Lost Like Bekovich: Alexander Bekovich Cherkassky Expedition to Khiva in 1717

At the beginning of the 18th century, Peter I, who ruled Tsarist Russia between 1682 and 1725, have not only embarked on reform movements that would make Russia great but also fought against the Ottoman Empire and Sweden. The Prut Campaign, took place in 1711 and ended with the victory of the Ottomans, left Russia in a difficult position and the campaign with Sweden continued until 1721. In order to provide funds for this campaign and to dominate the trade route to India and to take Khiva and Bukhara khanates under Tsarist Russia’s control, it became a must to organize a campaign on the Khanate of Khiva. For this aim, committees have been established in accordance with Petro’s request and the expedition have been examined in detail. In 1714, it was eventually decided to start the campaign on the shores of the Caspian Sea and the Khanate of Khiva. In this study, it is discussed the appointment of Devlet Giray Mirza, who was born in a Muslim kabardian family and was named Aleksandr Bekovi？ ？erkasskiy after his baptism, as the commander of Khiva expedition, his preparations and his position at the end of the expedition. It is also focused on the political and military significance of the expedition, the first campaign by the Russians on Turkestan; and mentioned the results of deep traces of the expedition on Russians’ memory