During my hiatus from researching, writing, and podcasting, I made a TikTok account! It's an account for both my fiction writing and historical research, because why not? Here are a few history related videos I've made. Be sure to follow me to watch my videos. My most recent video about the Jadids: https://www.tiktok.com/@pepperthephoenix/video/7231993953946520875?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7218027748002661934 Here is … Continue reading I have a Tiktok
Episode 50th – After the Russian Civil War: The Fall of the Alash Orda and the Jadids 1925-1938
It is my 50th episode and the last episode of season 2! Today we will discussing the fall of the Alash Orda and the Jadids and the full Sovietization of Central Asia. Since this is the last episode of the season I will be taking a month break and then will launch Season Three: the … Continue reading Episode 50th – After the Russian Civil War: The Fall of the Alash Orda and the Jadids 1925-1938
Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi
For a decade the Basmachi frustrated the Soviets, popping up where they were least expected, and preventing them from establishing total control in the region. However, by 1926, the Basmachi were on their last leg. Hiding in northern Afghanistan, they faced a choice of one final assault or fading away into obscurity. Join my Patreon … Continue reading Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi
Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi
For a decade the Basmachi frustrated the Soviets, popping up where they were least expected, and preventing them from establishing total control in the region. However, by 1926, the Basmachi were on their last leg. Hiding in northern Afghanistan, they faced a choice of one final assault or fading away into obscurity. If you enjoyed … Continue reading Episode 49th – After the Russian Civil War: The Last Days of the Basmachi
Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States
It is our third anniversary! Help us celebrate by joining my relaunched Patreon and enjoy the chaos that is me, someone with undiagnosed ADHD, try to maintain a podcast that focuses on one conflict at a time. Join My Patreon Stop Cop City The Balance of Power in Central Asia by the End of 1923 … Continue reading Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States
Episode 48: After the Russian Civil War: Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States
It is our third year anniversary! To help us celebrate join my re-launched Patreon and enjoy the chaos that is me, someone with undiagnosed ADHD, try to maintain a podcast that focuses on one conflict at a time. Learn how the Soviet desire for a more centralized approach to the economy and government in Central … Continue reading Episode 48: After the Russian Civil War: Transforming Central Asian Republics into Nation-States
Zhenotdel and Women’s Liberation in Central Asia
One of the reform efforts preached by the Jadids and the Bolsheviks was the "liberation" of Central Asian women. The Bolsheviks sent their own women's group, Zhenotdel, to help Central Asian women modernize, starting with an unveiling campaign that did not go according to plan. Support me on Patreon Help people in Turkey and Syria … Continue reading Zhenotdel and Women’s Liberation in Central Asia
Episode 47-Russian Civil War: Zhenotdel and Women’s Liberation in Central Asia
One of the reform efforts preached by the Jadids and the Bolsheviks was the "liberation" of Central Asian women. The Bolsheviks sent their own women's group, Zhenotdal, to help Central Asian women modernize, starting with an unveiling campaign that did not go according to plan. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon … Continue reading Episode 47-Russian Civil War: Zhenotdel and Women’s Liberation in Central Asia
The Creation of the Central Asian Soviet Republics
After Enver Pasha led the Basmachi to their doom, the Bolsheviks turned their attention towards creating reliably Communist governments in Central Asia who were loyal to the USSR. The local actors, like the Jadids, Alash Orda, Young Bukharans, etc, focused on using Bolshevik capital and military might to create a modern, Islamic government. This episode … Continue reading The Creation of the Central Asian Soviet Republics
Episode 46 – the Russian Civil War: the Creation of the Central Asian Soviet Republics
Apologies for the unexpected hiatus, but we're back with an episode on the creation of the Central Asian Soviet Republics. After Enver Pasha led the Basmachi to their doom, the Bolsheviks turned their attention towards creating reliably Communist governments in Central Asia who were loyal to the USSR. The local actors, like the Jadids, Alash … Continue reading Episode 46 – the Russian Civil War: the Creation of the Central Asian Soviet Republics
Five Facts about the Basmachi’s Approach to Guerrilla Warfare
The Basmachi was disorganized, disjointed guerilla movement in Central Asia during the Russian Civil War. Despite being led by various different leaders and experiencing varying level of organization and success, every unit used these 5 basic tactics in their war against anyone who threatened their small c, conservative values. https://videopress.com/v/5spljiuP?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&posterUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fsamswarroom.files.wordpress.com%2F2022%2F11%2F5-facts-about-the-basmachi-approach-to-guerrilla-warfare.jpg&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true A video about the Basmachi's … Continue reading Five Facts about the Basmachi’s Approach to Guerrilla Warfare
