asia, central

"The nations of South and Central Asia are as fascinating as they are diverse. Ranging from the former Soviet Republics of Central Asia to war-torn Afghanistan to the tiny mountain nation of Bhutan to the worlds second-most populous country, India, the region has been shaped by millennia of conquest, population migration, and, most recently, global geopolitics. The challenges currently facing South and Central Asia, which include overpopulation, food security, environmental degradation, and the ongoing search for democracy, are as diverse as the nations themselves. However, great progress has been made in recent years, and the picture is improving. More people in this region have access to clean water, food, and education than ever before though many challenges are still ongoing. In particular, Islamic extremist groups based in this area pose a security threat not only to the nation-states of South and Central Asia, but to the entire world"--Amazon.com.

Known as the (3z(Bprince of physicians,(3y (BAvicenna made enormous contributions to the fields of medicine, natural history, metaphysics, and religion. His use of Aristotelian logic and his work on the concept of (3z(Bbeing(3y (Bopened the door for a rationalist study of religion, influencing the later Christian philosophers Aquinas, Descartes, and Kant. Avicenna’s monumental Canon of Medicine is regarded as possibly the greatest medical work ever. Available in a Latin translation in Europe one hundred years after his death, it continued to be used there for the next six centuries.

"Describes various animals in South and Central Asia that are endangered and at risk of becoming extinct. Data Sheet sidebars and maps accompany the text"--.

Explores the threat posed by the rise of militant Islamic fundamentalism in Central Asia, discussing how the five Central Asian republics adjacent to Afghanistan have become a key factor in international security.

An illustrated collection of twelve folktales from Central Asia, telling of magic carpets, maidens, tricksters, mountain spirits, and a search for the fountain of life.

Traces the life of the Mongol leader who carved out a vast but short-lived empire in Asia.

Provides an introduction to the food culture of Russia and Central Asia, discussing the historical and geographical factors that have shaped its foods, including information on the major ingredients, preparation, restaurants, special occasion foods, and Russian diet and nutrition. Includes recipes.

Presents the true story of four young American rock climbers who were kidnapped by militants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan in August 2000 while in the Pamir-Altai Mountains and endured six days of captivity before taking drastic action to escape.

Profiles eight artists now living in America who are originally from the Silk Road, an ancient network of caravan trails through which trade goods, ideas, and arts passed between Asia and the Mediterranean.