Merv khans (using the materials of the 19th c.)

The article attempts to construct a chronology of the successive rule of the Merv khans. The authors briefly touch upon the nature of the khans’ electivity, since the very institution of this phenomenon is very extensive and its study is the subject of a separate study. A wide range of sources provided a clear look at the peculiarity of local government. The example of the Teke of Merv shows that the power as such remained in the hands of the heads of the tribal tribes. Difficult times united the local population and demanded nominating a single ruler capable of leading them, providing protection and stability. 19th c. is a difficult period in the history of Merv, when one ruler succeeded another. Sometimes, the power remained in the hands of the khans of the four Teke tribes, and the general decision was made during joint meetings — maslahat. Considering the sequence of the khan’s administration, a clear chronological line provides a correct look at the past of the Turkmens; in addition, it helps avoid an erroneous assessment of the phenomena and events of that time. The Merv khans personified the bright personalities of the 19th c. who, by their example and behavior, made an important and valuable contribution to the history of the Turkmen people. Using the historical-comparative method, as well as Turkmen, Persian, Khiva, Russian, and European materials, the author recreates the general political situation in the region. The given data allow us to conclude that despite the frequent disagreements of local rulers, the socio-political situation itself, full of difficult and dramatic moments, forced the khans to forget their personal ambitions, put forward a common leader and rally around him.