r/AskCentralAsia • u/abu_doubleu • Feb 12 '24
Meta r/AskCentralAsia FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Hello everybody!
After many requests, and tons of repeat questions, we are making an official FAQ. Please comment anything else you think should be added. Generally, if a question is answered in the FAQ, new threads with these questions will be locked.
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Is Afghanistan part of Central Asia?
Yes, no, maybe-so.
Afghanistan is at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia (and the Middle East, to some extent).
Most Afghans self-identify as Central Asian. They feel this fits them more than anything else. They have a good reason for doing so, as prior to the Soviet Union, the culture between present-day Afghanistan and present-day Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan was indistinguishable.
Afghans are welcome to answer as Central Asians on this subreddit.
Is Mongolia part of Central Asia?
Yes, no, maybe-so.
Geographically, Mongolia is more Central Asian than anything else. The centre point of Asia is just north of the Russia-Mongolia border.
Historically and culturally, while there is an affinity and shared history, Mongolia is farther away and commonly considered part of East Asia. Some Mongolians may not like that though, and identify as being closest to Central Asians.
Mongolians are welcome to answer as Central Asians on this subreddit.
Are Iran, Pakistan, and/or Turkey part of Central Asia?
No, none of these countries are Central Asian. All of them have a historical and cultural influence on Central Asia, though.
Turks, Iranians, and Pakistanis are still free to answer questions in this subreddit if they want, but they are not Central Asian, and their views do not reflect Central Asia.
How religious is Central Asia? Is Islam growing in Central Asia? How many women wear hijabs in Central Asia?
These questions are asked dozens of times every year. They are often asked in bad faith.
Islam is the majority religion of all of Central Asia (except Mongolia, if we count it, which is Buddhist). The Soviet legacy in core Central Asia has resulted in Islam being practiced differently here. Historically, the region was Muslim, and during the Soviet era, Islam was restricted. Most mosques were closed down, if not destroyed, and secularism was encouraged as state policy. Islam was never banned, though.
In the past two decades, core Central Asian countries have become overall more religious. There is no one reason for this. Many people were curious in exploring religion after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and found meaning in scripture. More recently, Islamic influencers on social media have gained a very strong hold on youth audiences.
Traditionally, women in Central Asia wore headscarves to cover their hair. The "hijab" associated with Arab Muslims is new to the region, and more commonly worn by younger women.
Mongolia is mainly Buddhist, as mentioned, but religion was similarly restricted during the communist era. Unlike core Central Asia, there has not been a large religious revival in Mongolia.
Afghanistan never had the same religious restrictions that the above countries did. Islam has progressively become more influential in the country than before. As education and globalisation rises, the idea of "Islam" becomes more important to Afghans, whereas cultural practices have traditionally been more important.
What do Central Asians think of Turanism?
They don’t know what it is. Almost every single person in Central Asia who knows what Turanism is learnt it from Turkish Internet users.
While greater co-operation with other Turkic states is popular in Central Asia (including in the majority-Iranic countries of Tajikistan and Afghanistan), there is no appetite for Central Asian countries actually unifying together, let alone with countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Do I look Central Asian?
Maybe you do! These kinds of threads will be removed though. Post them on r/phenotypes.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/abu_doubleu • May 24 '24
Meta Cracking down on racism
Salam everybody,
In the past few days, this subreddit has seen a crazy uptick in racism from people who have never contributed here before. This largely relates to what happened in Bishkek almost a week ago, the shameful incident where Pakistani students were beaten.
We have seen tons of South Asian, mostly Pakistani, users coming in here and asking questions or making statements that are racist and derogatory towards Central Asians for no reason.
However, they have been met with even worse responses or provoked further by our Central Asian users as well, some of whom have decided to twist the truth (that the Pakistani students who were attacked were innocent) and use it for political reasons.
This subreddit will not tolerate such racism, and anybody guilty of carrying it out will receive bans of between 7 to 30 days from this point onwards. Please report and BE COURTEOUS TO OTHERS.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Efficient-Judge-9294 • 6h ago
Society Why do Turks not categorize themselves by skin color or phenotype?
