A History of Inner Asia / Edition 1

by Svat Soucek

Overview

This accessible introduction to Inner Asia traces its history from the arrival of Islam, through the various dynasties to the Russian conquest. The contemporary focus rests on the seven countries that make up present-day Eurasia: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Sinkiang and Mongolia. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, renewed interest in these countries has prompted considerable debate. While a divergent literature has evolved, no comprehensive survey of the region exists. This book will fill the gap and become indispensable for anyone studying or visiting the area.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521657044
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/17/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The beginnings; 2. The Kok Turks, Chinese expansion and the Arab conquest; 3. The Samanids; 4. The Uighur kingdom of Qocho; 5. The Qarakhanids; 6. Seljukids and Ghaznavids; 7. The conquering Mongols; 8. The Chaghatayids; 9. Timur and the Timurids; 10. The last Timurids and the first Uzbeks; 11. The Shaybanids; 12. The rise of Russia, the fall of the Golden Horde, and the resilient Chaghatayids; 13. The Buddhist Mongols; 14. Bukhara, Khiva, and Khoqand in the seventeenth - nineteenth centuries; 15. The Russian conquest and rule of Central Asia; 16. From the Governates-General to Union Republics; 17. Soviet Central Asia; 18. Central Asia becomes independent; 19. Sinkiang as part of China; 20. Independent Central Asian Republics; 21. The Republic of Mongolia.

Editorial Reviews

"...eminently readable, often fascinating, and full of quirky but thought-provoking angles on the region's history..." Journal of World History

"Soucek...introduces the history and current status of seven countries that suddenly appeared in Western consciousness when the Soviet Union collapsed." Reference & Research Book News

From the Publisher