The "ambassadorial affairs" of the Tomsk Cossack Yemelyan Vershinin in the 1630s–1640s

The aim of this study is to clarify the origin and ambassadorial activities little-known Tomsk equestrian Cossack Emelyan Vershinin, who made long trips rulers eastern states Siberian nomadic formations. based on published materials history Russian-Mongolian Russian-Chinese relations archival sources (tribute books) from Prikaz Russian State Archive Ancient Acts. In early days exploration it was important establish trade with neighbouring countries. One active participants missions “unpeaceful lands” countries Yemelyan came a hereditary military environment. purpose his journeys bring warlike nomads into citizenship settle disputes independent states. Vershinin first trip Mongol ruler Altyn Khan in 1634 as part diplomatic mission boyar’s son S. Grechaninov. autumn 1638 he sent “Kyrgyz land” Yenisei princes Ishey Koyan persuade owners “obey” take sherti (oath allegiance sovereign). 1640 headed Kalmyk khan Daichin (Taichi-Taishi), famous Oirat taisha Urlyuk, roamed upper reaches Irtysh Yaik. Demonstrating independence tsar, kept envoys dominion for three years. Having found themselves “captivity”, ambassadors were forced travel Daichin’s caravan Trukhmenkala (a city Turkmenistan), then visited Bukhara cities Samarqand Tashkent, Chinese border town Xining. While Xinin, met officials received letter authorities, which due lack interpreters not read. Upon return Tomsk, presented report results stay Oirats’ land, Central Asia China. Vershinin’s further service marked by Teleut prince K. Abakov statement peace initiatives coming authorities. concludes that establishment political commercial “foreign” at an stage development allowed authorities avoid major conflicts, typical Western era colonial conquests, form policies contributing strengthening Russia’s influence its borders transforming powerful Eurasian state.