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This map, created as part of the expeditions led by Pyotr Kuzmich Kozlov, reflects Russian imperial interests in Central Asia during the late 19th century. Kozlov, an accomplished explorer and a protégé of the famous explorer Nikolay Przhevalsky, was notable for his expeditions into Mongolia, Tibet, and surrounding regions.

This particular map was produced following a survey conducted by A.N. Kaznakov in 1899, under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society and likely intended for military, scientific, and political purposes as the Russian Empire expanded its influence into Asia.

The Mongolian Altai region, strategically located at the borderlands of Russia, Mongolia, and China, was an area of significant interest for its geographical, cultural, and political importance. The survey, taking place shortly before the Boxer Rebellion in China, underscores the imperial ambitions and the geopolitical dynamics of the time, where major powers like Russia, Britain, and China sought to control key territories in Asia. Maps like this not only served as geographical records but also as tools of empire, aiding in navigation, planning, and administration for the Russian Empire. 

Kaznakov's work details the rugged terrain and essential features of a region that was both geographically remote and strategically significant. The map’s primary focus is the Altai Mountains (Алтайские горы), depicted with shaded relief to emphasize the formidable elevation and natural boundaries formed by this range. Among the notable peaks are Nizh-Bogdo (Ниж-Богдо) and Baga-Bogdo (Бага-Богдо), which are labeled to indicate prominent points within the Altai.  

The map records settlements and locations of cultural or administrative significance. One key location is Khuree (Кум. Нои хухутийнъ хурее), which likely denotes a Buddhist monastery or settlement. In Mongolia, the term "khuree" is commonly associated with monastic sites, underscoring the cultural and spiritual importance of Buddhism in the area. Other places, such as Tsagaannuur (Цагаан-нуур), meaning "White Lake" in Mongolian, may represent smaller settlements or geographical features, highlighting the local Mongolian toponyms prevalent in the region.

Several paths or caravan routes, noted as пути караванов, cut through the mountains, indicating trade or travel routes essential for moving through this challenging terrain. These routes, marked in red to emphasize the specific surveyed paths, were crucial for connecting distant areas and facilitating movement across the Altai. Administrative boundaries are also noted, including the border of the Tushiyetu Khan (Граница Тушицу-хана), referencing one of the noble titles within Mongolia’s traditional administrative structure, thus marking areas governed by local authority figures at the time. 

The Mongolian Altai region held significant importance for Russia in the 1890s due to its strategic, economic, and geopolitical value as Russia expanded its influence across Central Asia. This mountainous area, forming a natural border between Mongolia and Russia, was crucial in Russia's imperial ambitions to secure and control the borderlands surrounding its vast empire. By the late 19th century, Russia was engaged in what historians call "The Great Game" with the British Empire, a prolonged political and military rivalry for dominance over Central Asia. Control over territories such as the Mongolian Altai allowed Russia to solidify its presence in this contested region and counter British influence in nearby areas, particularly in Tibet and Xinjiang.

The Altai region also served as a gateway into both Mongolia and China, areas that Russia sought to incorporate into its sphere of influence. The Russian Empire was interested in securing routes through the region that would facilitate trade, military movement, and communication between Siberia, Mongolia, and ultimately China. Surveying expeditions, like the one led by Pyotr Kuzmich Kozlov, who oversaw Kaznakov’s work on this map, were part of Russia’s broader effort to gather detailed geographical knowledge.  

Rarity

The map is extremely rare.

This is the first example we have ever seen.