Relations between the Russian Empire and the Khanate of Khiva in 1867-1870

The article focuses on the process of establishing diplomatic relations between the Russian Empire and the government of Khiva in 1867-1870 that was carried out by Turkestan Governor-General K.P. Kaufman. The Statute of Turkestan Krai (Governorate-General) gave large powers to the Governor-General, including an authority to hold negotiations with Central Asian countries. Basing on archival sources (correspondence between K.P. Kaufman and Khivan khan Sayyid-Мohammed-Rahim in 1867-1869 that is held in Central State Archive of the Republic of Uzbekistan), the author of the article attempts to show the main issues, challenges and intensity in the relations between Khiva and Russia before Central Asia was incorporated. It is impossible to understand the policy principles and even the ideology of the Empire using only diplomatic correspondence. The study of the processes of that period is of no less importance. Useful information can be found in the notes of Armin Vambery, a Hungarian discoverer and contemporary of the events described in the article. He knew eastern languages and thoroughly described Khiva, morals and political balance inside the khan's court, which gives an opportunity to elaborate some historiographical conclusions. The isolated geographic location of the region and scarce research of local customs and traditions were the obstacles for western travelers in making individual trips to Asia. Incognito, disguised as a Turkish pilgrim, Vambery was able to collect valuable information about the region that was not available for classic scientific expeditions. As Central Asia became a field where the foreign policy and economic interests of Russia and Great Britain collided in the second half of the 19th century, the article considers the geopolitical role of the Khivan Khanate in foreign relations. Location of the state made it in control of the water area and the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea as well as of the territories along the Amu Darya river (western part of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan nowadays). Russian policy there was aimed to merge Orenburg and Siberian border lines, it was driven by the geographical landscape factor and the need to enforce Russian military presence in Asia. In the third quarter of the 19th century, Russian troops moved deeper into Asia and reached the borders of Kokand, Bukhara and Khiva. The article describes an important episode in the Russian-Khivan relations, when the Russian side in the name of the Governor-General, Minister of War and Minister of Foreign Affairs decided to perform a military expedition to the Khanate of Khiva. Historical sources analysis shows the main directions of further development of the Russian-Khivan relations in the 19th century.

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