Karakalpak bazaars in the XIX – early XX centuries: the peculiarities of functioning and its role in people’s life

Abstract

The object of this research is the Karakalpak bazaar, which as any oriental bazaar, was the center of public life of the city and its vicinity. The entire economic, social and cultural life of the local population developed around the bazaar. It was a place of attraction for all trade deals, latest news, and everyday communication. The Karakalpak bazaar was located in the central part of the city, which played a major role for the establishment and development of the city throughout history. Most bazaars of the Karakalpaks of that time were located along the streets, resembling the poles stretching from one wall to another and with reed roofing or covered with cloth to protect from the heat and rain. The bazaar consisted of the rows of street-stands depending on what they were selling. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that this article is first within the Russian historiography to analyze history of the Karakalpak bazaars of the XIX – early XX centuries based on examination of archival sources and field materials acquired by the author. The city bazaars played an important role in domestic trade, in addition to selling goods, also included barter of agricultural commodities for industrial products. The bazaars of the period under revview were held twice a week, on specific days. Most profitable were considered Khodjeyli, Chimbay, Kungrad, and Turtkul bazaars, which served the population of the adjacent localities.