Jules Verne is famously known as a science fiction writer, but he also wrote historical fiction.
Michael Strogoff, A Courier of the Czar, written in 1876, is about a fictional insurrection in Siberia. The early chapters give an overview of the tribes and peoples of Central Asia and Siberia. It’s really a good read: highly recommended.
I can see some interesting new scenarios using our Askari Russians and the upcoming Asians.