Provides a concise overview of the historical development of Turkmenistan. The introduction and chronology provide a summary of the Turkmen history, focusing on the 20th century, political and economic development, ethnic policies, and nation building. This is the first comprehensive reference book published in English that provides comprehensive up-to-date details about the contemporary history, economy, and culture of Turkmenistan. The dictionary consists of approximately 300 entries and is cross-referenced to make sure that it is easy to use by international consultants, NGO activists, policy makers, experienced scholars, or students interested in a history of the country. The substantial bibliography helps readers to find materials and resources in specialized subject areas.

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