The countries and peoples of Central Asia, with their unique historical and cultural heritage and important geopolitical position, are on the threshold of a new stage of development that requires rethinking common values and strengthening internal cohesion.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov notes:

"Central Asia is one of the cradles of world civilization. Today, the task is to create a single political, economic and cultural space in the region as a system of complex, multifaceted interaction between our communities…"

Against the backdrop of growing challenges - from global geopolitical instability and economic fragmentation to threats associated with climate change - the formation of a common regional identity that unites the peoples of the five Central Asian countries is becoming one of the key tasks of our time.

*What is behind the concept of "regional identity"?**

When covering visits by leaders of the region's countries, the media usually emphasize the common history, culture, and spiritual roots of the peoples of Central Asia. This is fair: although the titular nations - Turkmens, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks - and the autochthonous peoples have their own culture, traditions, and linguistic features, they are linked by a whole range of common characteristics.

Regional identity is formed under the influence of many factors:

— long-term coexistence in one civilizational space;

— historical events that have influenced all the peoples of the region;

— similar natural and climatic conditions that determine the way of life and economic structures;

— interpenetration of cultures, traditions, moral values, and norms of behavior, etc.

However, a full-fledged regional identity emerges when people perceive themselves as part of a single community. Such a sense of regional belonging can become an important resource for jointly overcoming global challenges and promoting integration in the region.

The role of historical factors

Central Asia has been a crossroads of trade routes and cultural influences for centuries. In ancient and medieval times, there were large states here - Margush, Sogd, Bactria, Khorezm, the Kushan Empire, etc., neighboring numerous khanates, each of which had unique cultural features.

In a later era, the region's presence in the Russian Empire, and then in the USSR, had a significant impact. This period formed a multi-layered identity combining local traditions with elements of Russian and Soviet culture. The Russian language became the language of interethnic communication and left its mark in the educational and cultural spheres.

During the Soviet era, a policy of cultural unification was pursued, but regional characteristics remained. And in the years of independence, the Central Asian countries began to actively revive their historical symbols and traditions, strengthening their national identity.

Thus, the historical context remains the most important basis for the formation of a common regional identity, along with the modern challenges of globalization and integration.

What strengthens regional identity?

— Revival and development of cultural heritage – support for traditional crafts, art, folklore and simultaneous cultural rapprochement of different parts of the region.

— Development of tourism as a tool for intercultural dialogue and acquaintance with the traditions of neighboring countries.

— Educational initiatives, including the study of the history, geography, culture and languages of the region.

— Economic rapprochement – unification of rules, elimination of barriers to trade and investment, adaptation of business to the peculiarities of different parts of the region.

— Interethnic dialogue and participation in international initiatives aimed at the development of Central Asia.

The formation of regional identity is a dynamic and continuous process, requiring consideration of both historical roots and current socio-economic realities.

The role of media and expert community

The media play a key role in the formation and strengthening of regional identity, primarily through the creation of an objective image of Central Asia, forming an idea of it through news, reports, documentaries and other formats.

And this activity should be aimed at both the internal audience and the external information space. Each of these areas should take into account the specifics of the recipient's perception, which determines the nature of the presentation of the material.

In the internal information market of Central Asia, it is important to positively cover local achievements and events, to form a sense of belonging and a sense of community of their lives with the fate of the region among the population of the region.

The scientific and expert community also plays an important role in the formation of regional identity. Thus, more in-depth scientific research by scientists and experts on the historical, cultural and social aspects of the region will help to better understand its features, and on their basis to develop educational programs, as well as recommendations on the issues of preserving and developing identity.

Public discussions and conferences organized by the scientific and expert community also contribute to the dissemination of knowledge about the region.

For the effective formation of regional identity, it is necessary to interact with the media and the scientific community, to organize joint projects and events aimed at popularizing regional culture and history.

For the effective formation of regional identity, it is necessary to have interaction between the media and the scientific community, to organize joint projects and events aimed at popularizing regional culture and history.

It is desirable that the media engage experts to create more accurate and objective content about the region. It is important to conduct training seminars for journalists on the basics of correct coverage of topics related to regional identity, taking into account cultural and historical features. And such cooperation between the media and the scientific community can significantly strengthen the process of forming and strengthening the identity of Central Asia, creating a completer and more accurate picture of the region both inside and outside it.

Central Asia is a special region with many ethnic groups, each of which contributes to the overall cultural mosaic and the formation of regional identity.

The observed process of strengthening the identity of Central Asia reflects the efforts of the five states of the region - Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, aimed at creating a single civilizational space based on respect for diversity, historical memory and common goals for the prosperity of our peoples.

Bekdurdy AMANSARYEV,

Center for Strategic Studies of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan