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Abstract
The 19th century marked a pivotal period in the formation of national and ethnic identities
along the borderlands of Afghanistan and Russian Turkestan. The geopolitical rivalry
between the British and Russian Empires, known as the Great Game, led to the
establishment of new borders that not only served political interests but also profoundly
impacted the cultural, ethnic, and social landscapes of the region. These borders created distinct
national identities and reinforced divisions among ethnic groups such as Pashtuns, Uzbeks, Tajiks,
and Turkmen, reshaping their historical relationships. This article explores the role of borders in
shaping local identities through migration, trade, governance, and cultural exchange. It examines
how borders imposed by external powers influenced tribal structures, local governance, and interethnic
dynamics, ultimately solidifying notions of nationhood and cultural distinctiveness. The
study highlights the dual nature of these borders as both barriers and zones of interaction, contributing
to evolving concepts of identity in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The findings provide a
historical perspective on how 19th-century border-making practices continue to shape contemporary
identity politics in the region.
