Relations of Abylai Khan with the Central Government and Regional Centers of the Russian Empire

Abylai as one of the influential military and political leaders of the Kazakh Steppe of the XVIII century, during the almost 40-year period of rule as Sultan and Khan of the Middle Zhuz, paid considerable attention to building interaction with neighboring states, primarily Russia and China.The presence of two powerful empires with their own priorities and tasks determined the nature of international relations in this part of Eurasia.The Russian direction in Abylai's foreign policy activities became increasingly important as Russia's position on the border line and colonization activity strengthened.Abylai's interaction with the central and regional authorities of the empire was carried out through correspondence and the exchange of embassies.The main issues for discussion were the establishment of mutually beneficial trade in the border area, the safety of trade caravans, and the exchange of prisoners.Chinese and Dzungarian factors occupied a prominent place in Kazakh-Russian relations, so another important topic for negotiations was the possible provision of military assistance.Abylai's extensive correspondence with representatives of the Russian government at various levels from the commandants of fortresses to empresses shows his desire to protect the interests of his subjects, preserve the status of an independent ruler and the sovereignty of the part of the Kazakh Khanate subject to him.The documents show Abylai as an outstanding politician who, not without success, sought to formulate and implement his interests, which in turn strengthened his position within Kazakh society and eventually allowed him to receive the khan's title.Abylai's active foreign policy activity makes him a key historical figure of the XVIII century in Central Asia.