CHAPTER 18

Central Asia Section 1: Natural Environments Section 2: History and Culture Section 3: The Region Today

SECTION 1

Natural Environments

Question:

What are the climates, plants, animals, and resources of Central Asia?

SECTION 1

Natural Environments Climates Plants Animals Resources Physical Geography of Central Asia arid, semiarid, Mediterranean, highland deciduous forests, walnut trees, evergreen trees, grasses, shrubs, saxual tree deer, pheasants, wild boar, snow leopards, antelope, wildcats, wolves, domesticated camels, goats, sheep coal, oil, natural gas, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, gold

SECTION 2

History and Culture

Question:

How have various groups influenced the cultures of Central Asia?

SECTION 2

History and Culture Turkish speakers Influences on Central Asian Cultures brought Turkic languages Arabs introduced Islam Mongols under Genghis Khan Mongols under Timur destroyed cities and irrigation systems supported arts and literature; built mosques, gardens, and palaces in Samarqand Russians Soviets irrigated and farmed deserts; built railroads expanded cotton production; redrew political boundaries; movement of Russians into region

SECTION 3

The Region Today

Question:

What are the economic activities of Central Asian countries?

SECTION 3

The Region Today Economic Activities in Central Asia Agriculture • crops—barley, cotton, fruits, rice, tobacco, and vegetables • irrigated and dryland farming • herding camels, goats, horses, and sheep Mining and Industry • huge reserves of minerals • outdated equipment, corruption, poor transportation, lack of funds for investment • limited foreign market Developing Industries • oil and gas production • tourism

CHAPTER 18

Chapter Wrap-Up 1. Why is herding common in the region’s northern areas and farming more common in the south?

2. How did boundary changes during the Soviet era affect the control that Central Asian governments have over their territory?

3. What are the main languages and religions in Central Asia? Which language is losing status?

4. What resources of Central Asia offer the possibility of wealth in the future?

5. How does Issyk-Kul contrast with some other areas in Central Asia?