Embassy relations between Kazakhstan and Russia in the 1700s–1720s.

Research Article

Abstract

Based on archival documents and published written sources, this article shows the dynamics of embassy relations between the Kazakh Khanate and the Russian state in the first decades of the 18th century. The author has systematized all known embassy contacts between the two sides and revealed new ones previously unknown in historiography. The main problems of bilateral relations raised during embassy contacts are identified: issues of military cooperation in the fight against the Dzungars, problems of security on the Kazakh-Russian border, the suppression of mutual attacks, and the establishment of trade relations. The regularity with which these issues were raised in diplomatic correspondence and during mutual embassy visits indicates that many problems remained unresolved. At the same time, both sides were formally committed to overcoming the problems that arose. The materials show that at the beginning of the 18th century, there were several centers of relations between Russia and the Kazakhs, namely Kazan, Ufa, and Tobolsk. At the same time, the Siberian administration under Governor Prince M.P. Gagarin was more active in establishing contacts with the Kazakhs. A distinctive feature of this stage in relations between the Kazakhs and Russia was the complex foreign policy situation in southern Siberia and Central Asia associated with the active policy of the Dzungar state, which was defending its interests in the region. This stage is also characterized by a revival of Russian interest in the region in the middle of the second decade of the 18th century. During this period, changes in the structure of interaction, caused by both internal reforms on the Russian side and external challenges faced by both sides, played a special role in the development of diplomatic relations between the Kazakh rulers and the Russian state. The strengthening of Russia's position in the Ural-Caspian region, as well as the growing threat from Dzungaria, forced Kazakh rulers to intensify dialogue with the Russian border administration. This manifested itself in an increase in the number of embassy missions and an expansion of the range of issues discussed, covering not only military and trade matters, but also the security of border territories. In turn, centers such as Kazan, Ufa, and especially Tobolsk became important hubs through which most embassy contacts passed. The intensity of embassy relations in the second decade of the 18th century after a hiatus allows us to distinguish this period as a separate stage in the history of diplomatic relations between the Kazakh rulers and the Russian state. The article clarifies the duration of the new stage, the dates of a number of embassies, and the content of the negotiations.