Title: The Formation and State Structure of the Bukhara Emirate (from the Mid-18th to the Early 19th Century)
Authors: Mutallibjonov Boburmirzo
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 138-143
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
This study examines the formation and governance of the Bukhara Emirate from the mid-eighteenth to the early nineteenth century within the IMRAD framework. In the introduction, the research highlights the political vacuum left by the decline of the Ashtarkhanids and the subsequent rise of the Manghit dynasty, emphasizing the emirate's reliance on both tribal structures and Islamic legitimacy. The literature review identifies the contributions of Central Asian and Western scholars who have studied the emirate's political institutions, religious foundations, and socio-economic dynamics, while also noting gaps in comparative and interdisciplinary perspectives. The methodology applies a qualitative historical approach, analyzing Persian chronicles, Russian diplomatic reports, and secondary historiography to trace patterns of governance and legitimacy. This triangulated approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how political, economic, and religious factors intersected..The results reveal that the emirate developed a hybrid political system that integrated tribal authority, dynastic rule, and religious endorsement. It maintained continuity in taxation and trade but lacked significant economic modernization, leaving it vulnerable to external pressures. Its geopolitical positioning made it both a regional player and a target of imperial expansion. The discussion situates these findings within broader debates on Islamic governance and state formation in Central Asia, underscoring the emirate's adaptability and reliance on legitimacy rather than structural transformation. The study concludes that the Bukhara Emirate offers a valuable case for understanding the balance between tradition and adaptation in pre-modern states.