Mother of the World
Turkmenistan

Mother of the World

by Olivier Hein

History Non-Fiction History 2026

Summary

Often overlooked in accounts of world history, Turkmenistan occupies a remarkable position at the crossroads of civilisations, empires, and religions. In Mother of the World, Olivier Hein brings this fascinating Central Asian country into focus, revealing how its desert landscapes and ancient cities have shaped events far beyond its borders. From the archaeological mysteries of early civilisations to the flourishing Silk Road metropolis of Merv, once among the world’s greatest centres of learning, Hein traces the region’s transformation through centuries of conquest, cultural exchange, and political upheaval. He explores the rise of the Turkmen people, the devastating Mongol invasions, the expansion of the Russian Empire, and the country’s incorporation into the Soviet Union before its emergence as an independent state in 1991. Drawing on historical research and his own experience as a diplomat stationed in Turkmenistan, Hein challenges the perception of the country as an isolated and marginal place. The result is an engaging portrait of a nation whose extraordinary past reveals the interconnectedness of human civilisation.

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Country
Turkmenistan
Asia
About the author
Olivier Hein
Olivier Hein

Olivier Hein is a Mauritian-British author and former diplomat whose writing explores the history, culture, and overlooked stories of places around the world. During his diplomatic career, he served with the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the British diplomatic service, with postings in New York, Paris, Kosovo, and Turkmenistan. His experiences abroad have informed his interest in countries whose histories are often underrepresented in mainstream historical narratives. Hein has written several books on regional history, including Ridge and Vale: The Extraordinary History of the Cotswolds, Glory, Faith and Sorrow: The Epic History of Peru, Borneo: The History of an Enigma, and Star and Key: The Historical Adventure of Mauritius. He has also contributed to The Chap magazine. His work combines historical research with an accessible narrative style, bringing unfamiliar places and their cultural legacies to a broad readership. In Mother of the World: The Remarkable History of Turkmenistan (2026), Hein draws on his experience in the country to explore its significance as a crossroads of ancient civilisations, Silk Road commerce, and competing empires. He lives with his family in the Cotswolds, England.

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Details
Published
2026
Author
Olivier Hein