The strategic importance of the southern parts of Central Asia, especially the city of Balkh, in the political history of the Bukhara Khanate in the latter part of the seventeenth century is examined in this article. The paper examines the Ashtarkhanid dynasty's deterioration of central authority, the growth of the appanage system, and the escalation of princely power battles. The study explores Balkh's significance as a major political and military hub, its incorporation into diplomatic ties with the Safavid and Mughal empires, and its role as the primary seat of heirs apparent, drawing on primary historical sources like the writings of Muhammad Yusuf Munshi, Muhammad Amin Bukhari, and Abulg‘ozi Bahodir Khan. The results show that Balkh was an important hub in the khanate's succession system and had a significant impact on the political climate of the time.  

Balkh, Bukhara Khanate, Ashtarkhanid dynasty, political history

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