This publication is a scientific biography of the outstanding representative of the Russian school of military oriental studies A. E. Snesarev (1865–1937). The book examines the Turkestan period (1899–1904) in the life of A.E. Snesarev, which was important for his formation as a military leader and explorer of the countries of the East. Based on archival documents, many episodes of A.E. Snesarev’s service in Turkestan are revealed: a trip to India, reconnaissance in the Turkestan region, command of the Pamir detachment, trip to Great Britain, work with British military attaches. Considerable attention is paid to the evolution of the military and military-orientalist views of A. E. Snesarev, as well as little-known episodes of his personal life. Many archival materials and photographic documents from Russian and British state and personal collections are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The book is published on the 150th anniversary of the birth of A. E. Snesarev.