The Library of Alexandria Ultima

The Library of Alexandria Ultima Substack delves into the historical intricacies of the Silk Road, Antiquity, and Eurasian territories through translations and discussions of Russian explorers' accounts in Asia. It covers a range of topics including trade dynamics, cultural customs, military encounters, and the geopolitical significance of various regions.

History of the Silk Road Russian Exploration in Asia Cultural and Social Customs Military and Geopolitical Dynamics Trade and Economic Interactions Colonial and Imperial History Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Environmental Influences on Society

The hottest Substack posts of The Library of Alexandria Ultima

And their main takeaways

Illustrations for "The Expedition to Khiva" by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky

8 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Illustration Sketches Artwork Creative Process
  1. The illustrations created by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky help bring to life his book, 'The Expedition to Khiva'. They provide a visual glimpse of the journey and the locations he experienced.
  2. These images were not included in the book itself, showcasing the unique nature of the collection of drawings.
  3. The book and the illustrations capture the historical journey from the Caspian Sea to Khiva, highlighting important sites and experiences along the way.

Book Announcement: "The Expedition to Khiva" by Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky

11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
📚 Literature Books Memoirs History Exploration Military
  1. The book 'The Expedition to Khiva' is a firsthand account of Russia's conquest of Khiva in 1873, providing both military details and adventure. It captures the journey across Central Asia, highlighting the culture and legends of the local people.
  2. Maksud Alikhanov-Avarsky, the author, offers unique insights because he spoke the local Turkic languages, allowing him to interact freely with Central Asians and report on their ways of life.
  3. Along with the text, the book includes a 15,000-word introduction with historical context about Khiva and Alikhanov's background, enhancing understanding of the expedition.

The Zaisan Post - Siberskaya Gazetta, 1881

7 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💾 History Cultural History
  1. The Zaisan post was a key trading spot near the Chinese frontier in Central Asia. It saw various groups like Kyrgyz and Tatars exchange goods during the autumn months.
  2. Most buildings in Zaisan are made from raw brick, and the community relies on irrigation from nearby rivers. They grow vegetables and maintain a simple lifestyle.
  3. Industries were underdeveloped at Zaisan, with limited manufacturing and mining activities. The area has some resources, but they were largely untapped during that time.

The Bukharan Jews at Dushanbe - Dmitri Logofet, 1913

10 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💾 History Cultural heritage Religious history Central Asia
  1. The Bukharan Jews have a long history in Central Asia, existing since the time of the Babylonian Exile. They settled in areas like Dushanbe, which is now the capital of Tajikistan.
  2. In Dushanbe, Bukharan Jews played a key role in local trade and held significant wealth compared to the surrounding population. This sometimes led to tensions and conflicts with local Muslim communities.
  3. Despite facing many restrictions and challenges, Bukharan Jews maintained their unique culture and traditions, distinct from other Jewish communities around the world.

Astrakhan and its Surroundings - Kozma Spassky-Avtonomov, 1854

9 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💾 History Cultural History Russian history
  1. Astrakhan is an important city in Russia located at the mouth of the Volga River, connecting Eastern Europe to Central Asia. It has a rich history, thriving trade, and a diverse population.
  2. The city's landscape includes many rivers and islands, making it very beautiful and unique. The stunning cathedral in Astrakhan adds to its charm.
  3. Astrakhan showcases a mix of cultures and religions, with many churches, mosques, and a community that values harmony. The local economy is mainly focused on fishing, shipping, and trade.
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Dushanbe - Boris Litvinov, 1895 & Alexey Nechaev, 1914

6 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💾 History Cultural History Political History Historical Figures
  1. Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, has a rich history and was known as Dyushambe and later Stalinabad. It developed in a region that was once part of the Emirate of Bukhara.
  2. The population of Dushanbe mainly consists of Tajiks, who speak an Iranian language. Unlike other Central Asian groups, their appearance can be more European.
  3. Bacha dancers are a notable cultural aspect of Dushanbe, where young boys dress as girls for performances. This tradition has historical roots in the region and continues today in some areas.

The River Ili - Nikolai Abramov, 1860

9 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
💾 History Cultural History
  1. The Ili River has been home to many nomadic peoples throughout history, with different groups displacing each other over time. This shows how migration and displacement shaped the region.
  2. The Russian conquest in the 1850s marked a significant shift from nomadic to sedentary lifestyles in the Ili region, leading to the establishment of towns and agriculture.
  3. The Ili River is important not just for its water, but for the diverse history and cycles of inhabitants that have lived along its banks, influencing Central Asia's culture and economy.

