The Khanate/Emirate of Bukhara according to Russian traveler N. V. Khanikoff (1841-1842)

One of the most crucial regions in Turkish World, Turkestan has been the focus of many states throughout history with regards to its geopolitical and strategical location. Especially Russia, due to the expansionist policies that it started to employ 16th century henceforth, was closely interested in Turkestan region. The politics of Russia being a dominance over Turkestan, obtained a different perspective as English people entered the scene with imperialist intentions starting at the beginning of 19th century. In the period known as "Great Game" in history, the two colossal powers, being in a battle for domination in the region, sent plenty of representatives having different identities such as travellers, ambassadors and diplomats. These exploration travels done for a clearer image in knowing the region and having an enormous amount of impact in the service of Russia's expansionism in the track of occupation of the region were generally performed to Bukhara Emirate regarded as the centre of the region. One of the most essential personalities visiting Bukhara Emirate in 19th century was N.V. Hanıkov being a member of a Russian mission sent to Bukhara in 1841, Hanıkov had vital observations and analyses in the eight months that he remained in the region. Thanks to the knowledge and precious materials he obtained, Hanıkov made one of the most significant books regarding Bukhara country possible, "Opisanie Buharskogo Hanstva" (Description of Bukhara Khanate), published in 1843. This book has a key significance with respect to the period of Emir Nasrallah since it has plethora of precious data it contains. Translated from Russian to English in 1845, this book has been translated from English to Turkish in this thesis. Hence the main idea for this study is to evaluate the geopraphical, political, administrative, economic, military and socio-cultural situation in 19th century Bukhara, familiarising with N.V. Hanıkov, recognising the value of the mission he had and the book, and entitling the invaluable book into Turkish.