THE INFLUENCE OF THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE ON THE DOMESTIC POLICIES OF THE EMIRATE OF BUKHARA AND THE KHANATE OF KHIVA UNDER THE RUSSIAN PROTECTORATE (1868–1917)

Abstract

During the second half of the nineteenth century, the Russian Empire established protectorates over the Emirate of Bukhara and the Khanate of Khiva. Although both states formally retained their sovereignty, they became politically, economically, and diplomatically dependent on the Russian Empire.
The foundation of Russian policy was a system of indirect rule, often referred to as “dual sovereignty.” The Emir and the Khan preserved their traditional governing institutions and the Islamic legal system; however, major political decisions were made with due regard to the interests of the Russian Empire. This model enabled the imperial authorities to maintain effective control over the region without introducing direct colonial administration.