Culture and Customs of the Central Asian Republics / Edition 1

by Rafis Abazov

Overview

The Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan won their independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Now they are emerging from the shadow of dominance and are subjects of intense interest from the West. The modern culture and customs of the various peoples in these geopolitical hotspots, straddling the far reaches of Europe into Asia, are revealed to a general audience for the first time. This will be the must-have volume for a broad, authoritative overview of these traditional civilizations as they cope with globalization.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313336560
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2006
Series:	Culture and Customs of Asia
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	324
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

RAFIS ABAZOV is Adjunct Assistant Professor, School of International and Public Affairs/Harriman Institute, Columbia University. He has written four books, including the Historical Dictionary of Kyrgyzstan and the Historical Dictionary of Turkmenistan.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Note on Transliteration
Chronology
Introduction: Land, People, and History
Folklore and Literature
Media and Cinema
Performing Arts
Visual Arts
Architecture
Gender, Courtship, and Marriage
Festivals, Fun, and Leisure
Glossary
Selected Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Abazov provides an introduction for students and general readers to the culture and customs of Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Coverage encompasses the land, people, language, history, and economy; thought and religion; folklore and literature, with attention to key individuals; media and cinema; performing and visual arts; architecture; gender, courtship, and marriage; and festivals and leisure activities. Elite life, ideology, and details of political structure and struggle are not discussed in favor of the life of common people. B&W photos are incorporated.” —Reference & Research Book News

“[C]entral Asian culture remains relatively unknown to the West. The Culture and Customs of the Central Asian Republics provides a concise yet thorough overview of the region. The book is greatly enriched by Rafis Abazov's insider knowledge of dynamic changes in the post-independence era….Coverage includes thoughts and religions, folklore, literature, media, cinema, performing and visual arts, gender and marriage, festival and social customs. Evocative photos, a map, a chronology, and a glossary compliment the text; and the selected bibliography (resource guide), provides a resource for curious readers to conduct further studies. This is the best source for students and general readers to extensive insight into the jewel of Eurasia.” —Central Asia Discovery

“With the debut of Steppe magazine in September 2006, a spotlight was shone upon some of the trendier aspects of Central Asia. For an equally in-depth look at the history of the region, Rafis Abazov, a professor at Columbia University, New York, should satisfy your thirst for information. Abazov studies Central Asian history, with all its peaks and troughs and its prospects for the future. As any visitor to the region will attest, the vibrant bazaars and markets of Central Asia still retain the energy of the Silk Road, and striking traditional architecture stands proudly among the far blander modern edifices. This book will help you understand this delightful incongruity.” —Impressions

From the Publisher