Diplomatic and Trade Relations between the Kokand Khanate and the Qing (China) Empire in the 19th Century: A Historical-Source Analysis

Abstract

This scientific article broadly analyses, on the basis of archival documents and historical sources, the diplomatic, military-political and trade-economic relations in the first half of the 19th century between the Kokand Khanate, one of the major states of Central Asia, and the Qing (China) Empire, which ruled in East Asia. It studies the khanate's foreign policy strategy conducted through the territory of Eastern Turkestan (Kashgaria), its attitude to religious-political uprisings in the region, embassy contacts and mutual agreements. The article also examines the legal and economic foundations of the historic Beijing treaty concluded in 1832 and of the institution of "Aqsaqals" (consular and customs-collecting functions) introduced on its basis.