Tribal Nation: The Making of Soviet Turkmenistan

by Adrienne Lynn Edgar
Tribal Nation: The Making of Soviet Turkmenistan cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 11497
  • Added: 2026-03-09
  • Updated: 2026-03-11
  • ISBN: 9780691127996
  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Published: 2006-09-25
  • Reviews: 3

Tribal Nation delves into the remarkable journey of Turkmenistan's independence from the Soviet Union, focusing on the Soviet efforts in the 1920s and 1930s to forge a socialist nation in Central Asia. Adrienne Edgar's work highlights the complex interaction between Soviet policies and indigenous notions of identity, particularly how genealogical ideas of premodern Turkmen identity were reshaped by Soviet territorial and linguistic concepts of nationhood. /n/n This book is the first in any Western language to explore Soviet Turkmenistan, utilizing both archival and indigenous-language sources to analyze Soviet nation-making in Central Asia. It offers a unique perspective on the Soviet multinational state from a non-Russian viewpoint, shedding light on broader questions about nationalism and colonialism in the twentieth century.

Reviews
Princeton University Press · 925-06-20
excellent 4.20

This book provides a fresh perspective on the making of Soviet Turkmenistan, challenging conventional narratives. The research is thorough and the arguments are persuasive.

Princeton University Press reviewers commend this book for its fresh perspective on the making of Soviet Turkmenistan. They appreciate the thorough research and persuasive arguments, which challenge conventional narratives. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the field, offering new insights and a deeper understanding of the region's history. The detailed examination of the period provides a nuanced view of the complexities involved in nation-building.

Quick quotes

    Adrienne Edgar argues that the recent focus on the Soviet state as a 'maker of nations' overlooks another vital factor in Turkmen nationhood.

    The book provides a fresh perspective on the making of Soviet Turkmenistan.

    The research is thorough and the arguments are persuasive.

Goodreads · 920-04-20
excellent 4.00

This book provides a detailed and engaging history of Soviet Turkmenistan, highlighting the complexities of nation-building. The narrative is well-researched and offers valuable insights into the period.

Goodreads reviewers praise this book for its thorough exploration of the history of Soviet Turkmenistan. They appreciate the depth of research and the engaging narrative style, which brings the complexities of nation-building to life. The book is seen as a valuable addition to the scholarship on the region, offering insights that are both informative and thought-provoking. The consensus is that it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Central Asia.

Quick quotes

    Adrienne Lynn Edgar has filled a significant gap in the scholarship with this engaging new book on the history of Soviet Turkmenistan.

    The book provides a detailed and engaging history of Soviet Turkmenistan.

    A valuable addition to the scholarship on the region.

Cambridge University Press · MG Smith · 101-05-20
excellent 4.50

This book is a significant contribution to the understanding of Soviet Turkmenistan's history, offering a comprehensive and insightful analysis. The author's argument is well-supported and compelling.

MG Smith highlights the book's significant contribution to the understanding of Soviet Turkmenistan's history. They appreciate the comprehensive and insightful analysis, noting that the author's argument is well-supported and compelling. The book is seen as a crucial resource for scholars and anyone interested in the region's history. The detailed examination of the period provides valuable context and sheds light on the complexities of nation-building in Soviet Turkmenistan.

Quick quotes

    Adrienne Lynn Edgar has filled a significant gap in the scholarship with this engaging new book on the history of Soviet Turkmenistan.

    The book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis.

    The author's argument is well-supported and compelling.

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