Shi'ite Captive Release Negotiations in Khiva: A Nexus of Khivan-Iranian and Anglo-Russian Relations
Shi'ite Captive Release Negotiations in Khiva: A Nexus of Khivan-Iranian and Anglo-Russian Relations

Summary/Abstract: This article examines the background of the failure of the Qajar mission led by Muhammad 'Ali Khan to negotiate the release of Shi'ite captives held in Khiva in April-May 1842.3 4 It shows the limitations of the control exercised over the Turkmens, who were the main supplier of the Shi'ite captives, by the Qongrats in Khiva and the Qajars in Iran, followed by a discussion on how and why the British attempted to mediate between the Qongrats and the Qajars regarding the release of Shi'ite captives, regardless of the limitations on the control that both courts exercised over the Turkmens. Then, we consider Russia's reactions to the British mediation, especially focusing on Russia's intentions toward the Russo-Khivan and the Anglo-Russian relations.

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