

Xinjiang, despite its fraught and traumatic relationship with contemporary China, remains an integral part of Central Asia. Khalid examines the complex dynamics between Xinjiang and the rest of Central Asia, exploring the historical, cultural, and political factors that have contributed to its unique position. The book sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by the people of Xinjiang as they navigate a complex web of regional and global forces.

In essence, "Central Asia: A History" is a vital contribution to our understanding of one of the most diverse and culturally vibrant regions on the planet. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Khalid provides a comprehensive account of Central Asia's history, shedding light on the forces that have shaped its development and revealing the profound impact of modernity on the region. This panoramic book offers valuable insights into the complex tapestry of Central Asia's past and present, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the world's geopolitical and cultural landscape.

Weight: 1120g
Dimension: 180 x 247 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691161396