Unravelling Russia and Central Asia

‘Unravelling Russia and Central Asia’ is a collection of articles by Vladimir Pachkov, a Russian Jesuit.

They’re a unique, personal account of life in today’s Russia and his years in Kyrgyzstan, one of the Muslim-majority nations of Central Asia, which were once part of the Russian Empire, then the USSR and now forever linked. This monograph is the fifth in our Perspective series.

1. The New Silk Road in Central Asia

In September 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a new silk road project. The five objectives of this initiative would be: the coordination of the policies of participating states; greater communication through infrastructure development; trade without restrictions; economic and financial integration; and the promotion of human relations.

The project has enormous potential, not only because it makes sense from an economic point of view, but also because, despite all the problems regarding relationships and ancient prejudices, the young generations in the Central Asian countries look at China and increasingly consider it the model to follow.

2. Christianity in Central Asia: the Jesuit Mission in Kyrgyzstan

Which was the most successful missionary Church during the Middle Ages, Rome? Constantinople?

No. It was Baghdad, the seat of the patriarch of the Apostolic Church of the East, commonly known as the “Nestorian Church.” It flourished under Mongol rule, but then the rulers converted to Islam and faded. Christianity returned to Central Asia with Russian conquests in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the Soviet era, Central Asia became a refuge for those who were persecuted by the regime. Thanks to the sacrifice and dedication of missionaries, Kyrgyz and Uzbek Christian communities have flourished.

3. Is Stalinism Alive in Russia

How can we explain the fact that, although everyone knows who Stalin was and what his system did to the Russian people, he is still one of the most popular personalities in Russia? According to a Levada Center survey, Stalin is considered the most extraordinary personality in Russian history, even more than Pushkin or Putin. So, what drives the Russians to continue honoring this dictator?

But do they really honor him? Or is there something completely different motivating this attitude?

Although the overwhelming majority of Russians are opposed to any attempts to reaffirm the positive aspects of the dictator and his regime, we cannot ignore the process of creeping “re-stalinization” that started from below and that is now used by the state for its own purposes.

4. Islam in Russia

The article highlights the divided identity of a Russia that perceives itself as part of the West while also presenting itself as an alternative to the West and its values.

Since the Middle Ages, Russian self-consciousness has evolved into a synthesis with the Islamic tradition, and the complexity of reciprocal influences between Islam and Russian self-understanding reflects the complexity of Russia itself.

Now the rise of totalitarian Islamic movements challenges the tradition of tolerance and mutual respect that has flourished for centuries and characterized the coexistence between Muslims and representatives of other religions in Russia and Central Asia.

5. Russia between Europe and Asia: Looking East in search of itself?

After looking for decades to the West, Russia has recently found itself in a new situation on the international chessboard, especially since the Ukrainian crisis started in 2014.

A partnership with China, based not only on mutual benefit but also on common values, seems to indicate a turn to the East, toward a Greater Asia rather than a Greater Europe.

Russia has already tried to deny its history and become what it was not by means of artificial reforms or revolutions with catastrophic consequences. For this reason, it is appropriate to pay attention to the attempt to end internal social conflict and finally find a Russian way to modernity.

Photo: The Kazan Kremlin. Kazan is the capital of the Tartarstan Republic, Russian Federation

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?