Kazakstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan And Uzbekistan

“For those who still get their ‘-stans’ mixed up, Hiro’s book provides a detailed and nuanced overview of the region.” —Financial Times (Best Books of the Year) The nations of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Iran—the majority of them former Soviet republics—remain little understood in the West even in the post-Cold War era. This book delves into these Central Asian countries: their histories, cultures, economics, politics, militaries, and relationships with regional neighbors, Russia in particular. Ultimately, Inside Central Asia is an outstanding, in-depth introduction to this part of the world, “full of dependable history-telling and analysis” (The Economist). Praise for the work of Dilip Hiro “The writing is clear and informative.” —The New York Times “Hiro’s mix of lively writing and serious detail should draw in readers.” —Choice “Intriguing analysis.” —Publishers Weekly “[An] eminent historian.” —Kirkus Reviews

With the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991, its fifteen constituent republics suddenly found themselves sovereign states. Among the new countries are the five republics of Central Asia - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan - that comprise the region to the south of the great Russian heartland. Each of these countries now faces the task of creating its own foreign policy: with one another, with its former imperial ruler to the north, with the Islamic countries to the south, and with the West. In Central Asia and the World, eight experts on the region address the historic power struggles between east and west and north and south that have shaped the region and the prognosis for success in overcoming a turbulent past and an uncertain, divided present. In addition to its continuing strong ties to Russia, Central-Asia's links with its southern neighbors and the potential role of Islam are also examined. The authors advance the case that these countries are critical to the West insofar as they affect Western interests in Russia and the Middle East. The ongoing civil war in Tajikistan and Central Asia's relationship with China are also addressed. The first book to examine the complex issues facing the region Central Asia and the World provides a comprehensive overview of the developing foreign policies of these five new countries, including a look at the internal political, economic, and military issues confronting each country.

A study of the history, culture, and government of the Central Asian countries of Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Birds of Central Asia is the first field guide to include the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, along with neighbouring Afghanistan. This vast area includes a diverse variety of habitats, and the avifauna is similarly broad, from sandgrouse, ground jays and larks on the vast steppe and semi-desert to a broad range of raptors, and from woodland species such as warblers and nuthatches to a suite of montane species, such as snowcocks, accentors and snowfinches. This book includes 141 high-quality plates covering every species (and all distinctive races) that occur in the region, along with concise text focusing on identification and accurate colour maps. Important introductory sections introduce the land and its birds. Birds of Central Asia is a must-read for any birder or traveller visiting this remote region.

Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan became free of the Soviet Union in 1991. But though they are new to modern statehood, this is a region rich in ancient history, culture, and landscapes unlike anywhere else in the world. Traveling alone, Erika Fatland is a true adventurer in every sense. In Sovietistan, she takes the reader on a compassionate and insightful journey to explore how their Soviet heritage has influenced these countries, with governments experimenting with both democracy and dictatorships. In Kyrgyzstani villages, she meets victims of the tradition of bride snatching; she visits the huge and desolate nuclear testing ground "Polygon" in Kazakhstan; she meets shrimp gatherers on the banks of the dried out Aral Sea; she travels incognito through Turkmenistan, as it is closed to journalists, and she meets German Mennonites that found paradise on the Kyrgyzstani plains 200 years ago. We learn how ancient customs clash with gas production and witness the underlying conflicts in new countries building their futures in nationalist colors. Once the frontier of the Soviet Union, life follows another pace of time. Amidst the treasures of Samarkand and the brutalist Soviet architecture, Sovietistan is a rare and unforgettable travelogue.

Central Asia is the hot new travel destination. Curious to see what all the fuss is about? Join intrepid traveler, Ged Gillmore, as he journeys with an unlikely group of characters on a whirlwind tour through the five ‘Stans – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. * Prepare yourself to come face to face with mesmerizing landscapes and striking citadels that look like sets from Star Wars and Game of Thrones. * Learn about ancient rituals such as goat-pulling and bride-stealing that are still practiced today. * Visit floating mountains, singing dunes, sunken forests and bejeweled cities so beautiful they are almost impossible to describe. Along the way you’ll encounter yurt erections, bullet trains and enemy Silk Road travel agents. You’ll learn how a baby’s first steps are celebrated in Kyrgyzstan. You’ll become acquainted with the life-and-death importance of etiquette in a Khan’s palace. And you’ll be gently reminded that people – even those on a seemingly boring bus tour – are rarely what they seem. 'Stans By Me' is a hilarious Central Asia travel memoir, full of fascinating characters, magnificent monuments and curious customs – all told with Gillmore’s deadpan British wit. If you enjoy the offbeat travel tales of Bill Bryson, David Sedaris, J. Maarten Troost or Will Ferguson, you’ll definitely get a kick out of 'Stans By Me'. Get it now! ----------------------------------------------------- PRAISE FOR STANS BY ME: 'What a journey, told with humor and great descriptive writing.' 'Entertaining, informative and really well written - just the right balance.' 'If you like Bill Bryson's style of writing you will enjoy this. It has humour and loads of information.' ‘A wonderful alternative to a dry Lonely Planet travel guide – Stans By Me is enlightening, inspiring, evocative and downright witty.’ ‘I’ll soon be traveling the Silk Road and doing some trekking in Tajikistan and this travel guide has left me so excited about my trip of a lifetime.’ ‘A superb and entertaining travel guide covering the wonders of Central Asia and the Silk Road. Inspiring writing.’ Search terms: travel, Asia, Central Asia, road trip, independent travel, tours, road travel, former Soviet republics, essays & travelogues, travel writing, armchair travel, destination, off the beaten track, Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, tourism, travel guide

Twenty years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are still undergoing numerous transitions. This book examines various language issues in relation to current discussions about national identity, education, and changing notions of socio-cultural capital in Central Asia.