In January 1920, the Red Army captured Khiva and set up a Young Khivan provisional government. Junaid Khan fled into the desert with his followers, and the Basmachi movement in the Khorezm Region was born. Before the end of the year, the Soviets deposed the Young Khivans government, and the Muslim nationalists fled to join Junaid, strengthening his forces considerably.
In August of
that year, the Emir of Bukhara was finally deposed when the Red Army conquered
Bukhara. From exile in Afghanistan, the Emir directed the Bokhara Basmachi
movement, supported by the angry populace and clergy. Fighters operated on
behalf of the Emir and were under the command of Ibrahim Bey, a tribal leader.
Basmachi forces operated with success in both Khiva and Bokhara for an extended
period. The insurgency also began spreading to Kazakhstan, as well as the Tajik
and Turkmen lands (Wiki).
2 comments:
Excellent looking additions Martin
Thanks, Dave. Anyone facing this horde might have to be on their top-game to come out alive!
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