The siege of Tashkent (9 May – 17 June 1865) was the last major clash in the Russo-Kokand war [ru], fought between the Khanate of Kokand and the Russian Empire.

[1] Further division was present, as the clergy were willing to ally with the Khanate of Bukhara, and merchants were willing to accept Russian rule due to heavy taxation from Kokand.

However, on February 2, 1865, Governor-General of Orenburg Province Nikolai Kryzhanovsky sent a letter Chernyayev, containing a summary of document by Foreign Minister Alexander Gorchakov and a set of instructions.

While Gorchakov's section was clear that Tashkent was not to be annexed by Russia, and an independent city-state was desired, Nikolai Kryzhanovsky's notes were vague, and granted Chernyayev reasonable powers to attack the city.

[4][5] Kryzhanovsky additionally stated that he would be visiting the region in summer, which possibly motivated Chernyayev to attack faster, not wanting to share credit for the battle.

[8] Upon hearing of Niazbek's capture several days later, Alimqul sent riders to inform provincial leaders, and immediately rode to Tashkent accompanied by 6,000 soldiers and 12 guns from the Ferghana valley.

[10] On May 9, Alimqul arrived near Shur-Tepa, a location outside of Tashkent's walls where Chenyaev's troops were stationed, and at 6:00 a.m. began shelling the Russian camp.

Russian forces soon prepared a counterattack, with the 4th companies splitting to initiate a frontal assault hitting the center and a flanking maneuver.

One group attempted to form an independent state led by Sultan Sayyid Khan, and elders asked Muzaffar bin Nasrullah for support, which he expressed interest in.

Instead, he dispatched patrols to harass citizens attempting to gather food from gardens outside the walls or graze their animals, enforcing a general blockade.

His failed siege of the city one year before would have severely damaged his career if left unrectified, and this second expedition would likely be lauded by the government if successful.

After scattering two retreating groups several miles north with canister shot, Kraevsky returned to Tashkent and entered the city through Kashgar Gate.

[19] A Russian soldiers met strong resistance from Tashkenis, who possibly included Kokandi loyalists, supporters of an independent city-state, and followers of Syzdyk Sultan.

[20][21] Kraevsky's column was unable to return to the main force at the outer Kamelan Gate by evening, but was able to capture and defend the citadel.

He visited local mosques and bazaars, formed close ties with the cities ulama, and promised to strongly enforce sharia law.