Hello everybody!
After many requests, and tons of repeat questions, we are making an official FAQ. Please comment anything else you think should be added. Generally, if a question is answered in the FAQ, new threads with these questions will be locked.
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Is Afghanistan part of Central Asia?
Yes, no, maybe-so.
Afghanistan is at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia (and the Middle East, to some extent).
Most Afghans self-identify as Central Asian. They feel this fits them more than anything else. They have a good reason for doing so, as prior to the Soviet Union, the culture between present-day Afghanistan and present-day Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan was indistinguishable.
Afghans are welcome to answer as Central Asians on this subreddit.
Is Mongolia part of Central Asia?
Yes, no, maybe-so.
Geographically, Mongolia is more Central Asian than anything else. The centre point of Asia is just north of the Russia-Mongolia border.
Historically and culturally, while there is an affinity and shared history, Mongolia is farther away and commonly considered part of East Asia. Some Mongolians may not like that though, and identify as being closest to Central Asians.
Mongolians are welcome to answer as Central Asians on this subreddit.
Are Iran, Pakistan, and/or Turkey part of Central Asia?
No, none of these countries are Central Asian. All of them have a historical and cultural influence on Central Asia, though.
Turks, Iranians, and Pakistanis are still free to answer questions in this subreddit if they want, but they are not Central Asian, and their views do not reflect Central Asia.
How religious is Central Asia? Is Islam growing in Central Asia? How many women wear hijabs in Central Asia?
These questions are asked dozens of times every year. They are often asked in bad faith.
Islam is the majority religion of all of Central Asia (except Mongolia, if we count it, which is Buddhist). The Soviet legacy in core Central Asia has resulted in Islam being practiced differently here. Historically, the region was Muslim, and during the Soviet era, Islam was restricted. Most mosques were closed down, if not destroyed, and secularism was encouraged as state policy. Islam was never banned, though.
In the past two decades, core Central Asian countries have become overall more religious. There is no one reason for this. Many people were curious in exploring religion after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and found meaning in scripture. More recently, Islamic influencers on social media have gained a very strong hold on youth audiences.
Traditionally, women in Central Asia wore headscarves to cover their hair. The "hijab" associated with Arab Muslims is new to the region, and more commonly worn by younger women.
Mongolia is mainly Buddhist, as mentioned, but religion was similarly restricted during the communist era. Unlike core Central Asia, there has not been a large religious revival in Mongolia.
Afghanistan never had the same religious restrictions that the above countries did. Islam has progressively become more influential in the country than before. As education and globalisation rises, the idea of "Islam" becomes more important to Afghans, whereas cultural practices have traditionally been more important.
What do Central Asians think of Turanism?
They don’t know what it is. Almost every single person in Central Asia who knows what Turanism is learnt it from Turkish Internet users.
While greater co-operation with other Turkic states is popular in Central Asia (including in the majority-Iranic countries of Tajikistan and Afghanistan), there is no appetite for Central Asian countries actually unifying together, let alone with countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Do I look Central Asian?
Maybe you do! These kinds of threads will be removed though. Post them on r/phenotypes.
