khanate · Central Asia and the Steppe

Junior Juz

1718 CE – 1824 CE (approx.)

The western division of the Kazakhs, whose khan Abulkhair first accepted Russian protection in 1731.

Origins

After Tauke Khan's death around 1718, the Kazakh Khanate split, with the Junior Juz holding the western steppe between the Aral Sea, the Caspian and the Ural River. Its tribes belonged to the Alimuly, Baiuly and Zhetiru groupings.

Rule and society

Under pressure from the Dzungars and the Kalmyk Khanate, Abulkhair Khan sought Russian protection, which was formalised in 1731. Russia built Orenburg in 1743 as a trading and military base on its border. The juz was nomadic, raiding and trading with Russia and Khiva. Syrym Datuly led a long revolt against both the khans and Russia from 1783.

Decline and legacy

Part of the Junior Juz formed the Bukey Horde in 1801. Russia abolished the khanship of the Junior Juz in 1824 and divided it into administrative districts, despite continuing resistance among its clans.

Lineage

Kazakh Khanate 1465 CE – 1847 CEJunior Juz

Connections (2)

Junior Juz was a protectorate of Russian Empire1731 CE – 1824 CE
Bukey Horde split from Junior Juz1801 CE

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Cite this page

APA: The Epoch Institute. (2026). Junior Juz. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/junior-juz
MLA: “Junior Juz.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/junior-juz. Accessed .
Chicago: The Epoch Institute. “Junior Juz.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/junior-juz.
Harvard: The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Junior Juz’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/junior-juz (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