Russia's Policy in Central Asia 1873-1880 )Russia - Bukhara - Khiva – Britain(

Abstract

This research examines Russian policy in Central Asia during the 1870s and how its approach to Bukhara and Khiva evolved. The 1873 treaty served as the cornerstone of Russia's policy to consolidate its influence in the region. Russia imposed its will by opposing the slave trade and by extending its jurisdiction over Russian subjects in Bukhara, thereby curbing the power of Turkmen tribes in the area. Russian political and military motives also played a role in the exploration of central Bukhara between 1873 and 1880. Russia sent a mission to Afghanistan demanding the placement of Russian representatives in Afghan cities, the deployment of Russian troops, the establishment of telegraph lines, and the conclusion of a defensive-offensive treaty with Afghanistan. In response, Britain requested that the Afghan Emir, Sher Ali, receive the British mission and expel the Russian one. When the Emir refused, the Second Afghan War broke out in 1878, resulting in a British victory. The Treaty of Gandamak was signed on May 26, 1879, stipulating that Afghanistan would relinquish control of its foreign affairs to Britain and that British representatives would be appointed in Kabul and other parts of the country. To demonstrate its influence in the region, Russia supported Abdur Rahman, Sher Ali's nephew, who was installed as ruler of Afghanistan. When the Liberals returned to power in Britain in 1880, Britain reverted to a policy of non-intervention in Afghanistan, and Abdur Rahman was recognized as Emir of Afghanistan