Russians and Turkmens in the Transcaspian Province: The Experience of Successful Coexistence in the Murghab Sovereign’s Estate
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In historiography, there is perception of the Russian Empire as a colonial state, and of its outlying regions as colonies. The colonial regime involves the exploitation of various resources of colony for the benefit of metropolis. The history of the Murghab Soveregn’s Estate which existed in the Transcaspian Province, demonstrates how Russian capitalism created conditions according to which two distinct civilizational communities coexisted successfully, benefiting from this coexistence. The purpose of the study is to examine the various parameters that could have influenced the interaction between the two societies and to determine the potential for conflict. The results of the study prove that the Russian side was focused on maximizing profits from the enterprise, and therefore did not prioritize exerting significant pressure on the indigenous population of the region. The Turkmens benefited from artificial irrigation and favorable rental rates. They were provided with medical services. There were no obstacles to the establishment of new religious institutions or the provision of primary Muslim education. As a result, the two distinct civilizations coexisted peacefully, pursuing their own interests and engaging in interactions that did not significantly impact their economic, cultural, or civilizational perspectives.
Source: Journal of Frontier Studies
Author: Dmitry V. Vasilyev
Institution: Russian Academy of Entrepreneurship
Language: English
Topic: Soviet and Russian History
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204556704