Big Men on the Silk Road

In the early 17^th century minorities began to play key role in trans-Asia trade. They lubricated commercial exchanges, thanks to shared customs, family ties and the ability to create credit networks that worked over long distances. In the past the Sogdians of Central Asia had played this important role. But in the 17^th century it was the Jews and above all Armenians who did so, according to historian Peter Frankopan “The Silk Roads”, 2016.

In the early 17^th century minorities began to play key role in trans-Asia trade. They lubricated commercial exchanges, thanks to shared customs, family ties and the ability to create credit networks that worked over long distances. In the past the Sogdians of Central Asia had played this important role. But in the 17^th century it was the Jews and above all Armenians who did so, according to historian Peter Frankopan “The Silk Roads”, 2016.