Rediscovering Central Asia.

The article discusses the history of intellectual life in Central Asia. The correspondence between Abual-Rayhan al-Biruni and Abu Ali Sina that began in AD 998 shows that the two men thought deeply on topics ranging from the origins of the Earth to the nature and function of time. The author considers the modern perception about Central Asia, particularly that it is a backwater. The technological innovations from the region, Arab scientists, and the spread of various religions is discussed.