Khoqand merchants as mediators in international trade between the qing empire and central asian khanates

In the 18th century with becoming the Khoqand Khanate as an independent state developed external and internal trade in Central Asia, being one of the important component of social-economical life of the country. New bazaars, shopping malls and caravanserais were built and existed ones were restored. In the 18th – 19th centuries the Khoqand Khanate led active trade relations with China. China exported tea, silk fabric, silver, ceramic products, herbal medicine and musk. In addition, it should be noticed that Khoqand Merchants played a vital role in developing close international trade relations. One of several key factors that contributed to these relations was being a provider (hub) in trade relations between China and other Central Asian countries, like the Bukharan and Khivan Khanates, as well as Afghanistan. Moreover the Khoqand Khanate used to provide with Chinese goods not only Central Asian countries, but also becoming international transit and trade zone for the Ottoman Empire, which allowed the Khanate to get economically sufficient profit from customs services. In order to set up tied diplomatic relations the Rulers of the Khoqand Khanate sent as presents different Chinese products, which were given by Kokand merchants, to Russia and The Ottomans and confirmed by data of archival documents.Dynamic of the activity of the Khoqand merchants and their role in trade relations between China and Central Asian countries have been reviewed.