The Creation of the Russian Imperial Frontier Guard in the Trans-Caspian Oblast and Mountainous Bukhara - Vladmal, Pogranec.ru, 2008

6 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💾 History Military History Central Asia
  1. The Russian Empire established a frontier guard system in Central Asia in the late 19th century to secure its borders with Persia and Afghanistan. This included setting up border posts staffed by both Russian soldiers and local hires, known as dzhigits.
  2. The area was difficult to patrol due to its remote geography and the challenge of controlling trade and smuggling activities. Most of the border remained vulnerable to contraband smuggling because there weren't enough posts.
  3. The health and living conditions for the frontier guards were poor, with many facing sickness and discomfort due to extreme weather and inadequate housing. The government aimed to improve this by planning more permanent structures and medical support.

Tolstoyan Colony in Turkestan - Turkestan Vedomosti, 1910

8 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💾 History Cultural History Philosophy Communism
  1. The Tolstoyan Colony in Turkestan was created by people who followed Leo Tolstoy's ideas of peaceful living and simple lifestyles. They wanted to distance themselves from mainstream society and create a community based on shared values.
  2. The colony faced challenges like resource mismanagement and conflicts over land with local nomadic populations. These issues highlight the difficulties that communal living and utopian ideas often experience in real life.
  3. Despite the problems, the community made progress by working hard to develop their farming and living conditions. They focused on growing food and improving their homes, believing in their ideals even when obstacles arose.

The Last of the Zungars - Alexander Geins, 1865

9 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💾 History Exploration Empires War
  1. The text discusses the fate of the Zungar empire, which clashed with the Qing Dynasty and faced challenges from Russian expansion, ultimately leading to their downfall.
  2. Russian influence in Asia is highlighted, showing how the empire impacted tribes and helped in the resettlement of peoples, showcasing their historical significance.
  3. Descriptions of encounters with the Kalmyk people, including cultural aspects and conflicts, give insight into their lives and the challenges they faced.

The Ruins of the Ablaikit Monastery-Fortress - Alexander Geins, 1865

9 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
  1. The Ablaikit Monastery was built by the Mongolian Zungars in the 17th century in eastern Kazakhstan.
  2. The ruins of the monastery show evidence of military-defensive construction.
  3. There are hidden cellars under the monastery where treasure might be found, but excavation is prohibited.

Russia's Withdrawal From the Ili River Valley in 1881 - Vsemirnaya Illyustratsiya, 1882 & Ivan Poklevsky-Kozell, 1885

8 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌐 International History Territory Culture Military Trade
  1. The Ili Valley was a region of strategic importance that Russia eventually relinquished to China in 1881, marking a unique retreat in Central Asia.
  2. The handover of the Ili Valley to the Chinese involved resettling the local population, who chose to move to Russian territory, expressing concerns about Chinese rule.
  3. The Ili Valley, particularly Kuldja, was described as a vital economic and industrial center with rich resources, but its transfer to Chinese control raised military concerns for Russia.

Urumqi - Information from of an Exiled Chinese Official - Archimandrite Palladius, 1872

9 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. The text discusses an intelligence report on Urumqi, detailing military forces, geography, agriculture, and social life.
  2. Russia had ambitions to control Urumqi due to its strategic location at the top of the Dabancheng Pass leading to the historical Silk Road trade routes.
  3. Urumqi was colonized with soldier-farmers since the Han Dynasty and today is a trading hub with unique agricultural products like cabbages, tobacco, and medicinal herbs.

On Slaves and Bacha - Vasily Vereshchagin, 1883

18 implied HN points • 13 May 23
  1. Vasily Vereshchagin highlights the dynamics of the slave trade in Central Asia, discussing the role of nomadic Turkmen and the market for slaves.
  2. Vereshchagin mentions the bacha phenomenon in Central Asia, linking it to the inferior position of women and discussing the custom's normalization in the region.
  3. The influence of Russia, depicted by Vereshchagin, brought about changes to the slave trade, freeing slaves and impacting the treatment of the poor and oppressed in Middle Asia.

The Kashgar Heart Stealers - Chokan Valikhanov, 1859

9 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
  1. In Kashgar, there was a unique custom of temporary marriages for visitors.
  2. The hot climate of Kashgar may have influenced the emergence of certain customs.
  3. Central Asians in Kashgar have a cultural fondness for intoxicating substances like hashish and opium.

Chuguchak - Andrei Putinstev, 1811

9 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
  1. Chuguchak, a Chinese city, had a notable military infrastructure and mixed population including exiled convicts and nomadic military groups.
  2. The translation provides historical insights on Russia's commercial pursuits in Asia, particularly with China, leading to territorial agreements and espionage activities.
  3. Chuguchak's trade relations extended to interior Chinese cities, agriculture thrived, and intriguing cattle herding practices hinted at the Mongolian Ulyuts having special plans.

