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The Central Asian republics have a lot in common both in culture and in history. They are all Islamic. And all are predominated by the fact that lie between Turkey and Iran. Another thing are their new independence from USSR. But the relations goes back to the old Timur empire. But the relations haven't been only harmony. Before the Russian occupation there where internal conflicts.
Mainly because of the isolation from the rest of the world Central Asia is like a museum in many ways. The traditions haven't changed mush over the centuries. When it comes to music the most sophisticated music traditions are the Shashmaqam (six maqams), a court music of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
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| Azerbaijan
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Azerbaijan are also considered as a part of the Southwestern Asian. Go to this page for information.
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Kazakhstan
Map of Kazakhstan Commonwealth of Independent states |
Population: 16,5 million
Capital: Astana
note: the government moved from Almaty to Astana in December 1998
Official language:
Ethnic groups: Kazakh (Qazaq) 46%, Russian 34.7%, Ukrainian
4.9%, German 3.1%, Uzbek 2.3%, Tatar 1.9%, other 7.1% (1996)
Background: During the 1950s and 1960s Soviet citizens were urged
to help settle the "New Lands" of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.
The influx of immigrants (mostly Russians, but including some deported
minority nationalities) skewed the ethnic mixture and enabled non-Kazakhs
to outnumber natives. Independence has caused many of these newcomers to
emigrate. Current issues include: resolving ethnic differences; speeding
up market reforms; establishing stable relations with Russia, China, and
other foreign powers; and developing and expanding the country's abundant
energy resources.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More Background: BBC Country profile: Kazakhstan
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Kyrgyzstan
Map of Kyrgyzstan Commonwealth of Independent states |
Population: 4,5 million
Capital: Bishkek
Official language: Kirghiz (Kyrgyz) - Russian
Ethnic groups: Kirghiz 52.4%, Russian 18%, Uzbek 12.9%, Ukrainian
2.5%, German 2.4%, other 11.8%
Background: A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty
and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864;
it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Current concerns
include: privatization of state-owned enterprises, expansion of democracy
and political freedoms, inter-ethnic relations, and terrorism.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More Background: BBC Country profile: Kyrgyzstan
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Tajikistan
Map of Tajikistan Commonwealth of Independent states |
Population: 6,5 million
Capital: Dushanbe
Official language: Tajik
Ethnic groups: Tajik 64.9%, Uzbek 25%, Russian 3.5% (declining
because of emigration), other 6.6%
Background: Tajikistan has experienced three changes in government
and a civil war since it gained independence in 1991 when the USSR collapsed.
A peace agreement among rival factions was signed in 19103, but implementation
has progressed slowly. Nevertheless, a number of opposition political parties
have been legalized and are participating in elections, suggesting that
the country may be stabilizing politically. Russian-led peacekeeping troops
are based throughout the country, and Russian-commanded border guards are
stationed along the border with Afghanistan.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More Background: BBC Country profile: Tajikistan
Go to Uzbekistan for information about Shashmaqam music.
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Turkmenistan
Map of Turkmenistan Commonwealth of Independent states |
Population: 4,5 million
Capital: Ashgabat
Official language:
Ethnic groups: Turkmen 77%, Uzbek 9.2%, Russian 6.7%, Kazakh
2%, other 5.1% (1995)
Background: Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan
became a Soviet republic in 1925. It achieved its independence upon the
dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President NIYAZOV retains absolute control
over the country and opposition is not tolerated. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural
gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if extraction
and delivery projects can be worked out.
(Source: WorldFackbook 2000 CIA)
More Background: BBC Country profile: Turkmenistan
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Uzbekistan
Map of Uzbekistan Commonwealth of Independent states |
Population: 25 million
Capital: Tashkent (Toshkent
Official language:
Ethnic groups: Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%,
Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5% (1996 est.)
Background: Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1925. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militant groups from Tajikistan and Afghanistan, a non-convertible currency, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.
More Background: BBC Country profile: Uzbekistan
The Shashmaqam (six maqam) music are closely related to the Sufi philosphy and sufi religion. Sufi is a part of Islam. And the sufi philosophy is mush about getting closer to God (Allah) through music and meditation. Sufi music are built up in stages, in Uzbekistan called Maqam. It starts in the lower registers, and builds gradually up to the last stage, awj, a more intense stage, in upper register.
Artists from Uzbekistan:
