АЛ. Tevkelev''s state activity on the implementation of the south-eastern policy of the Russian Empire in the 18th century
The aim of this article to study the activities of Kutlu-Muhammad (Aleksey Ivanovich) Tevkelev, the "baby bird of Peter's nest", in the implementation of the precepts of Peter the Great in order to materialise the southeastern policy of the Russian Empire. The aim is achieved by researching the following issues: the analysis of his career from the translator of "oriental languages" to one of the "organisers" of the Orenburg region; the study of the mechanism of the Kazakh society government; the determination of his role in the regulation of conflicts between Orenburg Governor I.I. Neplyuev and Khan Abul Khair Kazhyuly; the review of relations among the Kazakh elite by example of Abul Khair Khan, Bopay Khanym and their eldest son Nuraly with the first Muslim General A. Tevkelev. The research is based on the archival materials, the unpublished manuscript by P.I. Rychkov the author found in the funds of the Russian State Library and also a wide range of various published sources. The sociocultural approach, which shows the behaviour of people to each other, based on their conventions, in direct communication in real situations, as well as in diverse circumstances, from normal to abnormal, is used. This approach leads to the transformation of the analytical perspective, which significantly enhances cognitive capacity and deepens the content of the study. The micro- and macro approaches in history are used. The specificity of micro-history is not in the scale of its object: both macro- and micro-historical studies can have the same object. Micro-history can show embryos of an alternative development. This is clearly shown by A. Tevkelev's views and actions in order to determine the administrative and political mechanisms of imperial government of the Kazakhs of the Junior Horde. During the conducted research the author came to the following conclusions: 1. The main activity of A. Tevkelev is closely linked to the history of the Orenburg region, Bashkiria and Kazakhstan where he carried out the role of a diplomat and a statesman. 2. A. Tevkelev "determined" the policy of the empire in relation to the Kazakhs, tried to make Orsk the second administrative and trade centre in the region. 3. He managed to build trust with the Kazakh elite that, during the difficult moments, turned to him as the Kazakh steppe expert and the regulator of the relations between the Kazakhs and the empire. 4. During the Bashkir revolts of the 18th century, he supported their rigid suppression. A. Tevkelev received his main ranks for his service on the regulation of the relations between the empire, the Kazakhs and the Bashkirs.