‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

Abstract The present study aims to design and validate a model of cultural development pathologies in Central Asia. In order to process the problem, a qualitative research strategy and thematic analysis were used.The research data were collected using semi-standard interviews with18experts in the field of regional studies(Central Asia) who were selected usin the theoretical sampling method, and a network of analyzed themes and a network measurement conceptual model were constructed usingthe thematic analysis method. The article raises the question of what are the most important pathologies or challenges that contribute to the failure of realization of cultural development in Central Asia ?In response to the findings of the qualitative research, the model of cultural development pathologies in Central Asia includes four overarching themes: 1lack of civil society and independent media, including the theme (weak media and censorship; issues and administrative problems related to the government and the weakness of culture building in relation to civil society); 2The weakness of democratic culture, consisting of two themes(supporter follower culture and weakness of public culture); 3The low level of education indicators, consisting of two themes(structural and managerial weaknesses in educational institutions and parallel work and legal and executive multi functionality);and 4Regional and trans regional challenges, consistingof two themes(competition of regional and trans regional powers and the effects of globalization on regional culture).

Abstract The present paper intends to explore Turkey’s economic plans in Central Asia from the perspective of the opportunities and threats posed to Iran; therefore, using thematic analysis of the thematic matrix by use of indirect observation (text analysis), the research data is collected using targeted sampling from the existing texts and through subject encoding . The themes of opportunities and threats to Iran of Turkey’s economic plans in Central Asia were identified, and finally compared, contrasted and analysed according to the common and differentiating aspects. The findings of the research show that the economic plans of the “Turkic Council in Central Asia” have brought for Iran these opportunities: A: Having cultural-historical convergence and joint security strategies in Central Asia. B: Inconsistency of the cultural model of culture and development of Iran and Turkey in Central Asia; in addition, the economic-energy plan of “Turkic Council-New Silk Road” in Central Asia has brought these opportunities and threats for Iran respectively: creating a balance in the region, with Iran playing a role, rise of Turkey’s economic power and weakening of Iran’s geopolitical and economic-transit position.