Territorial organization of the bashkirs and features of local self-government in the bashkir region from the second half of the 16th century to 1917

Relevance. The relevance of this study is due to the need for a comprehensive analysis of the history of the development of local self-government in Bashkortostan, which is associated with a number of unresolved issues of both legal and governmental, as well as general philosophical, sociological and political nature. The issues of the development of local self-government in Bashkortostan, as an integral part of the all-Russian process, are under active reform, which leads to the search for optimal models of democratic development. An important aspect is the study of the internal contradictions and political fragmentation of Bashkiria, which predetermined the gradual nature of its accession to Russia. The period from 1864 to 1917 is characterized by special attention to local selfgovernment and the impact of zemstvo and city reforms on the Bashkir population, as well as the restrictions caused by the colonial policy of the Russian Empire. The purpose of this study is a comprehensive study of the institution of local self-government, as well as the identification and analysis of its impact on the formation and development of the social, political and cultural identity of the Bashkir people as an important component of their historical identity and ethno-cultural identity. Objectives of the study are to reflect the entire reality that took place after the Bashkirs joined the Russian Empire. Methodology. The study used such methods of scientific knowledge as historical, comparative, method of analysis, synthesis, generalization, systematization, as well as some other methods. Results. The study established that even with the introduction of local self-government, the position of the Bashkirs did not change significantly, and they continued to be deprived of political self-determination and national autonomy. Conclusion. It was established that, despite the presence of volost elders representing the interests of the Bashkirs and Tatars, key management positions remained with the great Russian landowners and officials who showed no interest in the national needs of the oppressed peoples.