India and Central Asia have shared a geo-cultural affinity and a long tradition of historical contacts that dates back to antiquity. There is convergence of views and interests between the Central Asian Republics and India, on fundamental issues such as; (a) need to maintain social harmony and equilibrium by promoting inter-ethnic harmony and peaceful co-existence; (b) commitment to secularism and democracy and opposition to religious fundamentalism; (c) recognition of threat to regional security and stability from trans-border terrorism, arms and drug trafficking, religious extremism and ethnic-religious secessionism; (d) commitment to the principles of territorial integrity of nation states and inviolability of state borders; (e) promoting economic, scientific and cultural cooperation and (f) ensuring peaceful and tranquil neighbourhood in Afghanistan. The Central Asian Republics, being cautious and wary of dominating influence of the powerful neighbours like Russia and China look towards India as a friend and partner, which does not have any political or territorial ambitions in the region. India is also expected to play a balancing role in the big power games in Central Asia.

Özet Çin bölgesinde yaşayan Türk toplulukları, 19. yüzyılda bölgedeki güç dengelerinin değişmesine bağlı olarak birçok siyasi çekişme ve isyana tanık olmuş; bu politik istikrarsızlık sürecinde Çin idaresi altında kendilerine has geleneksel yaşam tarzıyla diğer topluluklardan ayrılmışlardır. Bu çalışma 19. yüzyılda Çin bölgesinde yaşayan Türklerin tanık olduğu siyasi olayları, tarımsal üretimini, sanayisini, ticaret modellerini, vergi sistemini, parçalanmış sosyal yapısını, din algılarını, konut tiplerini, ceza uygulamalarını, eğitim sistemlerini, başlık parası geleneğini, toplumsal ve cinsel istismar olgusunu, yeme-içme alışkanlıkları ve uyuşturucu kullanımını konu edinmiş, bu uygulamalar hakkında dönemin gezginleri ve özel görevli kişilerince tutulan raporlar ve yazılan eserler temelinde açıklamalar yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmada ayrıca Çin bölgesinde yaşayan Türk toplulukları ayrı ayrı ele alınmış, yaşadıkları dönemde hangi özellikleriyle tanındıklarına değinilmiştir. Özellikle Uygurlar bu yüzyılda diğer Türk topluluklarında gerek coğrafi olarak kopuk olmaları gerekse ayrıştırıcı Çin politikaları sebebiyle Çin idaresi altında milli bir şuura kavuşamamış, kendilerini ilgilendiren önemli sosyal olaylar ve siyasi uygulamalar karşısında tepkilerini ortaya koyamamıştı. Yiyecek ve içeceklerin seyrek nüfusa fazla gelmesi, rekabet eksikliği gibi sebeplerden dolayı Türk toplulukları ülkedeki eğitim ve sağlık standartları, tarım, sanayi ve ticaretin gelişmesi konusunda kayıtsızdı.. Eğlence ve ibadetle ilgilenen halk, sosyal açıdan durgun bir görünüm sergilemişti.

Ladakh is one of the largest administrative units in India, in terms of its territory. Due to its contiguity with Xinjiang and Tibet and its close proximity to Central Asia, and enjoying a central position in the network of overland caravan routes that were linked to the Silk Route, Ladakh acted as an important gateway in the Indo-Central Asian exchange of men, materials and ideas through the ages. By declaring the Leh and Kargil districts of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State a Union territory, the Government of India has, rekindled hopes in the region of revival of traditional India-Central Asia trade routes passing through Ladakh and Xinjiang. L adakh has the distinction of being one of the largest administrative units in India, in terms of its territory. In historical, cultural and spiritual terms, Ladakh is unique in respect of the number of Buddhist gompas (monasteries), its distinct history, language and culture. Directly facing two belligerent neighbours-Pakistan and China-Ladakh is India's most strategic region. The high-altitude battleground of Siachen is also situated in Ladakh. After both the Houses of the Indian parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, 2019 on August 5-6, 2019, the Ladakh division comprising Leh and Kargil districts of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State, became a Union Territory (UT) to be administered by the President of India through a Lieutenant Governor. In doing so the Government of India has met the longstanding demand of the people of Ladakh for a Union Territory to enable them to realize their political aspirations and also to preserve and promote their distinct historical, ethnic, linguistic and eco-cultural heritage and identity. The decision has been celebrated with jubilation by the people of Ladakh, cutting across various sections of society. The Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Leh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association, the Gyalrung Drukpa, and other bodies have, in their separate statements, extended wholehearted support and thanks to the union government for granting Union Territory status to the region. To quote a Ladakhi scholar, 'The demand for a separate status of Ladakh has been pending since 1947-older than the demand for Telangana'. 1 This article provides a historical, economic and geo-strategic perspective about the importance of Ladakh, in the context of the new developments taking place at a fast pace across the borders of Ladakh.

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