Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 43 Shiva
Starting from Chang'an in the east, passing through the Hexi Corridor, and reaching the Western Regions, one arrives at the Transoxiana region. This was an important part of the Silk Road, home to important commercial cities such as Samarkand and Andijan. During Timur's reign, the Transoxiana region was the core of his rule, with Samarkand serving as the capital of the Timurid Empire.

Since the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the rise of kingdoms such as Kokand in Transoxiana, coupled with the flourishing of maritime trade, led to the gradual decline of this land-based Silk Road. Meanwhile, the aggressive posture of Tsarist Russia was encroaching on their already limited territory.

Beginning with Alexander I, Russia launched a comprehensive conquest of Kazakhstan, deploying large armies to suppress rebellions by various Kazakh tribes while simultaneously enticing the leaders of the Small, Middle, and Large Hordes of Kazakhs to submit to Russia.

Subsequently, the Tsarist Russian government authorized the Governor-General of Siberia, Speransky, to promulgate the "Regulations for the Kyrgyz of Western Siberia," abolishing the original Kazakh ruling system and dividing the Kazakh region into several administrative districts, all governed according to the Russian political system and by officials dispatched by the Tsarist Russian government. Thus, the Kazakh Khanate, which had lasted for 366 years, came to an end. Following the conquest of the Kazakhs, Tsarist Russia launched a powerful offensive against the Central Asian Khanates and the Xinjiang region of the Qing Dynasty.

In 1839, Russia invaded Khiva, but due to the frigid weather, countless Russian soldiers and their camels froze to death, forcing the Russians to retreat. Later, as Nicholas I turned his attention to Europe and his attention to Central Asia decreased, the region enjoyed a long-awaited period of peace.

Said, carrying the Shah's mission, traveled to the Three Khanates. After arriving in Mashhad, he headed north and stopped at Ashgabat Citadel near Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian Empire. The location was advantageous, only a few days' journey from Mashhad. The nearby farmland could provide food, making it a suitable place to build a city.

Said wrote down his insights on paper, intending to submit them to the Shah upon his return. As the Persian mission advanced through Central Asia, Muhammad Khan from Khiva was the first to receive the news and sent men to meet the envoys.

The Khanate of Khiva was located in the Khwarazmian oasis on the southern shore of the Avalanche River, in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River. Its capital was initially in Urgench, but was moved to Khiva in 1619 due to a change in the course of the Amu Darya River.

Russia's conquest of Khiva began during the reign of Peter the Great. Even now, Persia, which had been thoroughly defeated by Tsarist Russia, remained a behemoth in their eyes. These nations could only survive by navigating between the two great powers.

"Sir, there are people ahead."

Reminded by his attendant, Said looked ahead. Sure enough, a group of people was approaching them, and upon seeing them, they quickly came forward to greet them.

"Are you from Persia, sir?"

“I am an envoy from Persia. Shah Aq sent me to Khiva.”

"The Khan has been waiting for you for a long time. Please come with me, Your Excellency."

Said and his party arrived in Khiva under the guidance of the other party, where Muhammad Khan was already waiting for them at the city gate.

"Welcome, envoys from afar. May the friendship between Persia and Khiva continue to grow stronger and unbreakable."

"Shah is concerned about the situation in your country and has specially sent me to express his condolences to the Khan."

The Khan gave Sa'id a big hug and then invited the delegation to enter Khiva together.

"How has the Khan been these past few years?"

"Everything is fine, thank you for your concern, Shah."

Said immediately showered the Khan with concern, saying, "Your country's prosperity today is all thanks to you, Khan. There are bustling merchants and travelers along the way, and the people live in peace and contentment. It's been a long time since I've seen anything like this." Muhammad was pleased with these words, but he still said, "This is all thanks to my father. If it weren't for the foundation he laid, this place would probably be a desolate wasteland."

"indeed"

The Khan hosted a banquet for Said and the delegation and arranged lodgings for them to rest. The first day passed merrily.

The next day, Said began to make requests to the Khan. The international situation was changing rapidly. Russia in the north was putting pressure on Khiva after annexing the Kazakh steppe. Going it alone would only lead to defeat; only by uniting could there be a glimmer of hope.

"Your country wants to form an alliance with our country?"

"Indeed, the Khan wouldn't want his country to be annexed by another, would he?"

This struck a chord with him. Russia had been eyeing Khiva covetously, and if it weren't for the climate issue, it would probably have perished long ago. Although Persia's strength seemed limited, uniting was always a good idea.

Furthermore, Khiva exported cotton, fruit, and other products to Persia, while Persian goods also held a significant market share in Khiva. However, because Khiva was located in Central Asia and was less influenced by foreign powers, it was unfamiliar with some new developments. Said used this information gap to gain the upper hand in the subsequent negotiations.

The ministers and Khan of Khiva were also confused. They didn't understand anything about consular jurisdiction, special trade rights, or the position of Persian envoy to Khiva. Everything seemed unfamiliar to them.

"Is your country truly here to maintain friendly relations with our country?" Muhammad asked doubtfully.

"Khan, rest assured, this treaty will serve as proof of the unbreakable friendship between our two countries."

Said confidently proclaimed the benefits of the treaty, and everyone from ministers and nobles to commoners in the city believed it to be an important treaty. Even the bad ones were better than losing land.

On August 26, 1846, Persia and Khiva signed the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance and the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce. Persia enjoyed consular jurisdiction and the right to freely explore mineral resources in Khiva, and goods from both Persia and Khiva could be freely traded. The Treaty included 14 articles, such as the protection of Persian merchants in Khiva. Persia also "secured" 1.2 hectares of land in Khiva for commercial and public residential use.

Of course, the most important thing was that Persia and Khiva became allies. If one of them was attacked, the other would send troops to its aid. The former tributary states became open allies, but in reality, vassals.

Khiva's economy was largely based on oasis agriculture and nomadic pastoralism, with cotton being a major export. Most of this cotton was exported to Persia in exchange for textiles and other goods. This trade treaty confirmed Persian merchants' priority in Khiva, allowing Persian caravans to extend their trade reach into the region.

In reality, if Khiva and Persia were to go to war, it would be a blitzkrieg. Khiva's population is less than a million, and concentrated in oases and cities; this alone would be enough to wear them down. Even if the people of Khiva were all soldiers, their treasury wouldn't last more than a month.

Said has accomplished his mission brilliantly in Khiva, and the next two countries, Bukhara and Kokand, are also on the horizon. Hopefully, he can do just as well and extend his reach into Central Asia before Russia can react.

(End of this chapter)