The Kokand Khanate's commercial relations with China

The Khanate of Kokand emerged as a significant political power in Central Asia in the mid-18th century. It was established in the Fergana Valley, which today lies within the borders of Uzbekistan. The valley's geographical location and fertile agricultural lands contributed to the Khanate's rapid rise in strength. Being situated along the Silk Road enabled Kokand to serve as a bridge between the East and the West. As a result, the Khanate developed political and commercial relations with China in the east, and with Russia and other Central Asian states in the west. In particular, trade relations with China held an important place in the Khanate's foreign affairs. During this period, Eastern Turkestan, which came under Chinese rule, became a crucial link in the development of relations between the two states. It served as a central region where trade and cultural exchange between Kokand and China intensified. However, existing academic studies have mostly focused on the political and diplomatic aspects of Kokand–China relations, while the economic dimension has not been sufficiently examined. This gap constitutes the main reason for the emergence of the present study. In this study, the geographical and political situations of the Khanate of Kokand and China will first be discussed. Then, the economic structures of both states and their main trade centers will be analyzed. The study will also address the initial political and commercial contacts between the two sides. In this context, the importance of Eastern Turkestan in the trade relations between Kokand and China will be evaluated. Finally, by examining the import and export goods of the period, the nature of trade relations between the two states will be revealed, along with the role and significance of the Khanate of Kokand within the Central Asian trade network.