Extension Activity
Chapter 12: Empires in East Asia
Nomadic People of Today
For 100 years, the Mongols were the lords of settled societies across Eurasia. Today, modern civilization threatens to extinguish the nomadic way of life. Traditionally nomadic groups such as the Kurds, whose homeland includes parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Iran, have faced many challenges and changes. Work with a team to prepare a report on the challenges faced by the Kurds or another traditionally nomadic people today.
Using the Internet, magazines, or reference books, research the history of the Kurds or another group and their way of life today.
- How have modern political boundaries and population growth in their region affected their way of life?
- What is their political status in the countries in which they live? Are they treated the same as others? How has their status affected their way of life?
Central Asia Unveiled http://magma.nationalgeographic.com / ngm / data / 2002 / 02 / 01 / html / ft_20020201.6.html
National Geographic online special on the nations of Central Asia.
Center for the Study of Eurasian Nomads http://www.csen.org /
Organization devoted to research on nomadic cultures who lived in, or are currently living in, Eurasia.