Scientific study of Central Asia has its deep roots in Russian science. The ramified system of oriental scientific and educational institutions, the richest collections of oriental manuscripts, books, objects of material culture served as a sufficiently representative source base for the research of oriental scholars. The deep and disinterested interest of scientists in the achievements of Eastern civilizations played a certain role in acquainting the peoples of other countries with the culture and history of Central Asia. One of such representatives of Russian oriental studies, who, with his works and social and scientific activities, made a certain contribution to the development of science and culture of the peoples of Central Asia, in particular, to the history of the study of Uzbekistan, was Petr Ivanovich Lerkh. The range of scientific interests of Petr Ivanovich was extensive. He could study the languages, dialects and dialects of various peoples; he could be carried away by prehistoric archeology, as a result of which a number of interesting articles appeared in this direction; the result of his enthusiasm for oriental numismatics was the release of his corresponding scientific work. Moreover, it should be borne in mind that the geography of his scientific research, whatever direction they were, was also extensive: from remote provinces of Russia to the newly annexed neighboring outskirts. This is evidenced by archival materials where the works of P.I. Lerkh on archeology, linguistics, numismatics, ethnography, etc. He also did not reject the study of the works of foreign scientists concerning history, ethnography, oriental studies, in particular. The trip made by P.I. Lerkh in Khiva and Bukhara expanded the scope of the scientist's scientific activity. Since then, Central Asian countries and peoples, eastern numismatics, as well as primitive antiquities began to enter the circle of his scholarly research. During the trip 1858-1859 the scientist acquired over 30 oriental manuscripts for the Asian Museum. The versatility of scientific interests and abilities of a scientist can also be judged by his scientific reports in scientific communities. The article uses a wide range of sources of archival scientific institutions of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in particular, materials from the personal fund of P.I. Lerkh from the scientific archive of the Institute of Oriental Languages in St. Petersburg.