Episode 44 – The Russian Civil War: Abdurauf Fitrat
Learn about Abdurauf Fitrat, a giant in Central Asian literature and a statesman who played a key role in creating the modern state of Uzbekistan and its language. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon References: Making Uzbekistan: Nation, Empire, and Revolution in the Early USSR by Adeeb Khalid Reviewed Work(s): Evading … Continue reading Episode 44 – The Russian Civil War: Abdurauf Fitrat
History in 5ish Minutes: the Basmachi’s Approach to Guerrilla Warfare
Learn about the five tactics the Basmachi used against the Bolsheviks and why they, ultimately failed. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon Resources “The Basmachi or Freemen’s Revolt in Turkestan 1918-1924 by Martha B. Olcott “Revolution in the Borderlands: The Case of Central Asia in a Comparative Perspective” by Marco Buttino … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: the Basmachi’s Approach to Guerrilla Warfare
My Love for Central Asian Literature Part 1 – Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulla Qodiry, and Cho’lpon
Learn about my love for the works by Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulla Qodiriy, and Cho'lpon Support me on Patreon Support Pakistan I’m currently working on a script for my history podcast, the Art of Asymmetrical Warfare, about three Central Asian literary giants: Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulla Qodiry, and Abdulhamid Sulayman o’g’li Yusunov also known as Cho’lpon and … Continue reading My Love for Central Asian Literature Part 1 – Abdurauf Fitrat, Abdulla Qodiry, and Cho’lpon
History in 5ish Minutes: Frunze’s Strategy Against the Basmachi
Learn about the five tactics Red Army General Mikhail Frunze used against the Basmachi. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon Help Pakistan Page Help Puerto Rico Page Resources “The Basmachi or Freemen’s Revolt in Turkestan 1918-1924 by Martha B. Olcott “Revolution in the Borderlands: The Case of Central Asia in a … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: Frunze’s Strategy Against the Basmachi
The Russian Civil War: Enver Pasha and the Basmachi
What happens when a former Ottoman Pasha, sentenced to death in absentia finds himself in Central Asia? If you're Enver Pasha, you first align with the Bolsheviks before jumping ship and joining the Basmachi. Learn how Enver led the Basmachi until his death in a small village in eastern Bukhara. Join My Patreon Help Pakistan … Continue reading The Russian Civil War: Enver Pasha and the Basmachi
Episode 43-The Russian Civil War: Enver Pasha and the Basmachi
What happens when a former Ottoman Pasha, sentenced to death in absentia finds himself in Central Asia? If you're Enver Pasha, you first align with the Bolsheviks before jumping ship and joining the Basmachi. Learn how Enver led the Basmachi until his death in a small village in eastern Bukhara. If you enjoyed this episode, … Continue reading Episode 43-The Russian Civil War: Enver Pasha and the Basmachi
Russian Colonialism in Central Asia 1860-1890
From 1860 to 1890, Russia conquered Central Asia. What started as crafting a strong border along their Siberian territories grew into the conquest of most of modern day Central Asia. Join my Patreon Fight for Abortion Rights Russia and Central Asia have a long, intertwined history that altered between coexistence and conflict. The Russians didn't … Continue reading Russian Colonialism in Central Asia 1860-1890
A Brief History of Central Asia
A brief summary of the history of Central Asia from the 7th century to the early 20th century. Join my Patreon Fight for Abortion Rights The Samanids-7th to 10th Century In her book, Russia and Central Asia: Coexistence, Conquest, Convergence, Shoshana Keller wrote that “if you look at a map, Central Asia is at the … Continue reading A Brief History of Central Asia
Episode 42-The Russian Civil War: Frunze vs the Basmachi 1920-1921
After disbanding the Musburo and overthrowing the Emirs of Khiva and Bukhara, Frunze has one more enemy to eliminate before communism can take hold in Central Asia: the Basmachi. Learn how Frunze created an counter-insurgency strategy against the Basmachi while dealing with mountain warfare, a ragtag army, and a region wracked with famine and sectarian … Continue reading Episode 42-The Russian Civil War: Frunze vs the Basmachi 1920-1921
Episode 40-Russian Civil War: Central Power POWs , Indian Revolutionaries, and British Agents, Oh My!
Join us as we discuss the fate of Central POWs in Turkestan, what Indian Revolutionaries were doing in Tashkent, and how the British attempted to continue their Great Game spy adventures during the Russian Civil War. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon Transcript Stand with Ukraine Resource Page Help Trans People … Continue reading Episode 40-Russian Civil War: Central Power POWs , Indian Revolutionaries, and British Agents, Oh My!
