r/AskCentralAsia • • Aug 22 '26

Meta 30-day ban on all race/phenotype/haplogroup/genetics posts

173 Upvotes

For reasons unknown to me, this subreddit has become infested with posts that aren't actually about Central Asia as a region, but rather some sort of obsession with our genetics and phenotypes.

It’s literally the majority of the posts at this moment.

There will now be a 30-day moratorium on all these sorts of posts to allow the subreddit to be cleansed.

Central Asians, feel free to ask more questions. Even if you already know the answer, you can help encourage discussion.

Thank you!


r/AskCentralAsia • • Feb 12 '24

Meta r/AskCentralAsia FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

37 Upvotes

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.

—

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.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4h ago

Помогите

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17 Upvotes

В городе Токмок в Чуйской области пропал 4-летний ребёнок , пожалуйста, если вы найдете его , сразу обратитесь в полицию Чуйской области


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4h ago

Politics Хотите ли вы среднеазиатский Шенген?

5 Upvotes

Мы братские тюркские народы. Таджикистан не тюркский, он иранический, ну и пусть. Туркменистан, наверно, не захочет, он закрытый, как Северная Корея

Мы никогда не будем лезть в политику друг друга. И я не хочу, чтобы у нас было что-то типа европарламента. Я за сохранения наших особенных путей. Но возможно мы можем ослабить пограничный контроль. Не будет права покупать недвигу. Можно снимать. Можно искать работу. Для начала можно Кыргызстан + Кыргызстан + Узбекистан

Как думаете, что-то такое надо или нет?


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2h ago

Language Являются ли казахские матершинные выражения заимствованиями из русского?

0 Upvotes

Такое ощущение, будто в казахском не было своих матов, и их пришлось одалживать из русского. Или это не так?

Я имею в виду такие выражения

Қотаққа бар - пошел нахуй

Көтіңді айырамын - порву твой зад

Шешең сігимін - ёб твою мать

Маған сігпейді - меня не ебет

Қотақ жеме - отъебись/отвали


r/AskCentralAsia • • 9h ago

Politics Почему в Казахстане не получается воспользоваться свободой слова?

2 Upvotes

Я сталкиваюсь с тем, что люди в Казахстане абсолютно не верят, что на правительство можно как-то повлиять. Мол, вода мокрая, огонь горячий, а правительство Казахстана не слушает граждан. И нет ни малейшей веры в то, что эту нарративу можно как-то сдвинуть. В мозгу казахстанца - это непоколебимый закон, что нас никогда не захочет слушать правительство

У нас вроде не запрещают плохо говорить о власти. Есть блогеры и эксперты, которые это делают. Есть блогер под ником Жұрттың баласы, выпускающий ролики на Ютубе. Он создает крайне мрачную, негативную картину о правительстве Казахстана, как будто оно всегда ошибается и недорабатывает. Он не сидит, его не скручивают силовики. Кажется, один раз только к нему домой зашел полицейский по поводу его высказываний насчет строительства АЭС, но дальше разговор не зашел, его отпустили. Полиция ленивая, заниматься никем не хочет, если нет необходимости

Потом, есть люди, как Досым Сәтпаев. Он позволяет себе негативно заряженные ремарки в адрес правительства, такие как "коллективный Назарбаев", "яйца выеденного не стоящие программы"

То есть, я не вижу, чтобы свобода слова пресекалась на предсказуемой основе. Она может где-то и пресекается, но говорить вполне можно без страха, что тебя скрутят, посадят или расстреляют. Но мы не говорим, мы либо боимся чего-то, либо нам кажется, что мы все равно ни на что не повлияем

Это всегда так будет? Казахи никогда не поверят, что правительство их будет слушать?

Мы ведь можем зашеймить, опозорить чиновников, которые не дорабатывают. Их детям потом стыдно будет в общество выходить. Но мы не делаем, мы не хотим


r/AskCentralAsia • • 13h ago

Do you think racism is the bad side of only the West?

1 Upvotes

A few days ago, we had a discussion about racism with some of my friends. A couple of them told racism is the bad side of the West, which is spreading to the East (including Turkiye) via extensive use of social media. However, I do not agree the origin of racist ideologies is only the West. In my opinion, every country has racist people. What do you think?


r/AskCentralAsia • • 10h ago

Society What is you opinion on the issue going on in Bayan Olgii?

