Central Asian

Literatures
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
● Central Asia dates back to the late
Pleistocene Epoch, around 25,000 to 35,000
years ago. During this period, early human
civilizations inhabited the region. Central
Asia was part of the Silk Road trade route,
which facilitated cultural and commercial
exchange between East and West.
● Central Asia is located in the heart of the
Asian continent, stretching from the
Caspian Sea in the west to western China in
the east. It is bordered by Russia to the
north and Iran, Afghanistan, and China to
the south.
The Region consists of five
former Soviet republics:

●Kazakhstan
●Uzbekistan
●Tajikistan
●Kyrgyzstan
●Turkmenistan
Languages spoken in Central Asia
Kazakh
Kazakh is a Turkic language and is
the official language of Kazakhstan.
It is spoken by the majority of the
population in Kazakhstan and has
around 13 million native speakers.
Tajik
Tajik is an Iranian language and is
the official language of Tajikistan. It
is closely related to Persian and is
spoken by the majority of the
population in Tajikistan.
Kyrgyz
Kyrgyz is another Turkic language
and is the official language of
Kyrgyzstan. It is spoken by the
majority of the population in
Kyrgyzstan and has around 5 million
native speakers.
Turkmen
Turkmen is a Turkic language and is
the official language of
Turkmenistan. It is spoken by the
majority of the population in
Turkmenistan and has around 6
million native speakers.
Languages spoken in Central Asia
Uzbek
Uzbek is a Turkic language
and is the official language of
Uzbekistan. It is spoken by
the majority of the population
in Uzbekistan and has around
32 million native speakers.
Central Asian Traditions and Cultures
Central Asian Traditions and
Cultures
• Traditional Clothing and Crafts: Central
Asians have a rich tradition of textile artistry
and craftsmanship.
• Traditional clothing, such as the colorful
embroidered dresses for women (called
"chapan" or "kurak") and the distinctive felt
hats for men (such as the Kyrgyz "ak-
kalpak" or the Kazakh "tubeteika"),
showcase the region's unique cultural
identity.
Example: One traditional craft is the art of
carpet weaving. Central Asian carpets, known
as "kilims" or "suzanis," are renowned for their
intricate designs and vibrant colors. Skilled
artisans use traditional techniques to create
these beautiful carpets, which often depict
geometric patterns, floral motifs, and symbols
representing cultural beliefs and traditions
Central Asian Traditions and
Cultures
• Hospitality and Tea Culture: Central
Asians are known for their warm hospitality
and strong tea culture. Guests are treated
with great respect and are often offered tea,
which is a symbol of hospitality and
friendship. Tea ceremonies are an important
part of social gatherings and are
accompanied by traditional snacks and
sweets.
Example: Chaikhana, or tea houses, are
popular meeting places in Central Asia. These
establishments serve as social hubs where
people gather to enjoy tea, engage in
conversations, and share stories. Chaikhana
culture reflects the region's emphasis on
hospitality, community, and the importance of
human connections.
Central Asian Traditions and
Cultures
• Respect for Elders and
Ancestors: Central Asian
societies place a strong emphasis
on respecting elders and
ancestors. The wisdom and
guidance of older generations are
highly valued, and they are seen
as a source of knowledge and
experience. Ancestors are often
honored through rituals, such as
visiting gravesites and performing
commemorative ceremonies.
Central Asian Traditions and
Cultures
• Oral Tradition and Storytelling:
Central Asian cultures have a
strong tradition of oral storytelling.
Elders and storytellers pass down
knowledge, history, and cultural
values through captivating tales
and legends. This oral tradition
plays a vital role in preserving and
transmitting cultural heritage.
Central Asian Traditions and
Cultures
• Education and Modernization:
Central Asia has undergone
significant educational reforms
and modernization since gaining
independence from the Soviet
Union. The region places great
importance on education, with
efforts to improve access to
quality education, promote
literacy, and encourage scientific
and technological advancements.
Trivia
● Central Asia has the third
largest oil and gas reserves in
the world. Kazakhstan and
Turkmenistan are major
exporters of oil and gas.
 FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Navruz

Navruz is a widely celebrated

festival in Central Asia, marking
the arrival of spring and the
Persian New Year. It is
celebrated on March 21st and is
a time of joy, music, dance, and
traditional food.
 FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Silk and Spices Festival

Held in Bukhara, Uzbekistan,

the Silk and Spices Festival
celebrates the historical
significance of the Silk Road. It
features vibrant parades,
traditional music and dance
performances, and showcases
local crafts and culinary
delights.
 FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Eagle Hunting Festival

This unique festival takes place

in Bayan-Ölgii Province,
Mongolia, where skilled
Kazakh eagle hunters display
their hunting prowess with
trained eagles. Visitors can
witness thrilling competitions
and cultural displays.
 FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Almaty Apple Festival

Held in Almaty, Kazakhstan,

the Apple Festival celebrates
the abundance of apples in the
region. It features various
apple-related activities,
including apple picking, apple
tasting, and traditional apple-
based dishes.
 FESTIVALS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Shashmaqam Festival

This music festival is

celebrated in Samarkand,
Uzbekistan, and showcases
the traditional Central Asian
musical genre called
Shashmaqam. It brings
together talented musicians
and performers from the region
for captivating performances.
TOURIST SPOT IN CENTRAL ASIA

FANN MOUNTAIN IN TAJIKISTAN

TOURIST SPOT IN CENTRAL ASIA

PAMIR HIGHWAY
TOURIST SPOT IN CENTRAL ASIA

DARVAZA GAS CRATER (GATEWAY TO HELL)

 TOURIST SPOT IN CENTRAL ASIA

REGISTAN SQUARE IN SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN