We’ve been pouring our hearts into blogging about Central Asia, a fascinating yet rarely visited region. But what exactly is Central Asia, and why did we choose to journey here? Let me fill you in.
Central Asia consists of six countries: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
To understand a place, it’s helpful to know a bit of its history. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief.
In 330 B.C., Alexander the Great left Macedonia and conquered much of Central Asia and parts of India. Around 350 B.C., the Silk Road emerged, inspired by Alexander’s conquests. This was not just one road but a network of trade routes weaving through Central Asia, connecting Turkey, Western Russia, and China. Goods like silk, paper, porcelain, and herbs from China traveled west, while horses, gold, silver, and ivory moved east.
By 680 B.C., Islam began to replace Buddhism in the region after the death of Prophet Mohammed. In 1218 B.C., a governor in present-day Kazakhstan killed one of Genghis Khan’s messengers, igniting wrath from the legendary conqueror. Genghis Khan’s armies then swept through the area, creating one of the largest empires ever by the time of his death in 1227.
In the 1800s, Russians took over Central Asia, introducing new fashion and attempting (unsuccessfully) to abolish Islam. The 1900s saw Russian policies damage the region’s economy and morale, leading to uprisings, revolution, and civil war. By 1991, all Soviet republics in Central Asia gained independence, but the end of Russian subsidies caused economic hardships.
Today, Russian is still widely spoken, and many cities have significant Russian populations. While Russia’s liberal influences linger in some areas, much of the region has reverted to conservative Islamic traditions. The legacy of Genghis Khan remains strong, with many claiming descent from his bloodline, a source of pride.
Islam plays a significant role in daily life, though outside Afghanistan, extremism is rare. Many Muslims in Central Asia drink alcohol and dress casually. Mosques are common, and many people make the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Among adventurous travelers, Central Asia is a whispered secret, a destination that beckons with cultural diversity and untamed beauty. Unlike many overrun tourist spots, Central Asia offers breathtaking mountain landscapes, vast steppes, sparkling alpine lakes, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, hospitable locals, a fading nomadic lifestyle, and some of the world’s most scenic drives—all set to the tranquil background of the Imam’s call to prayer.
In Central Asia, we’ve experienced a mix of old and new. We’ve stayed with local families in yurts, hiked and ridden horseback over mountain passes, dined in upscale restaurants, and enjoyed local meals straight from fire pits. We’ve slept in elegant hotel rooms and under a starry sky. We’ve immersed ourselves in Islamic culture and local traditions unique to each country. Our travels have opened our eyes wide, and we’ve only scratched the surface of what Central Asia has to offer. We genuinely love it here.
Have you heard about Central Asia before? Have you visited or do you hope to visit someday? Let us know!