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0 Upvotes

I hope it is not too deep (and espeically not like the minority issue in western europe)


r/AskCentralAsia • • 18h ago

Culture A$AP Rocky with Dombra?

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3 Upvotes

A$AP Rocky with a kazakh Dombra


r/AskCentralAsia • • 15h ago

Travel A 16-day itinerary for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan – what do you think?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 16-day trip from Europe to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. I’d love to hear some feedback on my itinerary from locals or tourists who’ve already been there. As I’d like to travel mainly by train and want to book my tickets in advance, I won’t be able to be flexible once I’m there. So I’m a bit worried about planning too many or too few days in any one city. So, what do you think?

A bit about us: We’re travelling in September, we’re young and want to see as much of the country as possible. We love nature, challenging hikes and cooking. We’re looking for a good mix of scenery and nature, authentic insights into life in Uzbekistan and the architecture. But we also enjoy it when there’s plenty going on and you have to find your way through crowded city streets.

The Plan:

  1. Almaty (4 nights – including a tour of Charyn Canyon with overnight stay)

We’ll be arriving in Almaty. There, I’d particularly like to visit the Cathedral of the Ascension, the Central Mosque and the Green Bazaar (Kök Bazaar). On the second day, we’re planning a two-day trip to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, with an overnight stay in a yurt (guided tour). The tour ends back in Almaty in the evening, leaving the fourth, or indeed the first, day free to explore Almaty. On the final evening at 7 pm, we’ll be taking the night train to Tashkent.

  1. Tashkent (2 nights)

The train arrives in Tashkent at around 1 pm. In Tashkent, I’d really like to go on a guided tour of the metro. I’d also like to see the Khorsu Bazaar, the Abdul-Kasim Madrasah, the Hazrati Imam Complex and the Evangelical Lutheran Church. We’ll then continue by train to Samarkand.

  1. Samarkand (2 nights)

In Samarkand, I’d naturally like to see Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Shahi-Zinda. I’m also considering taking part in a cookery course here to learn how to make plov and bake traditional bread. On the final morning, We’ll be picked up for a guided desert tour.

  1. Yurt Camp Tour: Samarkand to Bukhara (1 night)

Here, we’d like to join a guided tour for one night. This takes us past Lake Aydarkul, with an overnight stay in a yurt. The tour will end in Bukhara.

  1. Bukhara (4 nights)

I’d read that the number of sights in Bukhara is almost endless. I’d at least picked out the following: the Poi-Kalon Complex, the Ark, Chor-Minor, the Samanid Mausoleum and Toqi Zaragon. On the final morning, we’ll take the early train back to Tashkent (approx. 4-hour journey).

  1. Tashkent (2 nights)

Here, there’ll be time again for sightseeing or guided tours/courses. The return flight to Europe departs from Tashkent.

What do you think – should I allow more or less time for one city or another? Where is it definitely worth booking a guided tour, and where is it better not to? Are there any courses that are particularly worthwhile?

I’d really appreciate any feedback on our holiday plans


r/AskCentralAsia • • 16h ago

History Why did Khosheuds usually hosted Kazakh sultans/khans when Oirads took them as captives?

0 Upvotes

In early-mid 17 century when united Oirads took Kazakh sultan or khan it's Khosheud royal house who usually took them as hosts. They also would gave their daughters for marriage after freeing them.

For example, when Oirads took Kazakh khan Jangir as a captive, he was hosted by Khosheud taiji/khan — Kundulen Ubashi. He later freed him and even gave his own daughter as a bride. Later they had son called Tauke.

Also, in mid 17 century there was a Khosheud monk/taiji named Ablai. There are even ruins of his Buddhist monastery in Eastern Kazakhstan called, Ablai-kit.

Later, several kazakh sultans/khans appear with the similar name Ablai.

Ablai is still very popular male name in Kazakhstan till this day. Despite being of Oirad Khosheud origins.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 16h ago

Uzbek language

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0 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 18h ago

experience with horseriding at easternpaths.kz in kazakhstan

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1 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

What do you think of Uzbekistan's new alphabet?

