The Institution of Sultan-Rulers as an Element of the Integration Policy of the Russian Empire in Junior Zhuz (1824—1867)
Igor R. Prokhorov, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Researcher
National Archive of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan, prohorov1974@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5952-3867
Abstract
The article examines the Russia’s introduction of the institute of sultan-rulers to lead the Kazakhs of the Junior Zhuz (Junior Horde) in 1824. At the same time the Khan’s power in the Junior Zhuz was abolished, and the territory of the Zhuz was divided into three administrative units — the western, middle and eastern parts. These changes were prompted by the Russian administration’s recognition of the khans’ inability to normalize the situation in the Horde and create a peaceful environment there. Given the absence of Russian administrative, military, and judicial posts in the Kazakh steppe, this measure was necessary. The Russian Empire used the institution of sultan rulers to consolidate its influence in the steppe. The most influential sultans of the Junior Horde were the first to receive new positions. Karatai Nuraliev was appointed sultan-ruler of the western part, Temir Iraliev of the middle, Zhuma Khudaimendin of the eastern. The Inner Horde (Bukeyev Horde), nomadic on the right bank of the Ural and in the Astrakhan steppes, became a separate region of the Zhuz. Khanate authority was retained there. However, the experience of the sultan-rulers also revealed serious shortcomings of the new administrative structure: corruption, weak authority, lack of credibility, and difficulties with judicial proceedings. Nevertheless, the sultan-rulers played a decisive role in integrating the Junior Zhuz into the Russian Empire.
Prokhorov I. R. The Institution of Sultan-Rulers as an Element of the Integration Policy of the Russian Empire in Junior Zhuz (1824—1867). Vestnik of Orenburg State Pedagogical University. Electronic Scientific Journal, 2026, no. 1 (57), pp. 190—206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.32516/2303-9922.2026.57.13.
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