Episode 38-Turar Risqulov: A Kazakh Revolutionary Leader
Turar Risqulov: mighty intellectual, leader of the Musburo, and a powerful Kazakh member of the Soviet Union. He was betrayed by the very ideology he supported, and executed along with others like him because their nationalistic legacy threatened an insecure Stalin. Learn about how he tried to save Turkestan during a Russian Civil War, his … Continue reading Episode 38-Turar Risqulov: A Kazakh Revolutionary Leader
15 Holiday Gift Ideas for History and/or Book Lovers
The holidays are here and you haven’t bought a present yet for your history and/or book lover! No judgment-I haven’t gone holiday shopping either. But my own frantic panic inspired me to put together this list of 15 books about Central Asia for that special history or book lover in your life. Fiction Central Asian … Continue reading 15 Holiday Gift Ideas for History and/or Book Lovers
Episode 34- Giants of Alash Orda: Alikhan Bukeikhanov and Akhmet Baitursynov
Join us as we discuss two giants of Alash Orda and fathers of modern Kazakhstan: Alikhan Bukeikhanov and Akhmet Baitursynov. Indivisible's Give Ground Campaign Indivisible's Build Back Better Campaign Borderless Magazine Article on Increasing Vaccine Access in Prisons and ICE Detention Centers If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon References Central Asia: … Continue reading Episode 34- Giants of Alash Orda: Alikhan Bukeikhanov and Akhmet Baitursynov
Episode 33-the Russian Civil War: the Alash Orda and the White Army
After negotiations with the Bolsheviks stall, the Alash Orda turn to the White Movement in Siberia. What they find are endless political factions, Cossacks, numerous battles with the Red Army, and a White Army coup. Help Afghanistan Page Support the victims the Haitian Earthquake and Hurricane Ida Stand Up for Abortion Rights If you enjoyed … Continue reading Episode 33-the Russian Civil War: the Alash Orda and the White Army
Episode 32-the Russian Civil War: the Alash Orda and the Bolsheviks
The Russian Civil War knocks on the door of Siberia and the Steppe. The newly created Alash Autonomy must decide who they will ally with: the Bolsheviks or the White Army. Attracted by Bolshevik rhetoric, the Alash Orda start negotiates with the Soviets, but quickly learn that they have two, conflicting definitions of "self-determination" Help … Continue reading Episode 32-the Russian Civil War: the Alash Orda and the Bolsheviks
Episode 31-Kolesov Bukharan Campaign or How not to Invade Bukhara
The Tashkent Soviet just overthrew the Kokand Autonomy and now they rule Turkestan which is being threatened from all directions by famine, the Red and White Armies, the Basmachi, and violent tensions between the Russian Settlers and the indigenous peoples. So, obviously, the bests thing to do is invade their name the Bukharan Khanate. If … Continue reading Episode 31-Kolesov Bukharan Campaign or How not to Invade Bukhara
Episode 29-The Kokand Autonomy
In November 1917, the Muslim modernizers of Turkestan came together to create the Kokand Autonomy. But how can people with no governing experience govern a region racked by ethnic violence and famine while their neighbors, the Tashkent Soviet, are planning an all out assault? If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon Donate … Continue reading Episode 29-The Kokand Autonomy
The Russian Revolution and the Khivan Khanate
Introduction What is a Khanate to do when his Russian supporters are overthrown by a revolution and he must now rely on a traitorous warlord to retain his throne? Read our article to learn about the Khivan Khanate during the Russian Revolution. Support Me on Patreon Support LGBTQ+ Organizations Stop Asian Hate Listen to our … Continue reading The Russian Revolution and the Khivan Khanate
The Basmachi
Introduction Famed but often misunderstood guerilla fighters, the Basmachi were an Islamic resistance force that targeted both the Bolsheviks and modernizing Islamic forces of Central Asia. This article provides a basic overview of their creation, organizational hierarchy, and talks about some of their most famous leaders. Support Me on Patreon Black Lives Matters Resources Support … Continue reading The Basmachi
Episode 28-The Basmachi
Famine, civil wars, complete breakdown of authority-it only makes sense to join a guerilla movement that promises provisions and safety, right? Learn about the Basmachi, a group of warlords turned guerilla movement that became one of the Soviet's most persistent headaches in Central Asia during the 1920s and 30s. If you enjoyed this episode, please … Continue reading Episode 28-The Basmachi
The Russian Revolution and Central Asia-1917
Introduction Did you ever wonder how the Russian Revolution affected Central Asia? This episode discusses how the various political factions in Central Asia-the Jadids, Alash Orda, the Ulama, and the Russian Settlers-responded to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of the Bolsheviks. Support Me on Patreon Support LGBTQ+ Organizations Stop Asian Hate Listen … Continue reading The Russian Revolution and Central Asia-1917
History in 5ish Minutes: Fathers of the Jadids in Turkestan
