History of Central Asia
History of Central Asia, the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia proper, with emphasis on the Silk Road, invasions from both East and West, the Soviet period, and post-Soviet state-building.
The Battle of Geok-Tepe
In the late 1870s and early 1880s, Russia conquered Central Asia once and for all. Their most formidable foe was the Akhal Teke tribe of Turkmen (then called Turcomen). Two battles at Geok-tepe, in 1879 and 1881, were key to the Russian colonization of Central Asia.
In the late 1870s and early 1880s, Russia conquered Central Asia once and for all. Their most formidable foe was the Akhal Teke tribe of Turkmen (then called Turcomen). Two battles at Geok-tepe, in 1879 and 1881, were key to the Russian colonization of Central Asia.
The Battle of Talas
The little-known but pivotal Battle of Talas River in 751 A.D. pitted the expanding Arab Moslem army against the forces of the Tang Dynasty Chinese Empire. China was defeated, which resulted in Central Asia becoming part of the Islamic world, and the diffusion of paper-making technology to the West.
The little-known but pivotal Battle of Talas River in 751 A.D. pitted the expanding Arab Moslem army against the forces of the Tang Dynasty Chinese Empire. China was defeated, which resulted in Central Asia becoming part of the Islamic world, and the diffusion of paper-making technology to the West.
Great Conquerors from Central Asia
Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, and Timur (Tamerlane) each spread terror through the civilized world. All three men had their roots in the vast steppes of Central Asia.
Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, and Timur (Tamerlane) each spread terror through the civilized world. All three men had their roots in the vast steppes of Central Asia.