Boyar Gantimur from Bogdoy khan: birth and debunk of a myth

This article discusses the main facts about one of the leaders of the nomadic Ewenkis of Transbaikalia - Gantimur, who in 1666/67 left Qing empire and got through the process of naturalization in Russia. The author criticizes the narrative that is widespread in the state and local historical works and genealogical writings. According to it, Gantimur belonged to the Manchu ruling elite and allegedly participated in 1655 in the attack on the Russian Komarsky ostrog (fortress), located on the right bank of the Amur. Based on the analysis of a broad range of archival and published sources (petitions of Gantimur and his descendants, reports of Russian explorers and administrators, diplomatic documents drawn up during the Russian-Manchu negotiations) and historical research, it is shown, how this narrative appeared and became prevalent. The author proves that this historical myth does not correspond to real facts and was fabricated by the grandchildren of Gantimur in order to improve their status in the Russian social hierarchy and increase wealth. This article concludes by arguing that Gantimur was not part of the Manchu elite and did not take part in the Manchu campaigns on the Amur river.