All-Russian and Turkestani Exhibitions as a reflection of the Russian colonisation in Central Asia: The case of Semirechye in the 2nd half of the 19th century

Abstract

Exhibitions and fairs devoted to industry, agriculture, and the arts were a major phenomenon in European countries in the 19th century, and Russia was no exception. This article demonstrates the considerable human and financial resources that were mobilised to organise exhibitions in Turkestan and Russia from the 1870s onwards. The main motivation was to promote Turkestan’s potential in order to justify the investments necessary for its administration and modernisation. Semirechye was therefore primarily represented by its products, with Russian entrepreneurs always being highlighted. The image of the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz remained associated with the nomadic way of life, focusing on exotic themes such as mobility, horses, yurts, and eagle hunting. As Russian knowledge of Turkestan developed, Centrals Asians gradually became marginalised, and the colonial view of indigenous societies and cultures was reinforced. The authors examine how Central Asians attempted to make their voices heard and promote their interests at these exhibitions, which were also designed to introduce the Russian population to the newly conquered territories thereby strengthening the unity of the Empire. The resulting expansion of knowledge about Central Asia was intended to aid in the exploitation of natural resources and the good governance of populations. The necessary modernization could only imply the disappearance of an indigenous heritage deemed archaic. Scientific societies were keen to preserve this heritage, and most of the ethnographic objects on display were kept in museums.