Данный исследовательский проект посвящен комплексному изучению Астраханского ханства, одного изThe project aims to thoroughly investigate the historical trajectory of the Astrakhan Khanate, from its formation in the 15th century to its eventual incorporation into the expanding Russian state in 1556. It seeks to analyze the political, economic, and social structures that defined the khanate, as well as its complex relationships with neighboring powers, including Moscow, the Crimean Khanate, and various Central Asian entities. Special attention will be dedicated to understanding the internal dynamics of power, the role of nomadic and settled populations, and the cultural exchanges that characterized this significant Eurasian polity. Through a critical examination of primary and secondary sources, the research endeavors to provide a nuanced understanding of the Astrakhan Khanate's legacy and its place within the broader historical narrative of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The project will also explore the factors and events leading to its conquest by Ivan the Terrible, highlighting the strategic and political implications of this pivotal moment in Russian expansion. The work will be based on a philological and historical-critical analysis of available chronicles, legal documents, and archaeological findings, supplemented by contemporary scholarship. The findings will be presented in a comprehensive academic monograph, suitable for scholars and advanced students of history and international relations. The research methodology will involve a comparative analysis of textual evidence and an examination of cartographic materials to reconstruct the territorial extent and spheres of influence of the Astrakhan Khanate over time. Ultimately, this project endeavors to fill a gap in our current understanding of this crucial period, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of the political landscape of the late medieval and early modern Eurasian steppe. The objective is to provide a scholarly yet accessible account that illuminates the unique characteristics and historical significance of the Astrakhan Khanate, offering a detailed look at its internal affairs, foreign policy, and the ultimate reasons for its demise as an independent entity. The project prioritizes accuracy and depth in its exploration of the khanate's socio-economic conditions, its ruling elite, and its interactions with other states and peoples, aiming to present a balanced and insightful historical account.