Turkmenistan土库曼斯坦

Curatorial Note

The national atlas tradition of Turkmenistan is a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging in the post-Soviet era as the newly independent nation sought to define its identity through cartographic representation. The sole atlas in this collection, published in 2002, stands as a milestone in this effort. Compiled in the Turkmen language, this economic atlas reflects a deliberate editorial choice to prioritize national readability and accessibility, moving away from the Russian-dominated cartographic practices of the Soviet period. The atlas focuses on economic geography, mapping resources, industries, and infrastructure, thereby serving both as a practical reference and as a statement of national sovereignty. Its compilation likely drew on Soviet-era data but reorganized it to highlight Turkmenistan's own economic potential and development goals. While no contemporary reviews or later scholarly assessments are recorded in this collection, the atlas's significance lies in its pioneering role: it was among the first attempts to create a comprehensive national cartographic document in the Turkmen language. Its influence, though limited by its single edition, can be seen in subsequent efforts to update and expand the country's cartographic resources, aligning with broader trends of post-Soviet nation-building.