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

"The Heart of Asia: A History of Russian Turkestan and the Central Asian Khanates" by Francis Henry Skrine and Edward Denison Ross, is a journey into the vibrant past of Central Asia, specifically Russian Turkestan and its khanates, during a period marked by Russian growth. The volume presents a wide-ranging overview of the region’s diverse people, customs, and defining moments from ancient times. It begins by highlighting Central Asia as an origin point of civilizations, pinpointing the start of Turkestan’s story, nodding to the impacts of notable historical figures and realms such as the Persians and Alexander the Great. Further points of interest include key concepts and locations, like Bactria and Soghdiana, giving the reader a sense of the interactions of cultures and people that make up this region’s complex history.