In this episode we discuss two giants within the Jadid movement in Turkestan: Munavvar qori Abdurashidxon and Mahmudxo’ja Behbudiy. Both men came from religious families, both men were successful merchants, and both men believed that reform was the only way to save Turkestani society. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon References: … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: Fathers of the Jadids in Turkestan
The Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda-1917
Introduction The Russian Revolution provided the Kazakh intellectuals an opportunity to create their own government and redistribute land that had been taken from them by Russian settlers. But what sort of government can you create when you and your fellow indigenous intellectuals can't agree on the best way to rule and the Russian Civil War … Continue reading The Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda-1917
Episode 27-the Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda
The Russian Revolution provided the Kazakh intellectuals an opportunity to create their own government and redistribute land that had been taken from them by Russian settlers. But what sort of government can you create when you and your fellow indigenous intellectuals can't agree on the best way to rule and the Russian Civil War is … Continue reading Episode 27-the Russian Revolution and the Alash Orda
Episode 26: The Russian Revolution and the Khiva Khanate
Today we are discussing how Russia's second protectorate, the Khiva Khanate, reacted to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty. We'll discuss Turkmen Revolts, a desperate Khan clinging to power, and a coup. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon If you want to receive updates on our projects, join our newsletter A … Continue reading Episode 26: The Russian Revolution and the Khiva Khanate
Book Review: Lost Enlightenment by S. Frederick Starr and Polymaths of Islam by James Pickett
Lost Enlightenment: Central Asia's Golden Age from the Arab Conquest to Tamerlane by S. Frederick Starr, published by Princeton University Press, 2013 Polymaths of Islam: Power and Networks of Knowledge in Central Asia by James Pickett, published by Cornell University Press, 2020 I enjoyed both books and would highly recommend them to anyone interested in … Continue reading Book Review: Lost Enlightenment by S. Frederick Starr and Polymaths of Islam by James Pickett
Episode 25-The Russian Revolution and Central Asia
Did you ever wonder how the Russian Revolution affected Central Asia? This episode discusses how the various political factions in Central Asia-the Jadids, Alash Orda, the Ulama, and the Russian Settlers-responded to the fall of the Tsar and the rise of the Bolsheviks. If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Patreon If you … Continue reading Episode 25-The Russian Revolution and Central Asia
History in 5ish Minutes 5 Tactics the Russians Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
Today we take a deep dive into the tactics the Russians used to suppress the Central Asian Revolt of 1916, discussing the Urkun Exodus, the mass reallocation of Steppe lands, and Kuropatkin's decision to use an scorch earth strategy. Transcript coming If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes 5 Tactics the Russians Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Tactics the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz Peoples Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
During this episode we revisit the Central Asian Revolt of 1916, this time focusing on the tactics used by the indigenous rebels, particularly the Kazakh and Kyrgyz peoples in the Steppe. We'll discuss their use of hit and run tactics, the advantages the Steppe provided, and their targeted assaults on major infrastructure. Transcript coming If … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Tactics the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz Peoples Used during the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
Episode 23-Interview with Dr. Adeeb Khalid
This is a very special episode as we discuss the Jadids with renowned scholar, Dr. Adeeb Khalid. The Jadids were an Islamic modernizing movement within Central Asia that would later find common cause with Bolsheviks and create modern day Uzbekistan. We'll be discussing who the Jadids were, their doctrinal development, and how they fit within … Continue reading Episode 23-Interview with Dr. Adeeb Khalid
History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Facts about the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia 1890-1916
5 facts about the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia 1890-1916 In this episode, we briefly discuss the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia, focusing on how the Russian administration created two societies one of the incoming Russian Settlers and one for the indigenous peoples. We also discuss the two biggest problems facing the Russian administration: land … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: 5 Facts about the Tsarist Administration in Central Asia 1890-1916
