Museums in Central Asia and the Construction of National Narratives: Curating Identity

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.

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 Wroclaw, 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