KAZAKH OFFICIALS AND THE RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES: FEATURES OF INTERACTION IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Abstract

This article discloses the process of changing the requirements expected by the Russian authorities from representatives of the Kazakh elite during appointment to positions (sultan-rulers, distance and local chiefs, translators, writers, volost sultans, etc.). This requirements were created during the administrative reform of the Steppe in the 19th century. At the first stage, the most important measure for co-opting representatives of the Kazakh people into service was “loyalty to Russian power”, “diligence” and “assiduity” on serves. Gradually, the regional administration began to compile lists of representatives of influential Kazakhs who had the ability to hold positions in the local government system. Since the second half of the 19th century, along with the above requirements, the Russian authorities began to take into account the real merits of the applicant for the position, namely education, managerial abilities, administrative experience, but not belonging to the clan. At the same time, the article examines the process of gradual change in the Kazakhs perception of service of tribesman during the 19th century. The article is based on archival documents, extracted from funds TsGA RK and published documents.