The Khivan Khanate: A Central Asian Legacy
Exploring the history, governance, rulers, and cultural context of a pivotal Central Asian state from the 16th to early 20th century.
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The Name: Khiva's Identity
Naming Conventions
The term "Khanate of Khiva," commonly used in Western scholarship, is a linguistic adaptation derived from the Russian exonym, Khivinskoe khanstvo. This designation gained prominence in Russian sources from the 17th or 18th century onwards. Notably, inhabitants of the polity did not employ this specific term, preferring to refer to their land as vilayet Khwārazm ("country of Khwārazm"). Prior to the 17th/18th centuries, the polity was frequently identified as "Urgench," a name also recognized in Persian and Bukharan contexts, with "Urganji" sometimes serving as the collective identifier for its people.
Historical Trajectory
Early Period and Shifts
The region known as Khorezm, the historical heartland of the Khanate, was nominally under the influence of the Timurid Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqara of Khorasan until 1505. Muhammad Shaybani's empire briefly encompassed Khorezm before its eventual expulsion by Shah Ismail I of Persia. Following this, Ilbars founded the Arabshahid dynasty in 1511, marking the establishment of the Khanate. The capital was eventually moved from Konye-Urgench to Khiva around 1600 due to shifts in the Amu Darya river's course. The population comprised agriculturalists, Turkic Sarts, and nomadic groups, with increasing infiltration by Uzbeks and the presence of Turkmen nomads who often served in the Khan's army but also engaged in revolts.
Russian Imperial Period
The Khanate faced multiple Russian military expeditions. After initial failed attempts, the Russian conquest culminated in 1873 with General Von Kaufman's campaign. Khiva was captured, and a treaty established it as a Russian protectorate, significantly reducing its territory and ending the Khivan slave trade. This conquest was part of the broader Russian expansion into Central Asia. Despite the loss of autonomy, the Khanate persisted as a vassal state, with Russian influence shaping its political landscape until the revolution.
Revolution and Soviet Era
The Russian Revolution of 1917 triggered internal upheaval in Khiva. A revolution occurred, leading to the deposition of the Khan. In 1920, the Khanate was formally replaced by the Khorezm People's Soviet Republic. This entity was later incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1924. The territory of the former Khanate was subsequently divided between the Turkmen SSR and Uzbek SSR, forming the basis of modern administrative divisions in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The Rulers: Khans of Khiva
Arabshahid Dynasty (1511–1804)
The Arabshahid dynasty, originating from Shaybanid lineage, ruled Khiva for centuries, navigating periods of internal strife, external threats, and shifting alliances. Their rule was marked by conflicts with neighboring states like Bukhara and Persia, as well as internal power struggles and the influence of tribal leaders.
Qungrat Dynasty (1804–1920)
The Qungrat dynasty rose to prominence, initially as powerful prime ministers (Inaqs), before formally assuming the title of Khan in 1804. This period saw attempts at modernization and consolidation, but also increasing pressure from the Russian Empire, culminating in protectorate status and eventual absorption into the Soviet sphere.
Economy
Section Under Development
Information regarding the specific economic activities, trade, agriculture, and resources of the Khanate of Khiva is not detailed in the provided source material for this section. Further research into primary sources would be necessary to elaborate on this aspect of the Khanate's history.
Culture
Section Under Development
The provided source material does not contain specific details regarding the cultural practices, arts, architecture, or social structures of the Khanate of Khiva. Information on these topics would require consulting additional historical resources.
Military Structure
Section Under Development
Details concerning the military organization, tactics, weaponry, and significant campaigns of the Khanate of Khiva are not elaborated upon in the provided source text. A comprehensive understanding of the Khanate's military history would necessitate further investigation.
References
Source Materials
The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:
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References
References
- Å ir-Moḥammad MirÄb Munes and Moḥammad-ReÅ¼Ä MirÄb Ägahi, Ferdaws al-eqbÄl, ed., tr., and annotated by Yuri Bregel as Firdaws al-iqbal: History of Khorezm, 2 vols., Leiden, 1988â99. p. 162,62,567â68
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