The geography of Central Asia is very fragmented, but the historical and philosophical significance of Central Asia is precisely due to its fragmentation. Oases are not connected to each other, with the middle separated by the desert. The natural, geographical, and cultural fragmentation of Central Asia contribute greatly to its freedom and make it the perfect passage of different cultures.
The geographical fragmentation of Central Asia has made it difficult for the outside powers to rule it. Centralized order is difficult to sustain here, and autonomous communities that do not belong to each other promote a self-generated order that transcends a single oasis city. The characteristics of freedom in Central Asia are naturally suitable for the requirements of free trade.
It can be said that being the “passage” is the major historical destiny of Central Asia, and its fragmentation has made it successful. Central Asia therefore has a series of settled cities known for doing business. The huge group of merchants has not been affected by the political transformation of Central Asia, and has been conducting cross-border commercial activities.
The booming commercial activities since pre-modern times make people realize the deep interdependence between the nomadic region and the European and Asian powers. From the perspective of culture and civilization, Central Asia has a deep historical and philosophical significance. For example, Buddhism, which was born in India, was spread to China through Central Asia, and its development in Central Asia showed many differences from the Indian origin, showing more possibilities, freedom, and diversity.
Overall, the fragmentation in Central Asia is entirely determined by geography. Fragmentation is the major challenge for studying Central Asia, yet it also defines Central Asia. Although Central Asia does not produce centralized axis civilization, it constitutes the Noah’s Ark of the external civilizations. The spiritual power of the outside civilizations is truly released and strengthened here.
