Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky: An Imperialistic East Asian Journey [Aleksandr Bekoviç-Çerkasski: Emperyalist Bir Doğu Asya Yolculuğu]

Abstract

This article attempts to identify the true reasons, outcomes, and outstanding legacy of Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky. A Circassian aristocrat, a Muslim converted to Christianity, who would travel searching for a mythical river of gold in the name of Russia; this historical character’s life and ultimate death is investigated. The importance of his journey from Russia to Khiva will underline the substantial effect Russian imperialism had on central Asia. One of the first expeditions enforced by a Russian ruler, Peter the Great, Bekovich-Cherkassky’s story sheds light on the Circassian-Russian relations and provides a wealth of information about the institution of amanat or exchanging the children from aristocratic families for the purpose of forming political alliance. Finally, this article argues that by inspiring other explorers and travelers to the region, Bekovich-Cherkassky’s journey impacted the future of Russia’s exploration. The extremely limited information surrounding both Alexander and the journey are compiled with evidence here that his expedition held more weight than history has been able to testify.

Keywords

• Russian History
• Russian Imperialism
• Circassian Relations
• Expedition
• Khiva
• Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky
• Muslim
• Amanat Program
• Kabarda
• 18th Century Russia

Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky: An Imperialistic East Asian Journey [Aleksandr Bekoviç-Çerkasski: Emperyalist Bir Doğu Asya Yolculuğu]

Abstract

Bu makale, Aleksandr Bekoviç-Çerkasski'nin keşif gezisinin gerçek nedenlerini, sonuçlarını ve seçkin mirasını tanımlamaya çalışmaktadır. Bir Çerkes aristokrat, Hristiyan olan bir Müslüman, altın nehir mitinin peşinde Rusya adına seyahatlere çıkan bu tarihi karakterin yaşamı ve ölümü incelenmektedir. Çalışmada Rusya'dan Hiva'ya yolculuğunun önemi, Rus emperyalizminin Orta Asya üzerindeki etkisi ele alınacaktır. Bir Rus hükümdarı, Büyük Petro, tarafından yürütülen ilk keşif gezisi olan Bekoviç-Çerkasski öyküsü, o dönemlerdeki Çerkes-Rus ilişkilerine ışık tutarken, amanat kurumu veya politik işbirlikleri için aristokratik ailelerden çocukların değiştirilmesi hakkında da zengin bir bilgi sağlamaktadır. Sonuç itibariyle, bu makale Bekoviç-Çerkasski'nin yolculuğunun daha sonraki kaşif ve gezginlerin bölgeye ilgisine ilham vererek, Rusya’nın keşiflerinin geleceğini de etkilediğini savunmaktadır. Hem Aleksandr’ı hem de yolculuğu çevreleyen son derece sınırlı bilgiler, burada, keşif gezisinin tarihin ifade edebileceğinden daha fazla ağırlığa sahip olduğuna dair kanıt olarak derlenmiştir.

Keywords

• Rus Tarihi
• Rus Emperyalizmi
• Çerkes İlişkileri
• Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky

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