The Establishment of Control by the Turkestan General-Governorate Over Foreign Nations in Turkestan (The Case of Afghan Emigrants)

The second half of the 19th century marks a particularly intense period in world history, characterized by intense colonial rivalry. During this time, Central Asia and Afghanistan became contested territories between the British and Russian Empires. It is no exaggeration to say that the abundance of natural resources, cheap labor, and ready markets in these regions became the primary drivers of imperial competition.
The metropolitan powers engaged in diplomatic struggles and skillfully utilized the services of local populations, including those with ethnic and cultural ties, such as the Afghans and the inhabitants of the Central Asian khanates. Historical research conducted on the activities of Afghan princes residing in Turkestan — such as Iskandarbek, Abdur Rahman, Ishaq Khan, and Ismail Khan — serves as clear evidence supporting this view.