Turkmens of Akhal-Teke and Merv Within the Context or Relations Between Frontier Administrations of the Russian Empire (1870s-1880s)

A conflict between Russian frontier administrations weakened imperial influence over Turkmen tribes in the Eastern Caspian region during the late 19th century. The study reveals that disputes over authority between the Caucasus and Turkestan administrations, compounded by personal ambitions of regional leaders, led to a decline in Russian control. While the Khivan Khanate briefly extended suzerainty over Akhal-Teke and Merv with mixed Russian approval, the lack of clear power distribution and administrative infighting undermined coherent imperial policy. The research analyzes correspondence, official records, and contemporary observations to demonstrate how these tensions allowed local elites to exploit divisions for their own interests. Central intervention and leadership changes eventually resolved the conflict but highlighted systemic challenges in managing frontier regions.

Pochekaev, R. Yu. (2021). Turkmens of Akhal-Teke and Merv Within the Context or Relations Between Frontier Administrations of the Russian Empire (1870s-1880s). Vestnik Tomskogo Gosudarstvennogo Universiteta, (470), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.17223/15617793/470/20