2. Transcaucasia

3. Gateway of migration Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
Long history of migration b/c gateway between Europe & Asia
Trade routes near Black Sea = thriving commercial regions
Many different cultures, languages, religions because of migration
Christianity & Islam mainly

4. History of invasion Region constantly being invaded
1700s – Russia began invading
Late 1870s – Transcaucasia part of Russian empire
Red Army (1920s) – Soviet military taken control of region

5. Modern life in Transcaucasia
Highly educated population
Supra – dinner party celebration of Georgia; vast quantities of food & drink

6. Central asia

7. Historical crossroads
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
History of travel & trade
The Silk Road; trade route between China & the Mediterranean Sea
Spread ideas, technology & religion

8. The great game
Great Britain & Russian Empire struggle for control of region beginning 19th century
G.B. Wanted to stop Russia from expanding through Central Asia into India
End of 19th century, Russia Empire controlled this area
Collapse of USSR = independent republics

9. Cultures divided & conquered
USSR used differences among ethnic groups to establish authority in region
Carved out 5 new nations corresponding to largest ethnic groups
Led to large ethnic minorities within countries
Divided by ethnic & political loyalties, unified via religion (Islam) & language (Turkish/Russian)
Nomads – people with no permanent home; maintained culture during USSR control
Yurts – nomad tents with elaborate handwoven carpets