Russia and the Republics Transcaucasia and Central Asia

Transcaucasia Gateway of Migration Bridges Europe and Asia Trades routes = thriving commerce Various people & cultures “Mountain of Language” Jabal Al-Alsun Religions -Predominantly Christian and Islamic b/c close proximity to Middle East King Tiridates III converted to Christianity in 300AD (WRE)

Transcaucasia Czarist and Soviet Rule 1700s, czar’s army made progress in Trancaucasia 1723, Peter the Great’s army captures Azerbaijan 1801, Russia annexed Georgia 1828, took control of Armenia 1870s, the czar’s army added the area to Russia 1920s, Red Army took control of the region Transcaucasia experienced same painful econ. & pol. changes as rest of U.S.S.R. Regained autonomy after 1991

Transcaucasia Economic Potential Agriculture and Industry Have taken advantage of climate & limited land for farming Industry built by Soviets transformed urban regions Iron, steel, chemicals and OIL republics are highly sought after for oil and pipelines “Land of Flames” Dividing the Caspian Sea If it is a sea, then each country has rights to the resources on the sea bed. (Azerbaijan) If it is a lake, then each country must share the wealth equally. (Russia)

Transcaucasia Complex and Troubled land Size of California North = republics part of Russia – Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia & North Ossetia South = Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan Size of California Inhabitants speak dozens of languages Approximately 50 distinct ethnic groups Various religions – Christianity and Islam are dominant

Transcaucasia Conflict Rigid Soviet control held tensions in check – “We’re floating in a zone of half-lawlessness, half-law . . . We destroyed the old system but replaced it with nothing. There is a vacuum.” – Former Soviet citizen 1991, Civil War broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh (mountainous area) Azerbaijan = history proves it belongs to them Armenia = ¾ of population in ethnic Armenian Colin Powell met with leaders in 2001 to settle the issue As of 2012, it belongs to Azerbaijan

Transcaucasia Chechnya Fought against foreign rule continually since 15th century Converted to Sunni Islam to gain entry into Ottoman Empire 16th century, Chechnya declared part of Russia 18th century, Chechens begin revolting 1813, Russia formerly gains control after Russo-Persian War Under Soviets Chechens would rebel when Russian state was in flux (1905, 1917, 1930s, 1940s, 1990s) 1991, Chechen Pres. Dzhokhar Dudayev rallied for recognition of an independent nation Boris Yeltsin said NO b/c it was never independent like the other republics were

Transcaucasia Chechnya Cont’d First Chechen War (1994-1996) Despite superior weapons, Russians had to seek ceasefire Successful in capturing Grozny Unsuccessful in the mountains Russian people did not like the war Inter-War Years Kidnappings and Islamic militants alarmed officials

Central asia 5 Independent republics: Silk road Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Silk road

Central asia “The Great Game” Nuclear Testing (Semey, Kazakhstan) Coined by Arthur Connoly in 19th century Russia and GB disguised officers to map region and get to know local leaders Russians won and Soviets took control until 1991 Nuclear Testing (Semey, Kazakhstan) Between 1949 and 1989, Soviets exploded 470 devices Testing caused widespread health problems Petroleum and Prosperity Oil fields of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan = new “Great Game” Problems of the region??