Socio-economic and cultural-political situation of Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th – early 20th centuries

This study aims to identify the main factors that influenced the development of Kyrgyz society, further political and cultural processes in the region, in particular the colonialism of the Russian Empire and internal social transformations. One of the central aspects of the study is the transition of the Kyrgyz population from the traditional nomadic way of life to semi-nomadic and sedentary. This transition was caused by the need to adapt to new economic conditions associated with the introduction of new economic relations and the increasing number of Russian migrants. Simplification of traditional forms of economy and introduction of new technologies contributed to the change in the way of life of the local population. The process of consolidation of the Kyrgyz society associated with the struggle against the repressive policy of the Kokand Khanate and its subsequent overthrow is highlighted. The reasons why Kyrgyzstan, first in the north and soon in the south, came under the rule of the Russian Empire are explained; the relations of the Kyrgyz with the neighbouring empires – Qin, British and Russian – are considered separately. The significance of cultural changes that took place in the region under the influence of numerous migration flows from the densely populated provinces of the central part of the Russian Empire, and how these changes affected cultural and economic activities in the region, was also explained. The study examines the impact of the First World War and the revolutionary events of 1917 on the political and social situation in the region, which contributed to further strengthening of national liberation movements and political instability.