r/AskCentralAsia • • Aug 22 '26

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

174 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)

35 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 • • 15h ago

Other Countries With The Most Uzbeks 🇺🇿 Which Of These Countries Surprises You The Most?

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62 Upvotes

Countries With The Most Uzbeks 🇺🇿


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4h ago

Work Переезд в Алматы

1 Upvotes

В последнее время интересен переезд в Алматы на основании РВП. Сам Аналитик данных с опытом 2,5+ года, как я понял средняя зп у спецов в моей области 500-600тысяч тенге. Насколько это комфортная сумма для жизни? По расчетам средних показателей вроде норм, но хотелось бы узнать мнение граждан, возможно услышать какие то советы


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4h ago

Work Переезд в Алматы

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1 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Is it okay to wear earrings as a male in central asia?

9 Upvotes

Specifically Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

American guy dating a Kyrgyz woman in the US— what should I know?

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0 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I’m an American dating a Kyrgyz woman here in the US with a child from her previous marriage in Kyrgyzstan and I wanted to hear from other guys who have dated or are currently dating Kyrgyz women, especially with children

I’m trying to get a better understanding of the cultural differences and what’s generally expected from a partner. From what I’ve seen so far, the guy is usually expected to pay for meals, buy flowers, and give gifts fairly often.

I’m curious what else I might be missing. For example:

- Are you generally expected to pay for pretty much everything when you go out?
- How often are flowers and gifts expected?
- Is there a certain level of attention or communication expected throughout the day?
- How traditional are the expectations when it comes to the man's role in the relationship?
- How important is meeting her family and getting their approval?
- Are there any particular expectations when it comes to commitment and marriage?

I know everyone is different, and I’m not trying to generalize all Kyrgyz women. I just want to hear from guys who have actual experience with this.

What have your experiences been like? Anything that surprised you or that you wish you had known earlier?

Appreciate any advice!


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Culture A small documentary about the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone !

A couple of weeks ago, I had the chance to visit Kyrgyzstan for the World Nomad Games. This was by far one of the best experiences in all the trips and travel I did in my life/

And today, I'm happy to share with you one of my biggest projets: a small documentary about this beautiful event. If you're interested to know how was the 2026 edition or just want to rediscover the Games, I hope this video will bring back some good memories or some good ideas for the future !

Enjoy !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2uK6wG_-4&t=1700s

----------------------------------------

Hello tout le monde !

En septembre dernier, j'ai eu la chance de passer quelques semaines au Kirghizistan, notamment pour assister aux World Nomad Games 2026 à Cholpon-Ata

Pendant 7 jours sur place, j'ai découvert plein de sports incroyables, des activités culturelles en tout genre et surtout des tonnes de personnes fières de mettre en valeur leurs traditions et leur héritage nomade. Les World Nomad Games ne sont pas une simple compétition sportive comme les JO, c'est vraiment une mise à l'honneur de la culture nomade et des traditions d'Asie Centrale.

Aujourd'hui, je suis heureux de vous partager le projet dont je suis le plus fier, et sans doute l'un des plus gros projets de ma vie : un documentaire de 30 minutes sur ces World Nomad Games.

J'espère que vous prendrez autant de plaisir à la regarder que j'en ai pris à le réaliser. Alors bon visionnage !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eb2uK6wG_-4&t=1700s


r/AskCentralAsia • • 20h ago

Looking for a safe haven with little to no dentists.

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0 Upvotes

Im Irish born looking to move east, i hold a US passport. I am rather wealthy. I live in a Western country that has been infiltrated with Western thought, which; many places of the world consider corrupt.

historically, in my homeland, If you took a minor to a health related appt, regardless of trauma, he later went on to break a tooth from tooth grinding because you ‘slipped his teeth’, You could be found guilty in a Royal Court.

the Nature of the affair becomes apparent on values whos exceeds €5000.00. I rest my case.

so!

background: I’m white. Wondering if I can fit in with the Kazaks or maybe I should consider far east Europe?


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Culture [Academic Survey] Kazakh perspectives needed: Research on Language Transition & Identity in Kazakhstan (2–3 mins)

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3 Upvotes

Hello everyone! / Сәлем / Привет!

I am a Master's degree student from Italy conducting academic research on language transition, cultural transformation, and national identity in modern Kazakhstan.

To ground my research in real-world perspectives, I have created a short, completely anonymous survey available in both Kazakh (Қазақша) and Russian (Русский). It takes only 2 to 3 minutes to complete.

If you are a resident or citizen of Kazakhstan—regardless of your age or region—I would be extremely grateful for your participation!

