Author: Xubbaliyeva, Maxpurat

Annotation: This article analyzes the historical information provided by the renowned Chinese envoy Zhang Qian, who lived in the second half of the 2nd century BCE, regarding Central Asia, particularly Turkestan. Through the expeditions carried out by Zhang Qian, China was introduced for the first time to a new geographical concept known as the "Western Regions." As a result of this journey, diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations were established between Eastern Turkestan and Central Asia. The information gathered by the envoy laid the foundation for the Han Empire’s westward expansion policy and contributed to the formation of the Silk Road. Additionally, the article highlights Zhang Qian’s descriptions of states such as Dawan (Ferghana), Bactria, and Kangju, providing insights into their economic, military, and cultural life, as well as their initial interactions with China. Zhang Qian’s historical contributions are prominently recorded in Chinese sources, especially in the works Shiji (Historical Records) and Hanshu (History of the Han Dynasty). This article serves as an important source for studying ancient Chinese foreign policy and diplomacy.

Keywords: Zhang Qian, Western Regions, Dawan, Bactria, Central Asia, Han Dynasty, Shiji, Silk Road.

Pages in journal: 526 - 533