Participation of representatives of the Kazakh Steppe in the activities of the Asian Department of the MFA of the Russian Empire (the second half of the XIX century)

Abstract

The article analyzes the participation of the Kazakhstan’s representatives in the Asian Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the second half of the XIX century by the example of the fate of Ch.Ch. Valikhanov and Sh.M. Ibragimov. The inclusion of territories of Siberia and Kazakhstan into the Russian Empire, as well as unfolded in the early nineteenth century the geopolitical rivalry between Britain and Russia for supremacy in the East required the training of experts, including those from the local population, for further control and expand its influence in the region. Education in Russian schools, excellent knowledge of oriental languages, responsible attitude, in spite of the skepticism about their prospects, allowed representatives of the Steppe Territory to express themselves in the public service, to make their mark in the foreign policy of the Russian Empire.
Key words: Diplomacy, Embassy, dragoman, Consul, Hajj.