Kyrgyzstan in History: Accounts of Russians Scientists and Travellers

Abstract

The study of the history of the Kyrgyz people is challenging, as there is a dearth of historical evidence. Archaeological sources are important for knowing about the Kyrgyz in ancient and medieval times. Ancient Chinese sources also mention the Kyrgyz people. The territory of present Kyrgyzstan has been conquered by different people throughout history. The nomadic Kyrgyz people are one of the oldest in Central Asia. Kyrgyz nationhood may have been a late development but the concept existed among them despite their numerous clan wars, and fights against the Chinese, Kalmyks and Mongols. The most inclusive and rich information about the Kyrgyz in the eighteenth century and beginning of the nineteenth century was given by Captain I.G. Andriev, a Siberian military engineer and erudite scholar. M.I. Venukov’s accounts give rare information about the relation of the Kyrgyz with their neighbours: Kazakhs, Kokand and Kashgar, the trade relations of Asian countries with Russia and their voluntary union with Russia.