Influence of the Kazakh khanate on the appearance of trade fairs in the Kazakh-Qing trade relations in the 50-60 years of the XVIII century

Abstract

In the second half of the 18th century trade between the Kazakh Khanate and the Qing Empire, the so-called «silk for a horse», had the status of interstate trade. This trade was shaped and developed by the needs of trading partners. The rulers of the Kazakh Khanate sought to further develop animal husbandry, which was the economic basis of the country. They sold livestock products and thereby solved market problems to meet the daily needs of the population. The Qing Empire conquered Zhonggaria and began to strengthen its power in this territory. While maintaining its power in Zhonggaria, in order to strengthen the defense and develop cattle breeding, the Qing Empire had to solve the problem of demand for all types of livestock, in particular horses. In view of the bilateral need, the issue of developing mutually beneficial trade arose. Out of this bilateral need, the two sides set out to develop mutually beneficial trade relations. This topic is being studied by domestic and foreign scientists. However, there are still many obscure historical issues surrounding the topic. Incomplete publication of historical data is one of the main reasons for this situation. Our goal is to find answers to such still obscure questions. The results of the research work showed that fairs were created during the trade between the Kazakh Khanate and the Qing Empire. At first, fairs were organized in Urumqi, then in Gulja, Chuguchak, Khobda and other places. The holding of fairs was directly related to the initiative of the Kazakh khans and sultans. Kazakh khans, sultans, biys and batyrs agreed to solve such important issues as opening trade fairs, running trade caravans, they always put the protection of the state interests of their country in the first place. The article is written based on Chinese sources, describes the historical role of the rulers of the Kazakh Khanate in the formation and development of trade, including the opening and development of fairs.