Historian from America Introduces Kazakh Translation of Central Asian Historical Tome

American historian Adeeb Khalid, a professor of Asian Studies and History at Carleton University since 1993, recently presented the Kazakh-language edition of his book "Central Asia: A New History from the Imperial Conquests to the Present" at Nazarbayev University in Almaty.

The presentation was organised by the CAPS Unlock think tank and marked a significant event in the study of Central Asian history. Khalid, who has been working in the region for 30 years, aimed to write a regional history rather than a series of disconnected national stories.

Central Asia, according to Khalid, is a complex region that has experienced all the things that the modern world has seen, including imperialism, colonialism, anti-colonialism, urbanization, economic development, social engineering, and environmental disasters. The book covers Central Asia's history from the imperial conquests in the 18th century through the Soviet century and into the independence era.

Addressing the lack of accessible syntheses in the modern period of Central Asia's history became one of Khalid's goals in writing his book. The author's hope was to introduce the region in an accessible but sophisticated way to counter stereotypes attached to Central Asia.

The book was written over several years, with four years devoted to writing the manuscript. It primarily focuses on modern Central Asia study, with connections to cultural change, empire and colonialism, and nationhood. Khalid's works also delve into the 18th-century conquests of Central Asia by Russia and China, and continue through the Soviet century and into the independence era.

After retiring from Carleton College, Khalid was invited by Princeton University to publish a book about Central Asia for a wider audience. His works have been well-received, with the book presentation also organised at the Almaty-based National Academy of Sciences.

In addition to his scholarly work, Khalid teaches courses on Russia and the Middle East. His book aims to provide a regional history rather than a series of disconnected national stories, offering a comprehensive understanding of Central Asia's rich and complex history.

Historian from America Introduces Kazakh Translation of Central Asian Historical Tome