SOME CONSIDERATIONS BY CHOKAN VALIHANOV ON ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE SIX UIGHUR PROVINCE DURING THE MANCHU OCCUPATION

Abstract

The famous Kazakh scholar Chokan Chingizovich Valihanov (1835-1865) was sent to the Eastern Turkestan in 1858 by Russian government, which was under Man-chu occupation. During his expedition, he studied many historical and ethnographical materials about Uighur cities and Uighurs. His studies were published after his death. Today Chokan Valihanov is regarded one of the most prominent person of Kazakh historiography and his studies have become the most valuable source of academic work in this field. His study regarding to the administrative structure of six Uighur province (Yarkend, Khotan, Kashgar, Aksu, Yenihisar and Tuipan) is in this aspect. In modern history studies about the Uighurs under Manchu domination are being focused on political issues. Valihanov provides important knowledge regarding to the administrative structure of the six Uighur province, explaining how the Qing Empire established both the administrative structure in Eastern Turkestan and titles in detail. In addition, the administrative, financial and military measures taken by Manchu to keep the Uighurs under control who repeatedly revolted in the Eastern Turkestan have also been mentioned.