The Naryn Fortification - Nikolai Zeland, 1888 & A. Sokolov, 1908

5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💾 History Colonialism Trade
  1. The Naryn Fortification in the Tianshan Mountains was a crucial outpost with military and commercial significance for Russia, controlling a key route from Kashgar.
  2. Russian colonialism in the region had economic benefits for nomadic peoples but also led to loss of freedom as they became dependent on trade with sedentary communities.
  3. The Naryn area's harsh conditions, low temperatures, and high altitude presented challenges for agriculture, leading to the need to import food items like bread and fruits.

The Surrender of Imam Shamil and the End of the Caucasus War - Hadji Ali al-Chokh, 1859

6 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
  1. Imam Shamil's surrender marked the end of the Caucasus War, a significant historical event.
  2. The highlanders in the Caucasus were fiercely independent and the geography of the region made them challenging to conquer.
  3. The establishment of the Imamate and the leadership of Imam Shamil exemplified resistance against Russian rule.

The History of Yenisei Kyrgyz and their Trade - Sergey Kiselev, 1947

7 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
  1. Yenisei Kyrgyz were significant in history, defeating the Uyghur Empire in 840 and being known for trade.
  2. Author Sergey Kiselev led important expeditions to study the Yenisei Kyrgyz history and culture.
  3. Yenisei Kyrgyz engaged in extensive trade through the Silk Road, exporting furs, metal products, and other goods to various regions.

Across the Southern Altai Mountains (2/2) - Grigory Spassky, 1809

7 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
  1. Grigory Spassky's writings detail a journey across the Altai Mountains, exploring Russian settlements, Altai's ancient past, and the unique 'rock people'
  2. The rock people's history includes seeking protection from Chinese authorities, eventually returning to their settlements and engaging in trade with Kyrgyz and Chinese
  3. The rock people's way of life revolves around agriculture, herding, hunting, and trade, characterized by their courage and coarseness in manners

Poetry Collection - Mikhail Lermontov

9 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
  1. Mikhail Lermontov was an influential Russian poet and writer during the 19th century.
  2. Lermontov's poems often focused on the Caucasus region and its people, portraying their landscapes and culture.
  3. The translation of Lermontov's poems sheds light on the historical significance and beauty of the Caucasus.

The Fortress of Herat - Turkestan Vedomosti, 1885

8 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
  1. Herat was a highly fortified city in Central Asia in the 1880s, difficult to conquer due to its architectural design and strategic location.
  2. The British feared Russia's advance towards Herat in 1885, believing it could lead to an invasion of British India.
  3. The Musalla Complex in Herat was a significant Muslim heritage site, but was destroyed during the Panjdeh Incident in the 19th century.

Krasnovodsk - Evgeny Belozersky, 1886

7 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
  1. Krasnovodsk was founded in 1717 and played a key role in Russia's conquest of Central Asia
  2. The town had a fort, desalination machine, and active trade with energetic Turkmen population
  3. Krasnovodsk underwent name changes after Turkmenistan's independence

From Verny to Karakol - Petr A. Galitsky, 1874

6 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
  1. Petr A. Galitsky's travelogue describes a journey from Almaty to Lake Issyk Kul in 1874.
  2. The region was remote and sparsely settled by Russian colonists, with nomadic Kazakhs and Kyrgyz as the main inhabitants.
  3. The journey was filled with dangerous mountain paths, river crossings, and encounters with the local flora and fauna.

Syphilis in the Fergana Valley - Valerian Kushelevsky, 1891

2 HN points • 01 Aug 23
  1. Syphilis was a significant concern in the Fergana Valley in the 19th century, affecting people of all ages with severe symptoms.
  2. The spread of syphilis was exacerbated by factors like lack of hygiene, rampant prostitution, and cultural barriers to seeking treatment.
  3. The translation of Valerian Kushelevsky's report sheds light on the impact of the European state administration on pre-modern societies during the 19th century colonization.

The Caspian Gates: History the Caucasus's Great Wall

5 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
  1. The Caspian Gates in the Caucasus Mountains have a rich history of serving as a strategic land bridge connecting different regions.
  2. Throughout history, various nomadic invasions and battles have taken place at the Caspian Gates, influencing the geopolitics of the region.
  3. Control over the Caspian Gates remains crucial in modern times, as it allows for the projection of military force and plays a significant role in the energy politics of the Caspian basin.