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 inter-ethnic 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.