Physical Geography The Big Idea Central Asia a

Physical Geography The Big Idea Central Asia, a dry, rugged, landlocked region, has oil and other valuable mineral resources. Main Ideas • Key physical features of landlocked Central Asia include rugged mountains. • Central Asia has a harsh, dry climate that makes it difficult for vegetation to grow. • Key natural resources in Central Asia include water, oil and gas, and minerals. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Key physical features of landlocked Central Asia include rugged mountains. • All of the countries in this region are landlocked, or completely surrounded by land with no direct access to the ocean. Mountains • Many high mountain ranges through Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan • Large glaciers in high mountains such as the Pamirs • The mountains have contributed to the region’s isolation. • Frequent earthquakes Plains and Plateaus • From mountains in east, the land gradually slopes westward. • The central part of the region is covered with plains and low plateaus. • The plains region is the site of the fertile Fergana Valley, a major center of farming in the region for thousands of years. Holt Mc. Dougal, Rivers and Lakes • Two rivers, the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya, flow through the Fergana Valley from eastern mountains into the Aral Sea, which is really a large lake. • Another important lake, Lake Balkhash, has freshwater at one end and salty water at the other end.

Main Idea 2: Central Asia has a harsh, dry climate that makes it difficult for vegetation to grow. High peaks in the eastern mountain area are too cold, dry, and windy for vegetation. Two deserts— the Kara-Kum and the Kyzyl Kum—have extremely high temperatures. Holt Mc. Dougal, Temperature ranges are not so extreme in the north and rainfall is heavy enough for plants to grow.

Main Idea 3: Key natural resources in Central Asia include water, oil and gas, and minerals. • Main water sources are the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. • Conflict between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan over how to use the water from the rivers • River water used mostly to irrigate cotton fields • So much water from the rivers is used for irrigation that almost no water reaches the Aral Sea today. • Central Asia’s rivers also supply power. • Large dams on the rivers generate hydroelectricity. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Oil and Other Resources Oil • Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan have huge reserves of oil and natural gas. • Reserves must be exported to benefit the countries. • With no ocean port, oil and gas must be transported through pipelines. • Building and maintaining pipelines is difficult through the rugged terrain. Other Resources • Other minerals are also present. • Kazakhstan has many mineral mines. • Gold, silver, copper, zinc, uranium, and lead • Also large amounts of coal Holt Mc. Dougal,

History and Culture The Big Idea The countries of Central Asia share similar histories and traditions, but particular ethnic groups give each country a unique culture. Main Ideas • Throughout history, many different groups have conquered Central Asia. • Many different ethnic groups and their traditions influence culture in Central Asia. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: Throughout history, many different groups have conquered Central Asia. Trade Invasions • Beginning in about 100 BC the best trade route between Europe and China ran through Central Asia and was called the Silk Road. • Interest in the trade route sparked many invasions, among the first were Turkicspeaking nomads from northern Asia in AD 500. • Cities along the road, such as Samarqand Bukhara, grew rich from the trade. • Arab armies took over much of the region in the 700 s and ruled until the 1200 s. • By 1500 Europeans were sailing to East Asia through the Indian Ocean, and trade through Central Asia declined. • Mongol armies conquered Central Asia in the 1200 s, followed later by various tribes, such as the Uzbeks, Kazakhs, and Turkmens. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Russian and Soviet Rule • The Russians conquered Central Asia in the mid-1800 s. – Built railroads – Expanded cotton and oil production – Rule came to be resented • After the Russian Revolution in 1917 the new Soviet leaders weakened resistance to their rule by dividing Central Asia into republics. – They encouraged ethnic Russians to move to these areas and made other people settle on government-owned farms. • The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The Central Asian republics finally became independent countries. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: Many different ethnic groups and their traditions influence culture in Central Asia. • For centuries Central Asians have made a living by raising horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. • Many herders live as nomads, people who move often from place to place. • Unique homes, called yurts, make moving with the herds possible. A yurt is a movable round house made of wool felt mats hung over a wood frame. Holt Mc. Dougal,

People, Languages, and Religion People Languages • Several ethnic groups (all part of larger ethnic group, Turkic), including: – Kazakh – Kyrgyz – Turkmen – Uzbek – Russian • Each ethnic group speaks its own language. • In most countries, more than one language is spoken. • When the Russians conquered the region, they established Russian as the official language. • They also introduced the Cyrillic alphabet, but most countries now use the Latin alphabet. Holt Mc. Dougal, Religion • Traders and conquerors brought their religious beliefs to the region. • Islam is the main religion in Central Asia. • Most of the region’s Christians attend the Russian Orthodox Church.

Central Asia Today The Big Idea Central Asian countries are mostly poor, but they are working to create stable governments and sound economies. Main Ideas • The countries of Central Asia are working to develop their economies and to improve political stability in the region. • The countries of Central Asia face issues and challenges related to the environment, the economy, and politics. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 1: The countries of Central Asia are working to develop their economies and to improve political stability in the region. Afghanistan • Long war with the Soviet Union in the 1980 s • In the mid-1990 s a radical Muslim group, the Taliban, took over most of the country, including the capital, Kabul. • After September 11, 2001, attacks, U. S. and British forces attacked Taliban and al Qaeda targets and toppled the Taliban government. • The new government has a new constitution, new voting regulations, and a new national assembly that includes women. Holt Mc. Dougal,

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Kazakhstan • Strong Russian influence • Growing economy based on oil reserves and quick adaptation to the free market • Stable democratic republic with an elected president and parliament Kyrgyzstan • Clan membership and nomadic traditions are important. • Mix of irrigated crops and dryland farming, or farming that relies on rainfall instead of irrigation, is most important industry. • Low standard of living, signs of strengthening economy • Fairly stable government Holt Mc. Dougal,

Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan Tajikistan • Republic with an elected president • Relies on cotton farming; only 5 -6 percent of country’s land is arable, or suitable for growing crops Turkmenistan • Parliament with president for life who holds all the power • Supports Islam, but not as political movement • Economy based on oil, gas, and cotton Uzbekistan • President who holds all the power • Government closely controls the economy. • Economy based on oil, gold, and cotton Holt Mc. Dougal,

Main Idea 2: The countries of Central Asia face issues and challenges related to the environment, the economy, and politics. Environmental Challenges • Shrinking of the Aral Sea, with dust storms and impact on the fishing industry • Radiation left over from Soviet nuclear bomb testing • Overuse of chemicals in crop production Economic Challenges Political Challenges • Reliance on one crop, cotton • Lack of political stability • Focus on cotton has not encouraged development of manufacturing industries. • Often faced with terrorist threats from different political groups within their own countries • Oil and gas development slowed by outdated tools, lack of funds, poor transport Holt Mc. Dougal,