The region became significant in later centuries as a cultural conduit between East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Muslim world and Europe, such as during the period of the Mongol Empire.
Daerah tersebut menjadi penting dalam beberapa abad kemudian sebagai saluran budaya antara Asia Timur, anak benua India, dunia Muslim, dan Eropa, seperti selama periode Kekaisaran Mongol.