The role of the Governor-General of Turkestan in the relations between Russian Empire and Iran

Abstract

This article analyzes the political processes of the second half of the 19^th century including diplomatic relations  and the role of the Governor-General of Turkestan in this process, proven facts , related to political, trade and economic relations.  The Governor-General of Turkestan, the most authoritative body of the Russian Empire in Central Asia, as the Plenipotentiary  Representative of the Empire, completely took under control the socio-economic and cultural life of the country, as well as its political life. First of all, the internal and external relations of the khanates were directly subordinated to the interests of the center, and the chain of centuries –old ties were broken. Existing limited contacts were also carried out under the control of imperial officials. Among the survivors of the Central Asian khanates, the Emirate of Bukhara first through a diplomatic representative (until 1885), then through a political agent of the Russian Emperor (1886-1917), the Khiva khanate through a 7-member council and the Amudarya branch of the Sirdarya region and their relations with foreign countries were carried out on the instruction of the Imperial Ministry under the supervision of the Governor-General’s Court. Diplomatic relations related to the process are covered in the article by modern methods of historiography and source studies. The data presented were analyzed comparatively . The fact that the data and conclusions drawn from this small scientific study have been confirmed by the competent authorities increases the reliability of the research. Statistical collections, annals and commentaries on the imperial period are proof of our opinion. In the process of global redistribution, Iran, like other Asian countries, has become a battleground for colonial powers. Economically weak and unable to compete with Western European countries in terms of industrial development, Iran became a battleground for the British and Russian empires, which eventually put Iran under economic and political pressure. Iran, dominated by medieval traditions and religious factors was also unable to resist the imperialist powers. The escalation of internal conflicts and the predominance of anti-authoritarian sentiments also took the process out of control. As a result, the future of semi-colonial Iran depends on the mood of imperialist powers.