The Russian Government and Institute of Tarkhanism in the Kazakh Society (XVIII–XIX centuries)
Российское правительство и институт тарханства в казахском обществе (ХVІІІ–ХІХ века)
Issenov O.I. Balgabayeva G.Z. Absadyk A.A. Shaukenov Z.A.
1 December 2025Cherkas Global University Press
Bylye Gody
2025#20Issue 41649 - 1658 pp.
This article examines the revival of the institution of tarkhan in Kazakh society, tracing its origins back to ancient times. The study analyzes the terminological meaning of the word tarkhan, the role played by social groups who held this position, their level of social status, as well as the historical foundations and evolution of the tarkhan institution. Among the ancient nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppes, such as the Scythians and Magyars, the title of tarkhan was used to refer to judges. During the era of the great Turkic state – the Turkic Khaganate – tarkhans served as high-ranking state and military officials. In the 1740–1750s, the Russian Empire continued its policy toward the Kazakh Khanate, which included, in cooperation with Kazakh khans and sultans, the revival of the medieval Turkic-Mongol office of tarkhan among judges and noble warriors close to the khan’s authority. Tarkhans who had received official charters from the Russian government were granted special rights and privileges, which distinguished them within the social hierarchy of Kazakh society. The possession of such formal documentation enhanced their authority both within the Horde and in the eyes of the imperial administration. Owing to their status, the tarkhans served as intermediaries between the Russian authorities and the steppe population, facilitating the implementation of the Empire’s political and administrative initiatives at the local level. After achieving its key political objectives related to consolidating imperial control over the Kazakh steppes, the Russian government abolished the institution of tarkhan by special decree, considering it obsolete in the context of the newly established system of administrative governance on the annexed territories.
Kazakh Khanate , politics , position , Russian Empire , society , status , tarkhans , title
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
A. Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University, Kostanay, Kazakhstan
A. Baitursynuly Kostanay Regional University
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026