Central Asia is a fascinating region with a rich history and culture. It consists of the countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. These countries have many similarities but also some unique characteristics. Central Asia has produced great poets, scholars, conquerors and more. Let’s explore this region through some fun riddles!
Geography Riddles
What is the world’s largest landlocked country?
Kazakhstan
What desert covers much of Turkmenistan?
Karakum Desert
What is the highest mountain range in Central Asia?
Tian Shan Mountains
What large body of water does Kazakhstan border?
Caspian Sea
What is the longest river that runs through Central Asia?
Amu Darya River
What large lake is shared by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan?
Aral Sea
What major river flows through Tajikistan and Uzbekistan?
Syr Darya River
What desert covers much of southern Kazakhstan?
Kyzylkum Desert
What mountain range separates Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan?
Pamir Mountains
What is the lowest point in Central Asia?
Karagiye Depression
History Riddles
Which Mongol ruler conquered much of Central Asia in the 13th century?
Genghis Khan
Which ancient trade route went through Central Asia connecting China to the Mediterranean?
Silk Road
Which Persian empire ruled Central Asia around 500 BCE?
Achaemenid Empire
Which nomadic group frequently raided Central Asia between the 9th-13th centuries?
Turkic Tribes
Which city was the capital of the Timurid Empire in the 14th-15th centuries?
Samarkand
Which ancient region covered parts of modern Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan?
Sogdia
Which 19th century struggle between Russia and Britain was called “The Great Game”?
Competition for influence in Central Asia
Which city was the Silk Road’s most important hub in Central Asia?
Bukhara
Which khanate ruled modern Uzbekistan in the 18th-19th centuries?
Khanate of Kokand
Which modern-day country was once part of the Bactria region?
Afghanistan
Culture Riddles
What winter holiday do Central Asians celebrate on December 21st?
Yaldā Night
What is the most popular spectator sport in Central Asia?
Buzkashi
Which stringed instrument is iconic in Central Asian music?
Dombra
What type of poetry did Central Asia’s greatest poets write?
Epic poetry
What architectural style is common in ancient Central Asian mosques?
Timurid
Which city is known as the chess capital of Central Asia?
Tashkent
What kind of nomadic home is called a “yurt” in Central Asia?
Portable dwelling
Which fruit is famously grown in southern Tajikistan?
Pomegranates
What beverage is often served at meals in Central Asia?
Green tea
What type of decorated skullcaps are worn in Central Asia?
Tubeteika
Literature Riddles
Which Central Asian poet wrote the epic Shahnameh?
Ferdowsi
Whose Rubaiyat is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature?
Omar Khayyám
Which Kazakh poet worked to reform the Kazakh language and promote education?
Abai Kunanbayev
Which Uzbek writer criticized totalitarianism in his novel The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years?
Chinghiz Aitmatov
Who wrote Samarkand, an acclaimed novel about the life of astronomer Ulugh Beg?
Amin Maalouf
Which Kyrgyz author portrayed rural Kyrgyz life in her acclaimed novel The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years?
Chinghiz Aitmatov
Which 13th century poet from Turkestan wrote about spiritual enlightenment?
Ahmad Yasavi
Whose foundational work Chirogh-i Türk laid the basis for literary Turkmen?
Makhtumkuli
Which Tajik poet penned the epic Gurugli?
Mo’min Qano’at
Who wrote the famous Central Asian love story Layla and Majnun?
Nizami Ganjavi
Ancient Figures Riddles
Which Turkic ruler founded the first Turkic khaganate in the 6th century CE?
Bumin Khan
Who was the founder of the Timurid Empire in the 14th century?
Timur
Which scholar made great advances in mathematics, astronomy and geography in the 9th century?
Al-Khwarizmi
Who was the Mongol queen and military leader who conquered large parts of Central Asia in the 13th century?
Khutulun
Which traveler and scholar wrote about his travels through Central Asia and China in the 14th century?
Ibn Battuta
Who was the astronomer who built an important observatory in 15th century Samarkand?
Ulugh Beg
Which philosopher made major contributions to early Islamic philosophy and logic?
Al-Farabi
Who founded the first major Turkic Muslim state, the Karakhanid Khanate, in the 10th century?
Satuq Bughra Khan
Which conqueror founded the Mongol Empire in the 13th century?
Genghis Khan
Who was the Central Asian conqueror known as Alexander the Great of the East?
Timur
Modern Figures Riddles
Which Kazakh comedian gained fame for his improv skits and roles in Borat?
Ken Davitian
What astronaut of Tajik-Russian descent spent over a year aboard the ISS?
Salizhan Sharipov
Which Kyrgyz political activist won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011?
Oleksandr Muzychko
What Uzbek pianist won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2013?
Vadym Kholodenko
Who became the first female cosmonaut from Central Asia in 2006?
Anousheh Ansari
Which Kazakh cyclist won multiple Olympic and world championship medals?
Alexander Vinokourov
What Turkmen weightlifter won three Olympic gold medals?
Iris Smith
Which Tajik author’s stories portray Tajik culture and identity?
Kamol Ayan
Who became Kazakhstan’s first president after independence?
Nursultan Nazarbayev
What famous Kazakh figure skater won Olympic and world medals?
Denis Ten
Food Riddles
What grilled meat dish is popular in Central Asia?
Shashlik
Which dumpling dish can be found across the region?
Manti
What noodle soup is a staple meal in many Central Asian countries?
Lagman
Which drink is made from fermented mare’s milk?
Kumys
What meat and vegetable pie originates from Uzbek cuisine?
Samsa
Which popular rice dish comes from Uzbekistan?
Plov
What type of kebab uses cubed lamb or beef on a skewer?
Shashlik
Which popular flatbread is baked in a tandoor oven?
Naan
What dessert features fried dough balls soaked in syrup?
Domalak
Which drink is made from yogurt?
Ayran
Miscellaneous Riddles
What is the national sport of Kazakhstan?
Bandy
Which city is known as the “Paris of Central Asia”?
Tashkent
What is the state and most widely spoken language in Uzbekistan?
Uzbek
Which major export comes from Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oil field?
Oil
What colorful handmade wall hangings originate from Kyrgyzstan?
Shyrdak
Which major mountain pass connected the Silk Road routes?
Dzungarian Gate
What is banned from being exported out of Turkmenistan?
Akhal-Teke horses
Which country has the shortest coastline in the world?
Kazakhstan
What is the traditional sport of buzkashi also known as?
Goat polo
Which country surrounds Tajikistan on three sides?
Afghanistan
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these riddles about the fascinating region of Central Asia! From ancient kingdoms and the Silk Road to nomadic cultures and breathtaking landscapes, Central Asia has a rich history and diversity well worth exploring. These riddles provide just a sample of the many stories, innovations and achievements from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan over the centuries. Learning more about Central Asia provides a window into both the past and present of this dynamic region at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
