Participation of Tatar-Bashkir and Turkish military specialists in the formation of the national army in Turkestan

The article examines participation of Tatar-Bashkir and Turkish military specialists in the formation of the national army in the Turkestan region. The participation and role of Tatar and Turkish soldiers involved in the formation of the national armed forces during the existence of the Turkestan Autonomous Government, and later for the formed People’s Soviet Republics with capitals in Bukhara and Khorezm are analyzed. The purpose of attracting soldiers is pointed out. It consisted of their involvement in the creation of military schools and a national army. Special attention is drawn to the attitude of the Soviet government to these processes and the history of diplomatic relations between the Turkestan Autonomous Government and the headquarters of the “Ittihad i Terrakki” (“Unity and Progress”) Party, created in Istanbul to form a national army. The author reveals the activities of military specialists of Tatar-Bashkir and Turkish origin, which became possible thanks to the efforts of progressive Jadids. Their participation in the formation of the national army and the creation of national military schools have been highlighted. It is presented that all that happened despite the pressure and repressions from the Soviet government. The article is based on archival documents and sources.