Makhtum-Kuli-khan was the son of the famous head of Ahal Noor-Berdykhan. His father’s authority, recognized far beyond the oasis, weighed heavily on the shoulders of a young khan yet to be strengthened. The position and status of Makhtum-Kuli-khan in society has had to be proved during many years of his difficult life. The last quarter of XIX c. is marked by the arrival in the region of the Russian Empire. The Turkmen tribes understood the inadequacy of their position in the face of a powerful Russia equipped with the most modern military weapons, but decided to resist. Makhtum-Kuli-khan tried to establish links with Persia,
Hiva and Bukhara. There was active correspondence with the British, who tried their best to support the resistance of the Turkmen tribes, but never provided the promised military assistance. Through the intermediaries, repeated meetings with Russian military personnel were organized. However, the waiting tactics and careful diplomacy did not lead to anything. 12 January 1881, the fortress of Geok-tepe fell, and in 1884. was joined by Merv. In this difficult and fateful period of history, Makhtum-Kuli-khan, like many prominent figures of the time, stood firmly on guard of the interests of the Turkmen people and the future of the new state.
For citation: Atdaev S.J. Mahtum-Kuli-Khan, or “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”, Ivanovo State University Bulletin, Series: Humanities, 2025, iss. 2, pp. 91—101.