central asia
Explore the culture of Central Asia
start
central asia
Central Asia is a diverse region with rich cultural traditions shaped by its history, geography, and the various ethnic groups that call it home. The culture of Central Asia is greatly influenced by Russia and the Middle-Eastern Islamic culture. It's a land of vast deserts, high mountains, and ancient cities along the famous Silk Road. For thousands of years, many people in Central Asia were nomads, which means they moved from place to place with their herds of animals, like horses, camels, and sheep. Nomadic life influenced their culture, including their music, art, and traditions. There are 7 countries in Central Asia including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.
Click on the interactive button to learn more about the Silk Road.
where is central asia?
Location
Borders
- East: China
- South: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran
- West: Turkey, Iran
key information
Central Asia's Ethnic Cultures
+info
Languages
+info
Religion
+info
Click play to listen to the Kazakhstan National Anthem.
Culture
Art - Textiles
Sport
Horses play a central role in the culture of Kazakhstan due to their traditional nomadic lifestyle. The Kazakhs have a rich equestrian heritage and are skilled horsemen. The famous Kazakh breed, the Kazakh horse, is valued for its endurance, agility and ability to adapt to harsh nomadic conditions. Popular equestrian games include kokpar (horseback wrestling) and kyz kuu (horseback chase game).
Weaving has a long tradition in Central Asia. Central Asian textiles are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and skilled craftsmanship. Some examples of techniques and styles include Ikat, Suzani embroidery, felt-making and tapestry weaving.
Push play to learn more about Suzani embroidery
Music
Nomadic Llifestyle
Central Asian music is home to a wealth of traditional folk music. Instruments commonly used are the different types of lutes including the dombra, tambur, and dutar. Sufi music is included as part of ceremonies with soothing rhythms, melodies and lyrics.
Living in yurts is part of living a nomadic lifestyle in many parts of Central Asia. Yurts are portable, circular dwellings made of a wooden framework covered in felt or animal skins. Yurts can be easily assembled, dissembled, and transported from place to place. Not all Central Asians live in yurts, as many nomadic communities are now settled in villages and towns. But yurts still hold cultural significance in Central Asia.
Push play to hear an example of Sufi music.
explore more!
Samarkand
Almaty
Issyk-Kul Lake
Bukhara
Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Nestled against the backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains, Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city. Visitors can explore the landscapes of nearby areas such as the Medeu Valley and Big Almaty Lake. Almaty is known for its modern skyline, bustling markets, and cultural attractions such as the Central State Museum and the Zenkov Cathedral.
The Issyk-Kul Lake has been dubbed the "Pearl of Central Asia" and is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The lake offers swimming, sunbathing, boating, and water sports in the summer. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Grigoryevskoe and Semenovskoe gorges, and the Jety-Oguz gorge with its "Sevel Bulls" rock formation.
Known as the "Crossroads of Cultures", Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts an array of breathtaking architectural wonders, including the Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Shah-i-Zina necropolis.
SItuated along the ancient Silk road, Bukhara is a well-perserved old town, with mazes of narrow streets, ancient mosques, minarets (towers), and madrasas (colleges). Places to visit include the Kalyan Minaret, the Po-i-Kalyan complex, and the Ark of Bukhara, a fortress that once served as a royal residence.
Religion in Central Asia
Central Asia is predominately Muslim, with Islam being the dominant religion across the region. Islam was introduced to Central Asia during the 7th and 8th centuries through Arab conquests. However, the region's history also includes periods of Buddhism and Christianity. Soviet rule suppressed all religious practices but with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, there has been a revival of Islamic observance in the region.
Languages
Languages in Central Asia are related to Turkish. There are over 40 different languages in the Turkish language family. Each ethnic group of the region speaks its own form of this language including the Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Turkmens, and Kyrgyzs. The Tajik ethic group speaks a language closely related to Persian. Let's explore examples of these languages below.
Kyrgyz: The official language of Kyrgyzstan, it is a Turkish language spoken by the majority of the population.
Uzbek: The official language of Uzbekistan, it is a Turkish language and spoken by majority of the population.
Central Asian Countries and Ethnic Cultures
The cultures in different parts of Central Asian countries are influenced by history and geographical features. Many are greatly influenced by Russia since these countries were once part of the Soviet Union. Click on each number on the map to the right to learn more about the cultures of Central Asia.
What is the Silk Road?
The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and the West. It wasn't just one road but a series of paths that stretched across Asia, linking China to the Mediterranean Sea.
People traveled on the Silk Road to trade goods like silk, spices, tea, and precious metals. The name "Silk Road" comes from the valuable silk that China produced and traded along these routes.
The Silk Road wasn't only about trading things. It also allowed for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and technologies between different civilizations. For example, Chinese inventions like papermaking and gunpowder spread to the West, while goods like grapes and walnuts traveled from the West to the East.
Click on the button to the left to see a map of the Silk Road and notice all the countries the trade routes went through.
The Kazakh Horse, also called 'Qazaq' in its native language, is a special type of horse that's closely tied to the Kazakh people's love for horses. With its strong body and determined spirit, it's well-suited to the tough weather of Central Asia. This horse is a big part of the region's culture, showing the history and talents of the nomadic groups who have cared for it for centuries. Originating from the wild plains around 2,500 years ago, the Kazakh horse is more than just a pet; it's a symbol of Kazakhstan's identity. You can see its importance in Kazakh stories, songs, and artwork. Fun games like Kokpar and Baiga highlight its quickness and agility, and during national festivals, people celebrate its role in their culture and history.
The Kazakh horse
Learn more about Suzani embroidery in Uzbekistan by watching the video above.
