Resettlement of Sart Kalmyks to Przhevalsky Uyezd of Semirechenskaya Oblast, 1860s–1890s

Introduction. The history of the Sart Kalmyks in Przhevalsky Uyezd of Semirechenskaya Oblast — referred to as Kalmyks, Qara Kalmyks, Olets, Sart Kalmyks — remains understudied. Goals. The study seeks to reveal the history of emergence and strengthening of Kalmyks in the Semirechye Region from the late 15th century to the collapse of the Dzungar Khanate — and further to their return to Semirechye after the Dungan Revolt in Ghulja and annexation of the territory by the Russian Empire. Materials and methods. The article employs both general scientific and specific historical research methods, including that of source studies. The work analyzes materials from central archives of Russia and Kazakhstan, a main emphasis be laid on the correspondence between uyezd, oblast executives — and the administrative office of Russian Turkestan regarding the arrival of Kalmyks in the Semirechye Region and related supporting arrangements. Results. Kalmyks had started inhabiting Semirechye in the late 16th and 17th centuries as subjects of the Dzungar Khanate. The final resettlement of those Kalmyks to the Russian Empire took place in the 1960s–1890s after the Dungan (Taranchi) Revolt. The Russian administration facilitated the arrival of Kalmyks in Semirechenskaya Oblast and rendered them material assistance. The documents reveal what role the Kalmyks played in the structure of China’s border troops, their main occupations. However, after the restoration of Chinese power in Ghulja the bulk of the Kalmyks returned to China, only a small group remained to be referred to by Russian officials as ‘Sart Kalmaks’ and settled in Issyk-Kul (Przhevalsky) Uyezd. Conclusions. In the late 19th century, Sart Kalmyks founded the villages of Chelpek and Ber-Bash in Przhevalsky Uyezd and continued to maintain their traditional economies.

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