RUSSIA: England and Russia in Central Asia, Volume 1
by Demetrius Charles Boulger. 1879. 348p
The Galtchas are characterized as a vigorous ethnic group with a Persian dialect and a structured social hierarchy. Their customs reflect a lack of modern economic practices, as they do not engage in trade or possess public institutions, living instead in a state of primitive equality. This lifestyle is marked by their primary occupation as cattle breeders, with little agricultural activity, and a communal approach to resources that mitigates suffering during times of scarcity.
In the context of military and economic operations, Russian endeavors in Central Asia have proven to be costly and ineffective, with high provisions costs significantly impacting troop maintenance. The rivalry between England and Russia remains intense, and the failure of Russian schemes has only heightened this competition. The author argues for a bold political action to address the Central Asian Question, emphasizing the necessity for clear and decisive measures to secure British interests in the region.
Recent explorations have yielded valuable information about the Pamir region, highlighting the strategic importance of these findings for political and military advantages. However, Russian governance in Turkestan faces significant challenges, particularly in taxation and maintaining stable relations among diverse ethnic groups. The author contends that the Central Asian Question is of vital consequence to all Englishmen and should be studied and considered seriously beyond the confines of a few specialists.