The past and present fates of the neighboring peoples of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey have been inextricably intertwined. The connectivities in this part of the world made it possible for ideas, customs, artistic traditions and innovations to travel among the peoples of this geography and cross-fertilize, leading to the flourishment of a brilliant common civilization. 

The present collection of papers traces the historical and contemporary developments in this cultural basin in two volumes, each comprising three parts. The first volume focuses on the political and social connectivities as well as foreign and economic policies in the ECO region. To dwell more on the common cultural, linguistic and philosophical legacy, the second volume of the book looks at a range of cultural influences across the region. 

From several aspects ranging from trade and transportation to art and science, the region was once the global heartland, supplying the rest of the world with not only goods and materials, but also knowledge, inspiration, and prospects. We hope that the present book  would help remind us all that there is a surprisingly promising foundation with many dimensions upon which we can rebuild a closely interlinked, prosperous, and prolific region. Download individual chapters here.  http://eieco.org/page/ecoei-books