MAIN STRATEGIES OF THE SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY OF THE TURKESTAN DEPARTMENT OF THE RUSSIAN GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

This study examines the main strategic directions of the scientific activity of the Turkestan Department of the Russian Geographical Society. The research focuses on the Department’s role in the exploration and systematic study of Central Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Using a historical-analytical approach, the paper analyzes archival materials, expedition reports, and scientific publications to identify the key areas of its activity, including geographical exploration, cartography, natural resource assessment, ethnographic studies, and applied research. The findings indicate that the Department played a dual role: it significantly contributed to the development of scientific knowledge about Central Asia while simultaneously supporting the administrative and economic objectives of the Russian Empire. Its expeditions and research activities resulted in the accumulation of valuable empirical data that laid the foundation for further regional studies. At the same time, the scientific output was influenced by the colonial context of the period, shaping the interpretation of local geography and societies.本研究考察了俄罗斯地理学会（Russian Geographical Society）突厥斯坦分部的科学活动核心战略方向。本研究聚焦于19世纪末至20世纪初该分部在中亚探索与系统性研究中的作用。本文采用历史分析研究方法，通过剖析档案资料、考察报告与科学出版物，明确其核心活动领域，涵盖地理勘探、地图测绘、自然资源评估、民族志研究与应用研究。 研究结果显示，该分部兼具双重角色：一方面极大推动了中亚相关科学认知的发展，另一方面也助力俄罗斯帝国的行政与经济目标达成。其考察队与科研活动积累了宝贵的实证数据，为后续区域研究奠定了坚实基础。与此同时，其科研成果受到当时殖民语境的影响，塑造了对当地地理与社会的解读视角。