The Central Asian World

This landmark book provides a comprehensive anthropological introduction to contemporary Central Asia, critically examining the idea of a 'Central Asian World' at the intersection of post-Soviet, Persianate, East and South Asian worlds. It explores key areas such as Islamic finance, urban and sacred spaces, decolonizing and queering approaches, and engages with core analytical concerns like globalization, inequality, and postcolonialism. It illuminates how people in Central Asia make a life at the intersection of diverse cross-cutting currents and flows of knowledge, making it an essential reference for anthropologists and scholars from other disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 790 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive anthropological exploration of contemporary Central Asia, delving into the intricate tapestry of its diverse societies and cultures. Drawing upon the expertise of established and emerging scholars from the region, it critically examines the notion of a 'Central Asian World' situated at the crossroads of post-Soviet, Persianate, East, and South Asian realms. Spanning chapters that cover the vibrant expanse between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Xinjiang, the volume provides a rich contextualization of the social, political, economic, ecological, and ritual diversity that characterizes Central Asia. Through ethnographic inquiry, the book delves into key themes such as the flourishing of Islamic finance, the transformation of urban and sacred spaces, and the decolonizing and queering approaches to understanding Central Asia. The book's engaging discussion of More-than-Human Worlds, Everyday Economies, Material Culture, Migration, and Statehood addresses core analytical concerns such as globalization, inequality, and postcolonialism. Far beyond a mere survey of a 'world region,' this volume sheds light on the ways in which individuals in Central Asia navigate the complex interplay of diverse cross-cutting currents and flows of knowledge, shaping their lives and contributing to broader debates within contemporary anthropology. As a vital resource for anthropologists and scholars alike, this book offers invaluable insights into the rich and complex tapestry of Central Asia.

Weight: 1670g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367898908