Fix the mistake: Modern and Contemporary Central Asia
Russia’s Advance into Central Asia
In the 19th century, the Russian Empire rapidly expanded its influence into Central Asia. At that time, three Uzbek khanates—Bukhara, Khiva, and Kokand—existed in Central Asia, but they were conquered one after another by the overwhelmingly superior military technology of the Russian army.
The Three Khanates
- Kokand Khanate (1709–1876): Ruled the Fergana Valley. Russia directly annexed it in 1876.
- Bukhara Khanate (about 1500–1920): Former center of the Timurid Dynasty. Russia made it a protectorate in 1868.
- Khiva Khanate (1511–1920): Located in the lower Amu Darya region. Russia made it a protectorate in 1873.
- All three khanates ultimately disappeared after the advance of Soviet forces in 1920.
Background and Methods of Russia’s Expansion
- Motives: The southward policy, including the search for an ice free port and access to India; acquisition of Central Asian cotton resources; and the stated pretext of a “civilizing mission.”
- 1865: Tashkent was occupied. Within the following ten years, Russia conquered almost all of Central Asia.
- Railway construction, including the Trans Caspian Railway: This strengthened the foundation of economic control and expanded the projection of military power.
- Influx of Russian settlers: Large numbers of Cossack soldiers and farmers migrated to the region, causing friction with local residents.
Key Point
The Central Asian Revolt of 1916: During World War I, a large-scale revolt, the Fergana Uprising, broke out in opposition to Russia’s attempt to impose military service and labor conscription on the people of Central Asia. Suppression by the Russian army involved mass killings, and many residents fled to Afghanistan and China. In modern Central Asian countries, this revolt is regarded as a symbol of national consciousness.
The Central Asian Revolt of 1916: During World War I, a large-scale revolt, the Fergana Uprising, broke out in opposition to Russia’s attempt to impose military service and labor conscription on the people of Central Asia. Suppression by the Russian army involved mass killings, and many residents fled to Afghanistan and China. In modern Central Asian countries, this revolt is regarded as a symbol of national consciousness.
The Jadid Movement
Under Russian rule, the Jadid reform movement, which sought Islamic reform and modernization, emerged. The Jadids were an intellectual group that tried to reconcile Western education and science with Islam, and they later influenced the formation of national consciousness during the Soviet era.
Practice
- Name the three Central Asian khanates conquered by Russia and state what eventually happened to each.
- Give three main motives for Russia’s advance into Central Asia.
- Explain what kind of movement the Jadid movement was.
Previous and next lessons in this course
- Previous lesson: Fix the mistake: Turkic Peoples and Dominance of the Steppe
- Next lesson: Fix the mistake: Modern and Contemporary Central Asia