Annexation of the Khanate of Khiva by Russian Empire in 1876

In 1876, the Khanate of Kokand was officially annexed by the Russian Empire, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. This event completed the Russian conquest of Central Asia, as the entire territory of present-day Uzbekistan had either fallen under direct Russian administration or had become a protectorate. Prior to this, the Khanate of Khiva had been established as a Russian protectorate in 1873, and treaties with the Khanate of Bukhara further solidified Russian influence in the area. These treaties granted Russia control over the foreign relations of both Bukhara and Khiva, allowing Russian merchants to gain crucial concessions in foreign trade while the khanates retained autonomy over their internal affairs. Following the annexation, Tashkent and Quqon were placed directly under the governance of a Russian governor-general, further integrating these regions into the Russian Empire. This annexation not only reshaped the political landscape of Central Asia but also laid the groundwork for future developments in the region, influencing trade, culture, and governance for years to come.