The Role of the Russian Political Agency in Diplomatic Relations between the Emirate of Bukhara and the Russian Empire

Abstract

The article analyzes the foundation of the Russian Imperial Political Agency (Politicheskoe agentstvo) in the Emirate of Bukhara, and initial activities in diplomatic relations between the Russian Empire and the Emirate. Based on existing correspondence between the chancellery of the qushbegi and the Agency, the structure and growth of the latter agency is analyzed. The diplomatic character of this correspondence is revealed through an in-depth study of the works of the chancellery, archives, and staff. The timeframe of the article starts from November 12, 1885 when the Russian State Council passed a decision on the establishment of the “Political Agency of the Russian Emperor in Bukhara”. This lasted until March 17, 1917.