The Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are revealed post-Soviet dominance.
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
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.
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*
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