The formation of the Kokand Khanate

Under the Ashtarkhanids the Fergana Valley was part of the Bukhara Khanate; in the early 18th century central power weakened, the Dzungars invaded the valley, and the Qing (Chinese) empire also posed a threat. In these conditions the elders of the Ming tribe broke away from Bukhara in 1709, took power and placed Shahrukh Biy on the throne; his seat was Tepaqurghan. At first they did not take the title of khan, Bukhara’s money stayed in circulation, and Abulfayz Khan gave Shahrukh Biy the title “ataliq”. His son Abdurahim Biy made the city of Kokand the capital and annexed Khujand and Ura-Tepa; his brother Abdulkarim Biy (1733–1750) walled Kokand and, in repelling the Dzungar attacks (1740, 1745), the Mings fought together with Kipchaks and Kyrgyz. Erdona Biy (1751–1762) subdued Osh and Uzgen, but a Chinese attack weakened his rule. Narbutabiy (1763–1798) subdued Chust, made opposing princes governors in various places, and in 1776 was the first to have the khanate’s own fals coin struck. Kokand’s rulers used the “Golden Cradle” legend to link their dynasty with Babur; it is a legend and is not confirmed as historical fact.