The heart of Asia : A history of Russian Turkestan and the Central Asian Khanates from the earliest times

An expansive portrait of the lands where empires once brushed shoulders, this volume traces the rise of Russian Turkestan alongside the storied khanates of Central Asia. Drawing on rare Persian, Arabic and Russian sources, the authors weave together the early conquests of figures such as Timur and Chingiz Khan with the everyday rhythms of caravan towns, bustling bazaars and desert monasteries. Richly illustrated with sketches, photographs and maps, the work invites listeners to picture the striking architecture of Samarkand’s Shah Zinda, the solemn mausoleums of Tamerlane, and the shifting camps of nomadic tribes across the Kara‑Kum sands.

Beyond the grand political sweep, the narrative shines a light on the social fabric of the region: the bustling markets of Bokhara, the vibrant dervish orders, and the diverse communities—from Jewish families to Hindu merchants—that colored daily life. Detailed accounts of railway development and administrative reforms reveal how modern infrastructure began to reshape ancient trade routes, offering a vivid sense of a continent at the crossroads of East and West.