The October seizure of power and the Turkestan Autonomy
Lessons 2–3 · 2 lessons · Q. Rajabov, A. Zamonov. History of Uzbekistan (1917–1991): textbook for Grade 10 of secondary schools and for students of secondary specialised and vocational institutions. 1st edition. G‘afur G‘ulom Publishing-Printing Creative House, Tashkent, 2017
3
The Turkestan Autonomy: a new stage in the statehood of the native peoples
Textbook: pp. 14–19
GoalExplain the proclamation, work and suppression of the Turkestan Autonomy and assess its historical significance.
New words
the Turkestan Autonomy, proclaimed in Kokand in November 1917 · Turkiston Muxtoriyaticongress, assembly of delegates · qurultoyConstituent Assembly, meant to decide the form of the state · Ta’sis majlisiPeople’s Council, the planned representative body · Millat Majlisi
Explanation
The Fourth Extraordinary All-Turkestan Muslim Congress met in Kokand on 26–28 November 1917 and on the night of 27 November declared Turkestan territorially autonomous within a Federative Russian Republic; the form of autonomy was to be decided by the All-Russian Constituent Assembly. The government was formed on 28 November: it was headed by Muhammadjon Tinishboyev, with Mustafo Cho‘qay as foreign minister (later acting prime minister) and Ubaydulla Xo‘jayev as war minister. It published newspapers, began preparing a constitution and a national army, announced an internal loan and took steps to bring grain against famine; many cities held rallies in its support. The Bolsheviks and the Tashkent Soviet saw it as a danger; the Fourth Extraordinary Regional Congress of Soviets of Turkestan (19–26 January 1918) decided to destroy it by force: military action began on 30 January, Kokand was shelled and plundered for several days, many civilians died (the textbook says 10,000; figures differ among sources), and on 22 February a forced agreement recognised Soviet power. The Autonomy existed for only 72 days (about two and a half months), yet it remained a symbol of the local peoples’ aspiration to their own statehood.
Worked examples
Example (calendar): the textbook uses the old style up to 31 January 1918 and the new style from 14 February. Military action began on 30 January (old style); 30+13=43 – 31 = 12 February (new style). The Kokand agreement of 22 February is already in the new style.
Example (reading a source): Fitrat called the night of 27 November “our national Night of Power”. This shows the spirit of the intellectuals who backed the Autonomy, but it is one side’s view; for a full conclusion one should also compare government documents and the opponents’ accounts.
Class activity
Debate: two groups answer “Why was the Autonomy overthrown?”, naming historical reasons (weapons, funds, allies, unified leadership) and giving evidence.
Practice
1
When and where was the Turkestan Autonomy proclaimed?
On 27 November 1917 (congress 26–28 November) in Kokand.
2
Who headed the Autonomy government and who was the foreign minister?
The head was Muhammadjon Tinishboyev; the foreign minister was Mustafo Cho‘qay.
3
Why did the Tashkent Soviet regard the Autonomy as a danger?
It expressed a government of the local peoples and was an alternative to Soviet power; its existence contradicted the Soviets’ claim to be the only authority in the region.
4
Which factors led to the Autonomy’s defeat? Name two.
For example, the lack of a strong, well-armed army and sufficient funds, and the inability of the political forces (Jadids and ulama) to unite; the other side had organised military force.