Central Asia

Turkic Language

Feb 21, 600

Turkic speaking peoples established kingdoms in Central Asia. Not long atfer, Chinese armies conquered the region.

Arab Armies

Feb 25, 751

The Arab Armies defeated the Chinese. Arabic speakers brought the Islamic faith when they invaded.

The Mongols

Feb 21, 1218

Mongols from the far east, led by Genghis Khan began a 200-year rule of CentraL Asia. They destroyed many cities and irrigation systems.

Timur

Feb 21, 1370

A Turkic-speaking Mongol named Timur rose to power to build an empire until 1405.

The Silk Road

Feb 21, 1490

In the late 1400s, Europeans began to sail to East Asia, avoiding the Silk Road. Because of this, trade through Central Asia declined and the region became isloated.

Russia Conquers Central Asia

Feb 21, 1850

Under the czarz, Russia conquered and colonized Central Asia. The conquest began in the north and moved south. Settlers who followed the soldiers irrigated and farmed the desert. Russians also built railroads throughout the regions, The railroads also offered better access to the region resources. Cotton and oil production expanded.

Resistance

Feb 21, 1910

Resistance to Russian rule grew.

Soviet Government

Feb 25, 1917

The Soviet government took power after the Russian Revolution and eventually crushed the resistance.

Political Problems

Feb 25, 1989

Riots erupted between Uzbecks and other in Fergana Valley.

The Soviet Union

Feb 25, 1991

The Soviet Union collapsed and the Central Asian republics decalred their independance.

Astana

Feb 25, 1997

Kazakhstan moved the capital from Atamty to Astana. The government wanted to rebuild the new capital city, but there is not enough money.

Kidnapping

Feb 25, 1999

An Islamic rebel group kidnapped foreign travelers and the region still remains tense.