Episode 22-the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
In this episode we discussed the Central Asian Revolt of 1916. Sparked by decades old administrative issues, the Russian settler's "redistribution" of land and resources, and the Tsarist’s decision to conscription indigenous peoples (who up until that point that had been exemption of conscription), the revolution overtook most of Turkestan and lasted into 1917. In … Continue reading Episode 22-the Central Asian Revolt of 1916
History in 5ish Minutes: the 1898 Andijan Uprising
History in 5 Minutes: the 1898 Andijan Uprising In this episode, we discuss 5 facts abou the 1898 Andijan Uprising, discussing Madali Ishan's revolt against Russian colonialism in Central Asia and stoking paranoid Islamophobia. Transcript coming If you enjoyed this episode, please donate to our Ko-Fi If you want to receive updates on our projects, … Continue reading History in 5ish Minutes: the 1898 Andijan Uprising
Episode 21-Russian Colonialism in Central Asia 1860-1890
During this episode we will briefly discuss Russian colonialism in Central Asia from 1860-1890, focusing on the how and why. We'll discuss the subsuming of Steppe Lands, the abolishment of the Kokand Khanate, the subjugation of the Bukharan and Khivan khanates, and the attacks on the Turkmen people of the Ferghana Valley. Transcript If you … Continue reading Episode 21-Russian Colonialism in Central Asia 1860-1890
Episode 19-A BRIEF History of Central Asia
It’s season 2 of the Art of Asymmetrical Warfare! This season we’ll be discussing the Central Asian Civil Wars during the Russian Civil War. Today, we’re starting with a BRIEF history of Central Asia. In this episode we’ll explain how this podcast defines Central Asia, give a very brief overview of Central Asia’s ancient and … Continue reading Episode 19-A BRIEF History of Central Asia
Book Review for Making Uzbekistan by Adeeb Khalid
Rating: 5/5 Pros: A comprehensive exploration into the creation of Uzbekistan and its neighboring states A long overdue overview of an often-neglected region of the world Well-researched and detail heavy but still easy to read Cons: Need to know a little about the region before reading Is VERY detail heavy and needs to be reread … Continue reading Book Review for Making Uzbekistan by Adeeb Khalid
Book Review: A Peace to End all Peace
A Peace to End All Peace: the Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East by David Fromkin. Published by Owl Books 2001 4/5 This is one of those books that everyone reads for a foundational knowledge about the Middle Eastern policy during WWI. It is a well-researched and well … Continue reading Book Review: A Peace to End all Peace
5 Famous Women of Central Asia
When I’m not reading/researching history topics, I write fiction. My newest project is a Middle Eastern/Central Asian novel about a royal family trying to keep out colonists and a growing terrorist ring wanting to recapture the glories of the past. While writing this book, I need to do a lot of research. This week, I’ve … Continue reading 5 Famous Women of Central Asia
Qodiriy, Fitrat, and Cho‘lpon
I recently finished Hamid Ismailov’s book the Devils’ Dance, which is about Abdulla Qodiriy’s last days in a Soviet prison and the book he was working on before his arrest. The book mentions several Uzbek writers who I was unfamiliar with, so I decided to do a little research. This was what I was able … Continue reading Qodiriy, Fitrat, and Cho‘lpon
Emir Nasrullah, Stoddart, and Connelly
A few months ago, I finished Hamid Ismailov’s the Devils’ Dance, which is a historical novel about the famous Uzbek writer, Abdulla Qodiriy’s last days in a Soviet prison, and the book the real Qodiriy was working on, but never published about an Uzbek princess, Oyxon, and the courts of Kokand and Bukhara. I was … Continue reading Emir Nasrullah, Stoddart, and Connelly
Book Review: the Empire of the Steppes
The Empire of the Steppes: a History of Central Asia by Rene Grousset. Published in 1970 by Rutgers I picked this book up two years ago because I had a vague interest in the steppes and Central Asia and I’m really glad I did. While it is an old book, originally published in 1939, it … Continue reading Book Review: the Empire of the Steppes
Book Review: Inside Central Asia
Inside Central Asia by Dilip Hiro. Published in 2009 by Overlook Duckworth This book is a great overview of Central Asia from the rise of the Soviet Union to 2009. This book discusses Turkey, the Central Asian states, and Iran. It picks up where Rashid’s book left off. While Rashid focused mostly on Central Asia … Continue reading Book Review: Inside Central Asia
Book Review: The Resurgence of Central Asia
The Resurgence of Central Asia: Islam or Nationalism by Ahmed Rashid. Published in 2016 by Zed Books I have recently been fascinated by Central Asia and this book is a fantastic review of that region immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union. The book itself is a piece of history and, although I bought … Continue reading Book Review: The Resurgence of Central Asia
Art of Asymmetrical Warfare 
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