Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
6
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
6-10
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article examines the diplomatic and political relations between the Bukhara Emirate and the Ottoman State during
the 1950s and 1960s. Despite significant geopolitical changes in the mid-20th century, these relations were
characterized by a mix of traditional alliances and modern strategic interests. The study explores key diplomatic
exchanges, trade agreements, and cultural interactions that defined the bilateral relations of this period. By analyzing
historical documents, treaties, and correspondences, the article sheds light on the motivations and implications of the
Bukhara Emirate's foreign policy towards the Ottoman State. Furthermore, it highlights the impact of these relations
on regional stability and the broader geopolitical landscape. Through this investigation, the article contributes to a
deeper understanding of the historical dynamics that influenced the interactions between these two significant
political entities in the mid-20th century.
KEYWORDS
Bukhara Emirate, Ottoman State, 1950s, 1960s, diplomatic relations, political alliances, trade agreements, cultural
interactions, geopolitical changes, foreign policy, regional stability, historical dynamics, mid-20th century.
INTRODUCTION
Relations between the Bukhara Emirate and the
Ottomans have a rich history [1], as evidenced by a
number of historical and archival documents. Despite
the fact that one or another aspect of relations with
the Khanate has been studied to a certain extent, it
should be noted that all aspects of diplomatic relations
with the Ottoman Turkish state have not yet been fully
covered.
Research Article
SOME COMMENTS ON THE RELATIONS OF THE BUKHARA EMIRATE
WITH THE OTTOMAN STATE IN THE 1950S AND 1960S
Submission Date:
May 31, 2024,
Accepted Date:
June 05, 2024,
Published Date:
June 10, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijhps/Volume04Issue06-02
Akhmadjon Kholikulov
DSc., National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijhps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
7
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
6-10
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
First, in 1775, together with the Bukhara embassy
mission, Turkish ambassadors also arrived in Moscow.
The representatives of both Muslim countries met
frequently and held mutual negotiations to strengthen
trade relations, to ensure the passage of Bukhara
pilgrims through Khiva and Astrakhan along the
southern borders of Russia, to Constantinople and
Anatolia by sea, and to Mecca. The ambassadors who
returned to their countries will inform their rulers
about this. As a result, the exchange of ambassadors
between the two countries - Abulgazi Khan and the
Turkish sultan. First, a Turkish ambassador was sent
from Constantinople to Bukhara [2]. In 1799, in
response to this, Abulgazi Khan sent ambassadors led
by Mullah Ernazarbi and his son Muhammad Sharif to
the Ottoman state.
According to the information of the Russian embassy
in Constantinople, the Bukhara ambassadors led by
Ernazarbi arrived in the Ottoman state on October 27,
1780 and met with Sadri Azami (prime minister) of the
country on November 9. After the political
negotiations, Ernazarbi left for Mecca. In September
1781, the diplomat of the Bukhara state died in Konya
due to the plague spread in Asia Minor [3]. In the
relations between Bukhara and the Ottoman state, we
see that mainly religious relations are in the main place
[4]. This is evidenced by the existence of documents of
those who applied for financial assistance, especially to
ensure the safety of Muslims passing through certain
roads and to support them in their pilgrimage [5].
If we talk about the relations of Bukhara Emirate with
the Ottoman state in the 50s of the XIX century, in
1848, the Ottoman government sent a letter to the
Emir of Bukhara, Nasrullah. After a long eulogy in
honor of the emir, it mentions the person of the
ambassador. It can be assumed that this ambassador
was Haji Muhammad, the sheikh of the Uzbek takiya in
Istanbul. In the letter, it is noted that this takiya has
been operating for a long time, and the main message
of the sultan to the emir of Bukhara is stated in the
concluding part of the letter. It mentions that
information about ongoing wars, military operations
and murders in the region reached the Ottomans. The
Sultan, using his position as the Caliphate, demands
that the necessary measures be taken to preserve the
unity of the Muslims and the Ummah, to stop
hostilities, and to stop the shedding of innocent
Muslim blood [6].
According to information in Ottoman documents, the
Sultan's decision was based on a conversation with the
Kokan ambassador who was in Istanbul at that time. A
document written on 16 Shawwal of 1264 Hijri
(September 15, 1848) about the arrival of the Kokan
ambassador of the Ottoman Ministry of Foreign Affairs
to Istanbul indicates this. In it, it is noted that as a result
of the preliminary talks, the official reception of the
sultan was decided, the travel expenses of the
ambassador were covered, an order was sent to Koqan
Khan through the ambassador, and a strand of the
Prophet Muhammad's beard and a cloak were given as
a gift. The document mentions that the ambassador
has complaints about the actions of the emir of
Bukhara, and requested the sultan to intervene in this
conflict and resolve the concerns about the war in a
peaceful way. It was also indicated that an official
letter would be sent to the Emir of Bukhara through
Haji Muhammad, the sheikh of the Uzbek takiya in
Istanbul [7].
Apparently, in response to this mission, in the fall of
1850, an embassy led by Nur Mahdi arrived in Istanbul.
In this regard, a decree will be issued to the Ministry of
Finance to allocate money for the members of the
mission to live in the capital. During the conversation
with the Ottoman officials, the ambassador requested
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
8
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
6-10
OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
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Servi
that the emir's reply letter to the sultan's ambassador
sent in 1848 be delivered to the sultan personally. This
wish of the ambassador will be fulfilled [8].
Unfortunately, the emir's letter to the sultan has not
been preserved. But its content can be learned from
the presentation prepared for the sultan to get to
know. In the name of the emir, the ambassador
requested that he award the emir Nasrullah with the
same order that was presented to Koqan Khan in 1848,
as well as present a valuable box with the symbol of the
Ottoman state, the sultan's coat of arms, etc. does [9].