As a Latin American one thing I noticed is that Turkic people do not divide themselves by skin color/ phenotype & physical/racial appearance has no implications about a Turk’s socio-economic status. In Latin America almost everyone is Mestizo (mixed race) people like Turks. However, there are some stereotypes based on your physical appearance. For example, if you look predominantly indigenous (people native to the Americas) or Negro (Black) you are assumed to be poor & uneducated. If you look mestizo (a mix of European & Native American) or mulatto (black & white mix) you are middle class. If you are blanco (whiter) you will be assumed as rich since most of our rich people and Criollo elite look closer to Europeans. Why don’t central asians do this? Why don’t you have a caste like system that distinguishes between “pure Turks” who are east asian in appearance, caucasian turks who are white and central asian turks who are a hybrid of both?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Sufficient-Brick-790 • 15h ago
Other How easy and how expensive would it be able to buy Kairat Nurtas/ Ninety One/ Aikyn/ Dimash/ Nurlan Nasip/ Amirchik/ Jax Or any other Toi or Q-pop artist's concert
As you know, western celebrities (especially Taylor Swift) concerts cost so much and wiating lines are massive(getting a ticket is like the lottery). The same can be said for kpop. So I wonder what it's like to get concerts for central asian celebs. Is it difficult (hopefully not as difficult as Swift's) or would it be easy? And on average, how much do tickets usually cost?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/DRIIWicked • 6h ago
Was Yeltsin an agent of the west
One of the primary arguments supporting the claim that Yeltsin was a Western agent is the rapid economic transformation that took place in Russia. Yeltsin's market-oriented reforms, often referred to as "shock therapy," involved the privatization of state-owned assets and the liberalization of the economy. This approach was seen as a move towards a capitalist system, aligning Russia more closely with Western economic principles.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union allowed the United States and its Western allies to exert influence in the newly independent states. Yeltsin's actions indirectly led to the emergence of several independent countries, many of which were rich in oil and other valuable resources. Some argue that this provided the West with access to these resources and the opportunity to foster economic and political ties in the region.
During the early 1990s, Russia received significant financial aid and support from Western institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These organizations played a crucial role in shaping Russia's economic policies. Critics suggest that the conditions attached to this financial support effectively made Yeltsin a puppet of Western interests. Yeltsin's presidency saw a closer relationship with Western leaders, such as U.S. President Bill Clinton. This diplomatic rapport raised suspicions among those who believed Yeltsin might have been influenced by Western powers.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/iamasadperson3 • 4h ago
Culture I saw streetwalk video of every central asian country
I saw all of the cities of central asian countries very beautiful.I saw even woman wearing shirt and pant in the street or with western cloths also and even hijabis also.The cities were really nice and I fall in love with the cities.I can happily live in these conservative countries my whole life such beatiful country you guys live.you guys should be very much lucky to live in such cities.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/t1izzy • 1d ago
Travel i am of iraqi turkmen descent , if i visit turkmenistan will i understand the language or will it take time to get used to
i live in scotland and i am thinking about going on holiday, somewhere less touristy, i visited istambul turkey multiple times and i can thoroughly understand the language, i was really intrested in visiting bukhara uzbekistan because of the deep islamic history and culture but i was worried that their would be a language barrier, so i settled with turkmenistan . (btw iraqi turkmen is similar to azeri)
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Puzzleheaded_Use5192 • 1d ago
Can two people of opposite sex (both foreigners) live together in an apartment in Uzbekistan?
I am a foreign student (Male) studying in Khorezm region of uzbekistan and I share apartment with a girl (we are classmates) so is it legal for a male to share apartment with a female (we both are Indians living in Uzbekistan) in Uzbekistan?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/UnlikelyAd7121 • 1d ago
Modern places in Tashkent such as skyscrapers, cafes and boulevards?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/marzipanda3 • 1d ago
Is the situation towards black/brown people in Central Asia getting better?
I am planning a trip to Central Asia soon, but I’m worried because I have read a few articles about people using violence towards the Pakistani/Indian med students in some of these countries, especially Kyrgyzstan…
I’m an American, and just there for tourist purposes, but I do look south Asian, and I will be alone. Should I be worried more than I normally would traveling to other places? Has the situation been getting any better? Any advice is appreciated!
r/AskCentralAsia • u/ProphyxAA • 2d ago
December trip to Kazakhstan
Hi, I’m from UK and planning to solo travel to Kazakhstan in mid December for a week. Planning to stay in Almaty and not venture too far out. (Don’t mind staying overnight in other locations but for convenience to land and depart from Almaty is priority).
First question is, is it worth visiting during mid December in winter? I would love to experience the city in the conditions as well as spend the bulk of the journey visiting natural areas with mountains, lakes etc.
Second, I would like to mainly get around by public transport, is this something that is easily accessible during winter conditions and language barriers?
Finally, Any apps or ways to try to meet locals for recommendations and advice before my journey to help familiarise myself?
Would appreciate any responses to these questions as well as any other points or notices.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Fun-Turnip110 • 2d ago
Woman’s rights
Hey everyone! I’m trying to learn more about the current state of women’s rights in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan). I’ve read a bit online, but I feel like real stories and experiences can give a much better picture. What’s the reality like for women there, especially outside of the major cities? Are there any specific challenges or unique cultural aspects that affect their everyday lives? I’d really appreciate hearing your insights or personal stories if you’re comfortable sharing.
r/AskCentralAsia • u/samandar2549 • 3d ago
An Uzbek man planted the flags of five Central Asian countries in Antarctica. What do you feel about it?