Central Asia Culture Presentation
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Transcript
central asia
Explore the culture of Central Asia
start
central asia
Central Asia is a diverse region with rich cultural traditions shaped by its history, geography, and the various ethnic groups that call it home. The culture of Central Asia is greatly influenced by Russia and the Middle-Eastern Islamic culture. It's a land of vast deserts, high mountains, and ancient cities along the famous Silk Road. For thousands of years, many people in Central Asia were nomads, which means they moved from place to place with their herds of animals, like horses, camels, and sheep. Nomadic life influenced their culture, including their music, art, and traditions. There are 7 countries in Central Asia including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan.
Click on the interactive button to learn more about the Silk Road.
where is central asia?
Location
Borders
key information
Central Asia's Ethnic Cultures
+info
Languages
+info
Religion
+info
Click play to listen to the Kazakhstan National Anthem.
Culture
Art - Textiles
Sport
Horses play a central role in the culture of Kazakhstan due to their traditional nomadic lifestyle. The Kazakhs have a rich equestrian heritage and are skilled horsemen. The famous Kazakh breed, the Kazakh horse, is valued for its endurance, agility and ability to adapt to harsh nomadic conditions. Popular equestrian games include kokpar (horseback wrestling) and kyz kuu (horseback chase game).
Weaving has a long tradition in Central Asia. Central Asian textiles are known for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and skilled craftsmanship. Some examples of techniques and styles include Ikat, Suzani embroidery, felt-making and tapestry weaving.
Push play to learn more about Suzani embroidery
Music
Nomadic Llifestyle
Central Asian music is home to a wealth of traditional folk music. Instruments commonly used are the different types of lutes including the dombra, tambur, and dutar. Sufi music is included as part of ceremonies with soothing rhythms, melodies and lyrics.
Living in yurts is part of living a nomadic lifestyle in many parts of Central Asia. Yurts are portable, circular dwellings made of a wooden framework covered in felt or animal skins. Yurts can be easily assembled, dissembled, and transported from place to place. Not all Central Asians live in yurts, as many nomadic communities are now settled in villages and towns. But yurts still hold cultural significance in Central Asia.
Push play to hear an example of Sufi music.
explore more!
Samarkand
Almaty
Issyk-Kul Lake
Bukhara
Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Nestled against the backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains, Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city. Visitors can explore the landscapes of nearby areas such as the Medeu Valley and Big Almaty Lake. Almaty is known for its modern skyline, bustling markets, and cultural attractions such as the Central State Museum and the Zenkov Cathedral.
The Issyk-Kul Lake has been dubbed the "Pearl of Central Asia" and is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. The lake offers swimming, sunbathing, boating, and water sports in the summer. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Grigoryevskoe and Semenovskoe gorges, and the Jety-Oguz gorge with its "Sevel Bulls" rock formation.
Known as the "Crossroads of Cultures", Samarkand is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts an array of breathtaking architectural wonders, including the Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Shah-i-Zina necropolis.
SItuated along the ancient Silk road, Bukhara is a well-perserved old town, with mazes of narrow streets, ancient mosques, minarets (towers), and madrasas (colleges). Places to visit include the Kalyan Minaret, the Po-i-Kalyan complex, and the Ark of Bukhara, a fortress that once served as a royal residence.
Religion in Central Asia
Central Asia is predominately Muslim, with Islam being the dominant religion across the region. Islam was introduced to Central Asia during the 7th and 8th centuries through Arab conquests. However, the region's history also includes periods of Buddhism and Christianity. Soviet rule suppressed all religious practices but with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, there has been a revival of Islamic observance in the region.
Languages
Languages in Central Asia are related to Turkish. There are over 40 different languages in the Turkish language family. Each ethnic group of the region speaks its own form of this language including the Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Turkmens, and Kyrgyzs. The Tajik ethic group speaks a language closely related to Persian. Let's explore examples of these languages below.
Kyrgyz: The official language of Kyrgyzstan, it is a Turkish language spoken by the majority of the population.
Uzbek: The official language of Uzbekistan, it is a Turkish language and spoken by majority of the population.
Central Asian Countries and Ethnic Cultures
The cultures in different parts of Central Asian countries are influenced by history and geographical features. Many are greatly influenced by Russia since these countries were once part of the Soviet Union. Click on each number on the map to the right to learn more about the cultures of Central Asia.
What is the Silk Road?
The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and the West. It wasn't just one road but a series of paths that stretched across Asia, linking China to the Mediterranean Sea. People traveled on the Silk Road to trade goods like silk, spices, tea, and precious metals. The name "Silk Road" comes from the valuable silk that China produced and traded along these routes. The Silk Road wasn't only about trading things. It also allowed for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and technologies between different civilizations. For example, Chinese inventions like papermaking and gunpowder spread to the West, while goods like grapes and walnuts traveled from the West to the East.
Click on the button to the left to see a map of the Silk Road and notice all the countries the trade routes went through.
The Kazakh Horse, also called 'Qazaq' in its native language, is a special type of horse that's closely tied to the Kazakh people's love for horses. With its strong body and determined spirit, it's well-suited to the tough weather of Central Asia. This horse is a big part of the region's culture, showing the history and talents of the nomadic groups who have cared for it for centuries. Originating from the wild plains around 2,500 years ago, the Kazakh horse is more than just a pet; it's a symbol of Kazakhstan's identity. You can see its importance in Kazakh stories, songs, and artwork. Fun games like Kokpar and Baiga highlight its quickness and agility, and during national festivals, people celebrate its role in their culture and history.
The Kazakh horse
Learn more about Suzani embroidery in Uzbekistan by watching the video above.