This book explores the role museums play in shaping the cultural and historical identities of Central Asia. Through an analysis of around 50 museums, this book offers insights into how these "memory machines" contribute to contemporary identity formation in Central Asia, serving as both cultural guardians and storytellers. It traces the development of these institutions from the Russian colonial era to the present, examining how they have navigated the region's complex socio-political landscape.

The book addresses various themes, such as the influence of Soviet policies on museum development, the relationship between religion and atheism in museum narratives, and the renewed interest in pre-Soviet cultural heritage. It also considers how museums utilise historical figures and scientific achievements to craft national stories, exploring identity through the dual perspectives of settled and nomadic lifestyles.

Aims to present how and to what degree museums in Central Asia serve as a tool for creating national identities Includes not only major museums but also small local ones that have not yet received scholarly attention Offers a contextual understanding of museology in the Central Asia region

Autorentext

Katarzyna Jarosz is a researcher and lecturer specialising in the history of science and memory studies, and is currently an assistant professor at the International University of Logistics and Transport in Wrocaw, Poland.

She earned her PhD in the history of archaeology from the University of Warsaw in 2013. She holds a master's degree in Romance philology and is fluent in several languages, including French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese, which enhances her international research activities. Katarzyna has worked at various scientific institutions, and her research interests encompass the history of science and memory studies. She has written numerous articles and book chapters on museums in Central Asia and teaches courses and supervises master's theses on heritage management. She has also undertaken research fellowships at institutions such as the Centre for the History of Global Development at Shanghai University

Inhalt

chapter 1: Introduction.- chapter 2: Mobility or continuity.- chapter 3: Framing Science for Nation Building.- chapter 4: Presentation of Russian and Soviet Past.- chapter 5: Religion and Systems of Belief.