A. V. GROZIN Candidate of Historical Sciences The question of power always begins with a close examination of its bearers. Asian newly independent states provided a number of instructive examples of the transformation and evolution of ex-Soviet elites in the changed historical and economic situation. The modern Turkmen elite is a symbiosis of separate strata, the formation of which is determined by the development of a specific historical situation. Strata that are largely genetically related. From the beginning of their formation, the Turkmen elite clans were replaced in the following sequence: traditional nomadic (tribal), colonial, Soviet nomenclature, and modern elite. The same situation was observed in other Central Asian States. At the same time, there has never been a revolutionary or radical (all of a sudden) replacement, which makes it possible to assume with a high degree of confidence that: a) the boundaries of the change of elites are very blurred in time; b) elements of various types of elites have existed together and have been intricately intertwined (intertwined) to the present time. These conclusions are also confirmed by the materials presented in the book " Elite Clans. Strokes to portraits" (Moscow, MMIX. 2010. 272 p., Fig., schemes, table.). The work of the scientist devoted to the nature, demography, genesis and specific genealogy of elite clans in the post-Soviet space (in Turkmenistan - mainly and primarily) is certainly an extremely valuable source, rich, without exaggeration, with unique material. It should be noted that the famous ethnographer explored this topic in other, earlier works.1 Before Soviet rule, each Turkmen tribe had its own area of residence, its own territory, and the violation of the borders of others took place only during raids. With the establishment of Soviet power, geographical and other borders between tribes gradually began to disappear, and people began to move freely, to move from one area to another. There were o ... Читать далее