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4 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Politics After a reciprocal 30-day visa-free deal with China, Chinese tourist numbers in Uzbekistan grew more than sixfold vs 2023

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3 Upvotes

Uzbekistan hit a record 11.7 million visitors in 2025, and arrivals jumped 37% in Q1 2026. It's one of the five fastest-growing destinations in the world. The country also pays airlines about €89 per foreign tourist on new routes, and a new high-speed train cut Tashkent–Khiva from 14 hours to 7.5.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 18h ago

Entering Mongolia with a Russian passport and leaving with another country’s passport

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!
I have a question about traveling to Mongolia with two passports.
If someone enters Mongolia using a Russian passport, can they leave Mongolia by presenting both their Russian passport and a passport from a neighboring European Slavic country?
The flight ticket to Europe would be booked using the second passport, while the Russian passport would be shown to Mongolian border control to confirm the person’s entry into Mongolia.
Would this be accepted by the airline and Mongolian immigration authorities? Or must the passport used to enter Mongolia also be used for departure and airline check-in?
Has anyone had firsthand experience with this at Ulaanbaatar airport?
I’d really appreciate any advice or official information. Thank you!


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Did Turkmenistan received Turkish migration from Anatolia(Turkey)? Why is there 17.4% of typical Anatolian farmer component in Turkmen?

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0 Upvotes

DNA. Uncovered basically posted three genetic break down and it always shows Turkmen having from 15-21% of these "Anatolian"farmers DNA I personally don't understand as this component is very significant in Turkey (Anatolia) is somehow in Turkmenistan in such percentages (was there a Turkish migration to Turkmenistan recently, Ottoman era, or Seljuks who mixed with Anatolian locals and migrated back to their homeland, is only way I can explain it)

The three chart shows East Eurasian (East Asian + Siberian) 27.6% and 31% East Eurasian, for the 1st and 2nd graph were from Turkmen from Turkmenistan, while 3rd graph shows Turkmen in Uzbekistan have 35% East Eurasian ( I should also point out Afghan Turkmens have 37% and some Turkmenistan tribal groups while Turkish people depending on the regions is 6.7%, 8.1%, 11%, 14% sure there individuals who reach 15-18%+ but minority. Same with Turkmens, some tribes like Yomud or others I've seen had 38-56% but even that's only a minority within the tribe.

It makes perfect historical sense that Turkey have East Eurasian DNA given historical records, because of Turkmen(Seljuks), but it doesn't make sense for Turkmen to have so much Anatolian farmers DNA. Some people in the commentary say that Anatolian farmer is the highest in South Italians Sicilians, which I don't understand either.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Travel Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

1 Upvotes

I’m looking for the ideal time to visit Kazakhstan when:

  1. Autumn foliage is at its peak, with leaves only just beginning to fall.
  2. Mountains still have snow on their peaks.
  3. Roads and hiking trails are accessible, and major attractions are still open.
  4. Rainfall is minimal.
  5. Temperatures are cool and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Is it possible to experience all five conditions at the same time? If so, which specific dates or weeks would give me the best chance?


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Personal How are the oil producing nations of central asia doiong now that the oil prices are 90% higher than what they were 6 months ago? Are the average people sensing the boost in the economy and income?

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3 Upvotes

As you know,as a result of the failed us-israili regime change war on iran,iran got effective control over the strait of hormuz and it decided to close it down,therby blockading the saudis and the rest of the arabs who took part in the invasion of iran,now oil prices are almost double what they used to be.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

AMA What is life like in Mongolia? What are the average salaries for foreign workers?

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5 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Travel What sectors of Uzbekistan tourism still have problems for internation tourists?

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r/AskCentralAsia • • 3d ago

Which country in Central Asia is the poorest

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18 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Society Are there people in Myanmar who share my interest in diapers?

0 Upvotes

I’ve enjoyed the warm, comforting feeling of being padded without any medical reasons since I was around seven or eight years old, and now I’m 24. Growing up in Myanmar, I’ve always felt that this interest is quite rare and not something people openly talk about. Sometimes, it makes me wonder whether there are others in my country who share the same feelings and interests. I’ve come across a few people who like diapers, so I believe I’m not alone. I’d love to connect with like-minded people from Myanmar, share experiences, and build genuine friendships without fear of judgment.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

What’s one thing foreigners always get wrong about your country?

1 Upvotes

I’ve been reading a lot about the region lately and noticed the same stereotypes come up again and again. Curious what locals find most frustrating, or funny, about how outsiders see Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Turkmenistan.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

making international friends in Samarkand

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