The ambassador will also present some gifts to
Sadriazam Mustafa Rashid Pasha. Sadriazam accepts
gifts politely so as not to offend the ambassador [10].
The Sultan satisfied the ambassador's requests.
Taking into account the constant wars between
Bukhara and Kokan in the 1930s and 1960s, it was
natural for the emir of Bukhara and the Khan of Kokan
to start a diplomatic struggle for the spiritual support
of the sultan. Every ruler tries to justify his military
actions in letters for the spiritual support of the "Caliph
of Rum" - the Ottoman sultan, before the eyes of the
Malalli population [11]. In 1863, the Ottoman
government started relations with the new emir of
Bukhara, Said Muzaffar. This embassy was prompted
by the request of the Italian government to Sultan
Abdulaziz (1861-1876) to release three Italian citizens
captured in Bukhara [12].
In the autumn of 1863, the Italian government asked
the Ottomans to write a letter to the emir of Bukhara
asking them to release their merchants. In this regard,
Sultan Abdulaziz ordered to prepare a corresponding
letter to Bukhara [13]. Also preserved in the Ottoman
archives is a letter of gratitude from the Italian
ambassador in Istanbul, Mr. Turino, to the Sultan for his
help in freeing the captives [14].
Based on this document, Turkish researchers
emphasize that the sultan had a great role in the
liberation of Europeans [15]. But A. Vamberi, who was
in Bukhara with the Italians at that time, interprets the
course of events differently. According to him, the
Italians allegedly brought to Bukhara several boxes of
tea sprinkled with diamond powder and were arrested
for trying to poison the entire population of the holy
city. They also "turned day into night and did other
hellish tricks" [16].
A. Vamberi, who was in Bukhara in the 60s of the 19th
century, notes in his memoirs that the majority of the
population of the emirate has an idea of the Ottoman
state and Bukhara's international position in foreign
relations: "People talk enthusiastically about the
exploits of their emirs, according to them, the emir
reached as far as China from Kokan, and he spread his
power throughout the East, conquering Iran,
Afghanistan, India and Farangistan, which he
considered his neighbors, and the whole world was
divided between the sultan and the emir taken" [17].
In 1867, another embassy arrived in Istanbul from
Bukhara. The diplomatic mission was headed by Mufti
of Bukhara Muhammad Porso, and Emir Said Muzaffar
sent them to Istanbul via British India. The sending of
this ambassador was directed against the military
actions of Russia, and Amir Muzaffar planned to form
an alliance with the participation of Bukhara, the
Ottoman Empire and England against the Russians
[18]. Amir predicted that the British would help
because of the rivalry between England and Russia. In
contrast, the British colonial government in India
limited itself to offering sympathy without providing
any assistance. During the meeting, Lawrence
mentions that Britain still hasn't gotten over the
deaths of Stoddart and the Connollys. Turkish historian
O. Mert said that the British government refused to
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
9
International Journal Of History And Political Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2222)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
6-10
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
help the emir because they could not forgive the
murder of British spies Stoddart and Connolly in
Bukhara [19].
At the same time, news arrives that the Kokan
ambassador is returning from Istanbul without any
results. But Muhammad Porso decided to continue on
his way and in September 1867 he arrived in the capital
of the Ottoman state and was greeted with great
respect and celebration. On September 24, 1867, the
ambassador was personally received by Sultan
Abdulaziz [20].
After
completing
his
ambassadorial
mission,
Mohammad Porso will leave for Hajj. Before leaving
Istanbul, he turns to the British ambassador, Henry
Elliott, asking them to respond to the letter sent for the
queen. He assumed that the views of the central and
regional English governments in solving similar
problems differ from each other. But the ambassador
was wrong about this. The response of the official
authorities dashes his hopes [21].
In April 1868, before the Ottomans responded to the
letter sent by Muhammad Porso, another letter from
the Emirate of Bukhara arrived asking for help.
Muhammad Porso, who was returning from Hajj, came
to Istanbul again and handed it over to the sultan. In it,
the emir asks the sultan to help stop Russia through
diplomatic means and to send soldiers to provide
military assistance [22]. This request of the Amir will be
sent for consideration at a special council meeting.
Although the issue of aid to Bukhara was discussed in
the Sultan's Council, no practical results were shown.
About their request, the minister reported the
following to the sultan: "We thought that it would be
possible to allocate material support to Bukhara for the
upcoming battle with the Russians. But we realized
that it would be difficult to do. Because there are
several countries and considerable distance between
Bukhara and Ottoman states. We also note with regret
that the khanates are not united among themselves.
[23].
In 1868, the Russians defeated the troops of the
Bukhara Emirate and signed the Russo-Bukhara Treaty.
A large part of Bukhara will be taken over by the
Russians, and the country will become a vassal of
Russia. When the news of Bukhara's defeat reached
the Grand Ministry, the Ottoman Empire had not yet
decided how to respond to the two letters asking for
help [24].
CONCLUSION
In short, the diplomatic relations between the Bukhara
Emirate and the Ottoman Empire became active in the
late 18th and early 19th centuries. The complicated
political situation in the Bukhara Emirate in the first
quarter of the 19th century forced the emir to get
closer politically to the Turkish sultan. Because during
this period, the incessant mutual wars with the local
rebel governors of the Khanate of Kokan, Khiva,
Shahrisabz, Balkh, and Marv, and the tense internal
political situation forced the emirate to look for an ally
from powerful countries to support it.
In the documents kept in the Turkish archives, the
relations between the Ottoman state and the Emirate
of Bukhara include the exchange of gifts, assistance to
pilgrims going to Mecca, Bukhara people who are in a
difficult situation, books, especially religious books on
the Qur'an, fiqh and interpretation, and the like. issues
led.
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