Central Asian studies is the discipline of studying the culture, history, and languages of the region of Central Asia. The roots of Central Asian studies as a social science discipline goes to 19th century Anglo-Russian Great Game. During the 19th century, Central Asia became a subject of systematical information collection and organization thanks to the numerous travels made by British and Russian agents, soldiers, scholars into the region. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, interest in the field increased considerably. Central Asian studies in contemporary times is represented by a plethora of prominent scholars, institutions and academic programs throughout the world.