The Andijan uprising (1898)

According to the textbook, in 1891 the large-scale resettlement of people from Russia into the Fergana Province worsened the position of a valley short of land and densely settled; the growth of cotton fields and shrinking grain and pastures raised prices, and a large part of waqf land became state property, which angered religious leaders. The uprising was led by Muhammad Ali (1846–1898 according to the textbook), known in the valley as Dukchi Eshon. On 17 May 1898 (Old Style) he announced through his people that the time to rise had come; that night telegraph wires were cut at Tojikqishloq and the uprising began, the Asaka pristav was killed on the way, the rebels split into two groups, more people joined, and they attacked the military barracks in Andijan. According to the textbook, because forces were unequal they had to retreat: 22 soldiers from the barracks were killed and 22 wounded, 11 rebels were killed and 8 wounded; in the shooting in the city civilians also died. N. Korolkov led the punitive expedition, two thousand people were arrested, Dukchi Eshon and his close associates were hanged; according to sources 380 people were sentenced to death, then on Kuropatkin’s instruction sentences were eased, though the sentences of 22 people stood. Reasons for defeat: the uprising did not spread widely, there was no clear plan or discipline, and arms were unequal.