Altyn Khans and Russia: New Data (Based оn the Materials of S. K. Kuznetsov’s Manuscript Collection (1854–1913))

Introduction. The countries of the East are gaining increasing political and economic weight in the modern world. The Mongolian peoples created the state of the Altyn Khans in the 17th century. It was one of the first state formations of the Mongolian people, that the Moscow state came into contact with, on its eastern borders. Goals and objectives of the study. This article is devoted to the study of the specifics of interaction between cultures, presented as a dialogue, where the unique features of each side are manifested through historical documents introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The research was based on a collection of 17th-century manuscripts belonging to the Russian historian, archaeologist and ethnographer Stefan Kirovich Kuznetsov (1854–1913), whose collection is kept in the Department of Written Sources of the State Historical Museum in Moscow. The collection includes both well-known but not fully studied documents, as well as new materials that had not previously been introduced into scientific circulation. The study uses comparative historical and descriptive methods based on the principle of historicism. Results. In Russian historiography, the political and economic aspects of relations between the Moscow state and the Altyn Khan dynasty have been covered in sufficient detail. The archival materials of S. K. Kuznetsov contain valuable information about the Russian-Mongolian relations with the state of Ombo-Erdeni Altyn Khan and his successor Luvsan-sayn Erinchin-khuntaiji. In particular, the documents confirm the existence of differences in understanding the results of the oath taken by the close associates of Ombo-Erdeni Altyn Khan, from the point of view of the Mongolian and Russian sides. They also demonstrate that Russia, despite its differences, did not seek to impose its traditions on neighboring nations. The lavish receptions of the Altyn Khan ambassadors and the lengthy correspondence, accompanied by valuable gifts, indicate that the Moscow government viewed this state as a military ally, but offered real help only in exchange for loyalty. According to the collection’s documents, the Mongolian state saw Russia as an equal partner and military ally. The Altyn Khans were interested in obtaining advanced European scientific and technical knowledge, as well as in attracting specialists with this knowledge. Conclusions. Documents from the collection of S. K. Kuznetsov expand our understanding of the culture of the Mongolian state, whose rulers sought to strengthen their military and economic power, develop science and expand international relations through contacts with Russia, while preserving their national identity.

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