Kazakh History in British Periodicals: Interpretations and Historical Accuracy

Abstract

In the 19th century, the expansion of the Russian Empire into the Inner territories of Asia faced a confrontation with British interests. British press closely monitored Russia’s actions from the perspective of global competition, known as the “Great Game”. The Kazakh steppe, located at the intersection of imperial interests, played a significant role in this process. The British periodicals developed distinct views on Kazakh history, conveying the steppe's complex political, economic situation to a global audience. In this context, the study will undertake a comprehensive analysis of the content, interpretation, and historical accuracy of the data concerning Kazakh history presented in periodicals. The following conclusions have been drawn: alongside political, economic topics, the extensive coverage of ethnographic information about the Kazakhs in British periodicals contributed to changing stereotypical views; the sources not only highlighted the importance of the Steppe in the system of international relations and the economic interests of the empires, but also emphasized its role as a transit corridor and a source of raw materials; the potential of using periodicals as sources for the study of 19th century Kazakh history was established; gaps in the coverage of issues related to the Kazakh Khanate, the Kazakh hordes were identified.