On the issue of geographical surveys in Central Asia on expeditions of the 19th century (on the example of Russian studies)

Abstract

The history of geographical research in Central Asia in the 19th century was determined by the
politics and expanding trade, economic and trade relations of the Russian Empire in the region. The Russian empire
sought to secure markets for itself and fought against Britain’s attempts to infiltrate Central Asia. The established
policy of Russia in the region created favorable conditions for studying the natural conditions of the region.
The 19th century is undoubtedly the “golden period” in the development of the geographical research of
Russian researchers in Central Asia. It was during this period that the most famous geographical discoveries were
made by Russian travelers. This period presented a galaxy of outstanding scientists, such as P.P. Semenov-Tien-Shansky, C.Ch. Valikhanov, N.A. Severtsov, I.V. Mushketov, A.P. Fedchenko and others, with their scientific works, which
are relevant to this day in the study of the development of geographical science.
In the 19th century, on the initiative of the government of the Russian Empire, travelers conducted the largest
and most detailed studies in Central Asia. The article is devoted to the analysis of geographical studies in the region
conducted in this period. The article provides a classification of Russian travelers according to the categories of national, professional and social affiliation of Russian researchers. The expeditions of the Russian Empire conducted in
the region during this period are also classified.
The work characterizes the research activities of various missions carried out on the initiative of the Academy of Sciences, the War Department and scientific societies of the Russian Empire.