Rulers and sovereigns of the Muslim East countries in the works of Russian service and statesmen (the 18th – beginning of the 20th centuries)

The issue of the image of the rulers of Muslim countries in the Russian historical sources (the 18 th – beginning of 20 th centuries) is considered in the article. The issue is analyzed studying the example of the territory culturally and geographically close to Russia – the countries of the Near and Middle East. The sources used in the study include reports, notes and evidences of the Russian periodicals, states- and servicemen. The article presents an attempt to indicate the most characteristic features of the rulers and politicians of the Eastern countries shown in the Russian sources.