THE SILK ROAD AS A SYSTEM OF ECONOMIC, CULTURAL, AND INTELLECTUAL EXCHANGE BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

Abstract

The Silk Road represents one of the most significant systems of intercultural interaction in world history. Rather than consisting of a single commercial route, it formed a complex network of land and maritime connections linking East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and other regions. This article examines the economic, cultural, religious, technological, and intellectual functions of the Silk Road, with particular attention to the role of Central Asia as an intermediary region. The study is based on historical-comparative and interdisciplinary analysis of scholarly literature and historical evidence. The findings demonstrate that Silk Road networks facilitated not only the movement of luxury commodities but also the dissemination of religions, scientific knowledge, technologies, artistic traditions, languages, and diplomatic practices. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Merv, Kashgar, and others became important centers of trade and cultural exchange. The article concludes that the historical importance of the Silk Road should be understood within the broader context of early globalization and long-term intercultural communication.