Russian expansion in Central Asia 1853-1868

Abstract

The present paper explores the stages of Russian expansion into Central Asia. Political, economic, and military factors converged in Russia's favor to implement its plan. In contrast, the Central Asian khanates suffered from a fragmented social and political structure. Russia's main problem in Central Asia was border defense, which was incomplete. The issue of bridging the gap between the borders and establishing a single line had been raised since 1853, but Russia's circumstances did not allow for this due to its preoccupation with the Crimean War. In 1861, Russia undertook a change in military leadership, paving the way for Russia's resumption of its advance into Central Asia. After Russia succeeded in unifying its borders with Central Asia, it began implementing its colonial plans by expanding towards Kokand, Tashkent, and Bukhara. Russia launched a military attack on Bukhara on May 7, 1866, resulting in the defeat of the Bukhara army in the confrontation with Ardagar. This attack had a significant impact on Muzaffar ad-Din, the emir of Bukhara, who began to make concessions to Russia. Muzaffar al-Din did not lose hope in resisting the Russians. He imposed heavy taxes on merchants to raise the expenses of the war he was planning against Russia. The clergy took the same position. Muzaffar al-Din responded to the request of the clergy and merchants in early 1868 to declare war against Russia. A battle took place between the two sides, and the Bukhari army was defeated on May 1, 1868. As a result, Russia was able to subjugate Bukhari to its authority.