Pre-revolutionary literature on the Akhal-Teke expeditions of 1879 and 1880–1881

After the collapse of the USSR, the history of the annexation of the regions of Central Asia to Russia acquired both scientific and political relevance, since today in the former republics of Central Asia, not scientific, but political assessment of events prevails, far from objectivity. Positive results are almost completely denied, while the emphasis is placed on negative consequences, the description of which is sometimes brought to the point of absurdity. It can be said that the previous Soviet approach was continued, but in a less objective and more politicized form, since Soviet historians recognized the presence of positive consequences. Today, the historical science of Central Asia strives to show the past suffering of its peoples and the inhuman cruelty of the "conquerors", although the former were no less cruel. Moreover, not only in relation to the "conquerors", but also in relation to neighboring peoples or even in relation to other local tribes. Turning to pre-revolutionary literature, first of all, to that written by the participants of those military campaigns themselves, allows us to look at the events of the past through their eyes and more objectively assess everything that happened between Russia and the Central Asian khanates. Since the analysis of the pre-revolutionary literature on the Akhal-Teke military campaigns of 1879 and 1880–1881 has not yet been carried out, this article has scientific novelty. For citation: Dubovikov A.M. Pre-revolutionary literature on the Akhal-Teke expeditions of 1879 and 1880–1881. From History and Culture of Peoples of the Middle Volga Region. 2025, vol.15, no.2, pp.10–56. https://doi.org/10.22378/2410-0765.2025-15-2.10-56 (In Russian)