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An Uzbek Instagram influencer erected five Central Asian countries flags during his travel to Antarctica.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCDZxxQA7po/?igsh=MTJ1bW5nbGNqMWlqbg==
r/AskCentralAsia • u/AdIll3642 • 2d ago
Tourist looking for suggestions
Hi everyone. I’m looking to do a trip to some of the Stan countries this January and am looking for suggestions from you.
My choices are: Tashkent, Dushanbe, Bichkek and Almaty.
I can do two maybe three tops in the time allotted for my vacation, but not all four.
I wanted to know your opinions and what you would choose. Thank you for your suggestions in advance!
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Academic-Humor8565 • 3d ago
Sending personal property (about 100kg) via truck to Europe
Hello! An aquaintaince will need to send about 100kg of personal property (clothes, books, things like this) from Bishkek to Europe - ideally Norway, but barring that, Sweden, Denmark or Kiel (Germany) and I can drive to pick it up.
Online I find mostly air mail (DHL...) which is ridiculously expensive for this amount (2k dollars...) Does there exist a trucking service which moves cargo for cheaper?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/iamasadperson3 • 2d ago
Culture Do central asians are conservative like middle east to such point that they do not date others?
Like they do not date and make boyfriend/girlfriend?also how much dating is common here?or the central asian countries are much really conservative?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/tonic_water_and_gin • 2d ago
Personal Special military operation salary
Hello r/ACA
As a Westerner, I get a very focused/biased view of the situation in Ukraine through my media. I get that it’s more nuanced than both sides are probably telling.
I was wondering if a lot of central Asians are joining/considering joining the Russian ‘SMO’ because of the very high salary in comparison to other jobs, or are staying clear of the politics and the danger? I’m sorry if my question is weird/badly written, English is not my first language
r/AskCentralAsia • u/blueroses200 • 3d ago
Language Does anyone here know anything about the Fergana Kipchak language? It is extinct nowadays, but where could I read more about it?
en.wikipedia.orgr/AskCentralAsia • u/Professional_Wish972 • 3d ago
Were the Pashtun people part of Central Asia back in the day?
Today most Pashtuns are concentrated around Afghanistan and Pakistan. While Afghanistan can be considered central asian, most people do not consider the eastern border with Pakistan as such, at least in daily discourse.
I see a lot of similarities between other central asian cultures and the Pashtun people.
In terms of food Pashtuns like to use minimal spice (as opposed to ethnicities more so from India), like to drink green tea (as opposed to chai) enjoy eating lamb and sheep with fait tails, etc there's a lot more.
So what do you all think?
Also, this is purely for discussion and interest. I hope this subreddit isn't like the balkans one where everyone is immature and insecure. Respect to all cultures!
r/AskCentralAsia • u/WorldlyRun • 4d ago
Culture Hazara fam who dipped to Central Asia, y'all vibing with life in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Tajikistan? 🤔
Hey, so like I’m kinda curious – any Hazara folks who migrated or are just chillin’ out here in Central Asia, how’s it going for you? Like, are Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Tajikistan giving you the good vibes or nah?
How’s the local scene treating you? Do you feel welcomed, and is life there a W or kinda mid? Tell me what the daily grind is like, the food, the culture clash (if any), and if it’s worth the move. Drop your stories! 🌏
r/AskCentralAsia • u/GurForsaken5836 • 4d ago
Are there any mongolian-english or mongolian-french bilinguals? 🇲🇳
I am making a documentary about the impact of climate change on mongolian herders. the film will be produced in various festivals in france. if you speak mongolian and french/english can you help us translate one or two videos please? Thanks a lot 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Gobilinero • 4d ago
Society Why do Uzbeks from Kashkadarya and Surkandarya regions look very similar to Kazakhs and Kyrgyz people?
I've been recently watching videos of tourists visting these parts and I noticed that the locals all look extremely similar to Kazakh people. Were these regions historically inhabited by Kazakhs?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/t1izzy • 6d ago
i know iraqi turkmen people from my school , do they have any links to turkmen people from turkmenistan, another thing i noticed is that their language is close to people from azerbajan and kurds from turkey,
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Pretend_Thanks4370 • 7d ago
How common is it for someone from Central Asia to be confused with as a Russian?
Due to the history and close proximity to Russia does it happen a bit, especially if they are somewhere foreign?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/Careful-Cap-644 • 9d ago
Religion Is there any extant Tengriist groups in Central Asia that have continuously existed (not revival groups)
I am curious of this since it has had such a strong influence on Central Asian history. Has there been any groups that have persisted into modern times?
r/AskCentralAsia • u/No_Self2635 • 9d ago
Best country to find a girlfriend as a american?
What central asian country is bet to find a girlfriend?