Political Organizations of Russian Turkestan at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Abstract The article highlights the most important aspects of the political history of Russian Turkestan at the beginning of the 20th century. It deals with the formation of a multi-party system in the Russian Empire and the activities of the first national political organizations in the Central Asian region. The author reveals the underpinnings of a national movement taking place under the colonial regime. The article analyzes the main provisions of the political programs of all-Russian parties and national organizations, such as Shuroi-Islomiya, Alash, Shuroi-Ulamo, Turk Adami Markaziyat Firkasi (Party of Turkic Federalists), and others. Sections examine the origins of the ideological confrontation between progressive Jadids and Muslim traditionalists, and provide a brief history of the formation, and ensuing liquidation, of Turkestan as an autonomous entity. Despite the existence of ideological differences in the national movement, the author uncovers how many representatives of national political organizations were devoted to the idea of independence and sought a way out of cultural isolationism.