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: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
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 of the region's history, including its role as a gateway between East and West, its cultural heritage, and its struggles for autonomy and self-determination. The book provides a nuanced understanding of Central Asia's complex history, challenging prevailing narratives and offering a fresh perspective on one of the most diverse and culturally vibrant regions on the planet.

In conclusion, Adeeb Khalid's essential history of Central Asia offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the region's past. Through meticulous research and analysis, Khalid sheds light on the historical forces that have shaped Central Asia, highlighting its connections to the wider world and its complex relationship with modernity. This panoramic book provides valuable insights into the region's rich cultural heritage, political dynamics, and social challenges, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Central Asia.

Dimension: 203 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691235196