Zaysan

Lake Zaysan lies between the steppe and mountains of eastern Central Asia, within the Irtysh river system. Surrounding valleys connect its shores with higher country, while seasonal cold, wind and water conditions affect travel and the use of resources. The lake and nearby pastures support different livelihoods.

During the early modern centuries, the wider Inner Asian region was affected by Dzungar and Kazakh movements and later by Qing and Russian interests. Pastoral movement, trade and diplomacy crossed changing political boundaries, while water and grazing remained important to local life.