Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Editor's Foreword Chapter 2 Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Reader's Note Chapter 4 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Chapter 5 Maps Chapter 6 Chronology Chapter 7 Introduction Chapter 8 THE DICTIONARY Chapter 9 Appendix A: Selected Statistical Data Chapter 10 Appendix B: Changes in Geographic Names Chapter 11 Bibliography Chapter 12 About the Author

About the Author

Rafis Abazov is an adjunct professor at the Harriman Institute of Columbia University, New York. He is the author of three books, including Historical Dictionary of Kyrgyzstan, and numerous research articles on economic and political development in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. He has contributed articles to the Encyclopedia of Modern Asia, and the Encyclopedia of National Economies.

Reviews

Detailed surveys of Turkmenistan are rare, and even when studies are done on the country, it is usually grouped together with its neighbors, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Thus, for a quick reference or overview of the subject, this book is the only recent offering. Even had it been one of many, however, its attention to detail and thoroughness would set it apart. Highly recommended.
*s*

...highly informative....a great addition to any public or academic library.
*Slavic and East European Information Resources, 2006 (vol 7, no 4)*

There is no comparable, up-to-date reference book for Turkmenistan. Recommended. All academic and public libraries.
*CHOICE*

...a pioneering contribution in the advancement of studies on Central Asia...
*Transoxiana*

Publication of the Historical Dictionary of Turkmenistan is one of [the] first steps in filling the existing gap in studies of this country. This work covers modern history of the Turkmen people and Turkmen statehood in a concise form within the context of Central Asian and Middle Eastern history....this very solid work goes beyond what is expected in a simple reference work. The Historical Dictionary of Turkmenistan is valuable reading for anyone interested in understanding the modern history of Turkmenistan and important regional issues.
*Central Eurasian Studies Review*

Abazov (international and public affairs, Columbia U.), who has written widely on Central Asian countries, begins his reference on Turkmenistan with a 100-page introduction on such matters as the land and people, economy, the history of both the territory and the people from the earliest times through the Czarist and Soviet periods to independence and the present, and the current social and economic situation. The entries are highly cross-referenced. He also includes a guide to transliteration and pronunciation, and a bibliographic essay to introduce the classified bibliography.
*Reference and Research Book News*

Rafis Abazov is one of our best qualified experts on Central Asia....Before any serious venture into the economies of countries like these, a historical dictionary like those provided by Rafis Abazov should be in your luggage.
*Comparative Economic Studies*

This book, which very well covers the lacks in the literature is a product of a very good work. Especially, for the one who deals with the 20th century of Turmenistan, Abazov's book is indispensable.
*Eurasian Studies [Translation]*

This book belongs in reference collections in academic and public libraries, especially those that have collections on the Central Asian Republics. It is the only one of its kind in English.
*American Reference Books Annual*

Abazov deserves recognition for having synthesized a solid general treatment of twentieth-century Turkmen history.
*Central Eurasian Reader*