In the early 19th century, the Kyrgyz came under the rule of the Uzbek Khanate of Kokand, which extended its control over much of the region. However, Kyrgyz tribes resisted Kokand's dominance and sought to assert their own sovereignty.
In 1842, the Kyrgyz tribes united under the leadership of Ormon Khan to form the Kara-Kyrgyz Khanate. This short-lived independent state marked a significant attempt by the Kyrgyz to reclaim political autonomy. The khanate operated as a distinct entity from Kokand, with Ormon Khan striving to unify the various Kyrgyz tribes under centralized rule.
Despite these efforts, the Kara-Kyrgyz Khanate faced increasing pressure from the expanding Russian Empire. By 1867, the khanate was annexed, bringing Kyrgyzstan under Russian control and ending its brief period of independence. This annexation marked the beginning of a new chapter in Kyrgyz history, with the region becoming part of the Russian Empire's growing Central Asian territories.