Mirshohid Aslanov & Alouddin Komilov
In recent decades, the portrayal of the five former Soviet Central Asian states—collectively known as the “stans”—in Western media and policy discourse has often been overly simplistic, neglecting their unique identities, historical legacies, and rich cultural diversity. These nations are frequently depicted as objects in a larger geopolitical contest, marginalized as a “backwater” or dismissed as mere transit zones connecting more “advanced” civilizations. This reductionist view not only overlooks the significant achievements and contributions of the Central Asian peoples but also perpetuates stereotypes, casting the region as stagnant and underdeveloped.
A lynchpin of trade and geopolitics
Contrary to the oversimplified portrayal, Central Asia is a region steeped in history, having once flourished as a vibrant hub of international interaction. American scholar Frederick S. Starr underscores that the area was the epicenter of civilization, profoundly influencing the trajectories of European, Middle Eastern, and Asian societies, including those of China and India. Between the 9th and 13th centuries, Central Asia experienced a golden era, emerging as a key player in global commerce and economic development. It also led the way in various fields, such as mathematics, geometry, astronomy, philosophy, and epistemology. These innovations were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the European Renaissance, underscoring the profound historical significance of Central Asia in shaping global trade routes.
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