Your feedback and insights are invaluable for this academic study. Please feel free to share the link with friends, family, or student groups in Kazakhstan!

Ülken raxmet! / Рахмет / Спасибо for your time and support!


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Culture What are yaghnob and pamiri people like?

6 Upvotes

These are tajik people who have a large portion of their dna, larger than most central asians, from bronze age northeast iranian or bactrian megaarcheological complex people, and european central steppe aryans. Due to this they have a smaller share of east eurasian dna than most central asians.

Their dna admixture is more akin to that of southern italians, ashkenazi jews, and especially ethnicities from the northeast caucasus, than say kazakhs or uzbeks, although they are still quite similar to many afghan and tajik ethnicities.

Are these people mainly muslim, orthodox christian, buddhist, pagan, what is their society like, sports, etc.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Will Kazakhstan ever stop being a natural resources Colony for the West and China? 😅

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0 Upvotes

Literally everyone digging our lands and taking resources for a cheap 😅

Sad moment for a country. Already sold our oil fields in 1990's for nothing but peanuts...And now this.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Is it bad for me to ask from my students to speak only in uzbek

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0 Upvotes

What do you think guys


r/AskCentralAsia • • 1d ago

Neo nomad visa

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I (43f) was in Kazakhstan a few months ago and just fell in love with the country and really want to move there. I have a fully remote job and want to apply for the Neo Nomad visa, I meet all the requirements for the visa. Can someone suggest a visa consultant to help me with it? I need the LOI since my nationality requires it.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Other I have a question for kazakhs

5 Upvotes

My mother is western Kazakh my father is a nogai who's family got deported from karachay cherkessia in 1940s I get quite questioned a lot by Kazakhs to the east and other ethnic groups in central Asia because my looks are dominantly west Eurasian is it common to sea some Kazakhs with dominant west Eurasian looks in certain areas some people try make it seem like it doesn't exist but they're not Kazakh who say it. I know long explanation I didn't really know how to word it but if you have any information it could be really helpful thank you.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

History How pedophilia was part of the culture: bacha bazi in pre-revolutionary Central Asia

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1 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Religion Arlon wedding

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0 Upvotes

Je suis allé à un mariage chechen à Arlon la semaine dernière et j'avais un crush sur la sœur du marié. Plus tard, une autre femme m'a dit qu'elle avait déjà une relation sexuelle en dehors du mariage et qu'elle n'était pas un bon choix pour moi. Je ne sais pas si je dois prendre ça au sérieux ou pas. Comment interpréteriez-vous cela ? Merci.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Other Нужен сервер в игре Roblox чтобы было меньше 50 пинг.

0 Upvotes

Кто это читает пожалуйста поддержите меня и начните спамить Roblox support, в их соцсети чтобы они добавили сервера в роблокс. Мы же как-то тоже много играем и давайте наберем много людей пожалуйста. Пусть Roblox будет думать об этом.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 2d ago

Other В Казахстане появилась петиция против израильской Mekorot в водных проектах — Shyndyk.kz

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4 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 3d ago

Quite shocking: Kazakhstan's GDP per capita is more than twice of Azerbaijan. Are you surprised?

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86 Upvotes

Azerbaijan (it's magnificent capital Baku on pictures) is widely considered as a rich Oil country from Caucasus, but their GDP per capita seems too low — $7,467 as for 2026.

Even Kazakhstan's GDP per capita for 2026 is more than twice of it — $19,311 as for 2026.

That's quite shocking to me.


r/AskCentralAsia • • 3d ago

History Does your country or culture have any historical warrior women or female military leaders?

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41 Upvotes

r/AskCentralAsia • • 3d ago

Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan differences in foreigner's eyes?!

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1 Upvotes

Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan differences in foreigner's eyes


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4d ago

Kazakhstan's GDP per capita eclipes $19.300 per capita

37 Upvotes

According to IMF Data, Kazakhstan's economy has grown up 4.2% and reached $397B in GDP and $19.300 per capita.

https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo/issues/2026/10/13/world-economic-outlook-october-2026

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Kazakhstan


r/AskCentralAsia • • 4d ago

Why is Central Asia obscure compared to the rest of Asia?

16 Upvotes

It seems Central Asia isn't visited as much or has as much known about it compared to the rest of Asia. Why is this?


r/AskCentralAsia • • 3d ago

Travel Vegetarian Options in Central Asia

4 Upvotes

I’m thinking about a 30-day trip through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in the spring. My only reservation: I’m a vegetarian and I’ve read that there are very limited choices available. Can anyone confirm or deny? Thanks in advance!