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James AbbottCaptain (general (?)) of the English service in India and traveller. Travelled from Herat via Khiva to Russia. Founded the city of Abbottabad in Pakistan.
Date of Birth: 12.03.1807
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Content:
- James Abbott: English Officer and Explorer
- Central Asian Expeditions
- Diplomatic Missions
- Capture and Escape
- Observations of Kazakh Life
James Abbott: English Officer and Explorer
James Abbott was a captain (possibly a general) in the British Indian Army and a renowned traveler.
Central Asian Expeditions
As part of the "Great Game" rivalry between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia, Abbott embarked on a journey from Herat through Khiva to Russia. He established the city of Abbottabad in what is now Pakistan.
Diplomatic Missions
With the looming threat of Russian expansion in Asia and its potential consequences for British India, Abbott joined an English delegation (including G. Stoddart, R. Shakespeare, and A. Connolly) on a diplomatic mission to Central Asian khanates. Their objective was to forge alliances with Khiva and Bukhara against Russia.
Capture and Escape
In 1840, Abbott was captured by Eset-batyr but escaped with the aid of Turkmens. He sought refuge in the Russian fortress of Novo-Alexandrova (now Aktau) and eventually reached St. Petersburg via Orenburg.
Observations of Kazakh Life
During his travels, Abbott interacted with Kazakh leaders, including Sherkeshm and Zharmukhamed. He studied their relationships with the Russians and collected valuable information on their military strength and armament. Through his visits to places like Taskale, Guryev (Atyrau), Uralsk, and Orenburg, Abbott gathered insights into Kazakh customs and traditions.