History of Central Asia

From ancient times Central Asia has been the scene of invasions, struggles for empire, inter-tribal warfare and commerce (along the ancient trading route known as the
Silk Road). The home of several Turkic tribes, Central Asia was once part of the vast Persian Empire.

Since then it has been conquered and occupied by the Macedonians, the Arab Empire and the Mongols (including Genghis Khan and Tamerlane) before becoming part of the Soviet Union.

Future for Central Asia

The Muslim republics which have emerged from the rubble
of the former Soviet Union are wrestling with enormous challenges, as they make up for decades lost to oppression, exploitation or war.

Religion of Central Asia

The Arab Empire (Arab Khalifat) imposed Islam on the people of Central Asia who gradually converted to Islam, often incorporating it with their own beliefs to create what is known as Folk Islam. Today the region retains its Islamic identity, though this is stronger in some countries than in others.

The Church in Central Asia

As Islam does not allow free proselytising or the conversion of its followers, the Christian church will continue to face great difficulty and experience persecution as it becomes established. Converts to Christianity find their place in the community, if not their very lives, threatened.

Part of the challenge of Central Asia is in understanding the cultural and religious implications contained in the Islamic world. Most countries are so restrictive that the gospel proclamation is limited to relational, personal evangelism
and discipleship.