Lessons 8–9 · 2 lessons · S. Tillaboyev, A. Zamonov. O‘zbekiston tarixi (History of Uzbekistan, second half of the 19th – early 20th century), Grade 9, 3rd edition. “Sharq” Publishing House, Tashkent, 2019
8
The start of military operations against the Emirate of Bukhara
Textbook: pp. 29–31
GoalDescribe how military operations against the Emirate of Bukhara began in 1866 and which towns were taken.
New words
siege · qamalindemnity, compensation paid after a war · tovonCossack, a member of an irregular military force · kazak“divide and rule” · «Bo‘lib tashla, hukmronlik qil»
Explanation
After Tashkent was taken, the Russian government planned to conquer the khanates one by one and followed the principle of “divide and rule”, aimed at keeping them from uniting. Chernyayev was recalled from Tashkent and F. Romanovsky became governor of the Turkestan Province; claiming that Bukhara was preparing for war against Russia, he asked permission to march. In May 1866 near the village of Irjar the emir’s army was defeated because the forces were unequal. Next the fortress of Khujand was besieged and shelled, and it fell in late May; many defenders and civilians were killed. N. Krizhanovsky, governor-general of Orenburg, demanded 100 thousand rubles in indemnity from the emir, and when the deadline passed the advance continued. In autumn 1866 Ura-Tyube was taken, and on 18 October (Old Style) Jizzakh fell; help from Bukhara arrived late. From the lands taken in 1864–1866 the Syr Darya Province was formed.
Worked examples
Chain of cause and effect: Tashkent taken → a pretext sought for a campaign against Bukhara → battle of Irjar (1866) → Khujand, Ura-Tyube, Jizzakh taken → Syr Darya Province formed.
Figures given in the textbook (for example, over 6 thousand lost at Jizzakh) may differ between sources, so it is right to quote them as “according to the textbook”.
Class activity
“Campaign map”: on a map link the 1866 places with arrows in order: Irjar → Khujand → Ura-Tyube → Jizzakh.
Practice
1
What was the essence of the principle “divide and rule”?
To keep the khanates apart and prevent unity so that they could be defeated one by one.
2
Name four places taken in 1866.
The battle site near Irjar, Khujand, Ura-Tyube, Jizzakh (Jizzakh on 18 October).
3
How much indemnity did N. Krizhanovsky demand from the emir (in thousand rubles)?
100
4
Why could Bukhara’s help not matter in the defence of Jizzakh? Explain.
Because the relief force arrived too late and withdrew without helping; the attackers were superior in artillery and weapons.