It was very important to explore the unknown aspects of Turkestan’s geography for the expansionist policy of Russia. Therefore, it is known that expeditions were sent to the region at different times since the 17th century. This policy was developed over time with more comprehensive expeditions. In addition, the information gained from the expeditions led to the creation of academic institutions and the evaluation of knowledge in these institutions. Thus, in the universities founded in the 18th century, attempts were made to create specialties. The Imperial Russian Geographical Society, which was founded by the Russian government in 1845, was an institution that brought together people who were interested in geography and exploration. Pyotr Petrovich Semyonov, as a well-educated, intellectual person who was interested in geography and had a strong desire to explore, undertook various trips sponsored by the Society. He shared the data that he had obtained during his travels in a number of publications in Russia and in Europe. Semyonov, who is especially famous for his journeys to the area of Tien Shan, is considered one of the producers of scientific knowledge, the findings of which were to form the background of the expansionist policy of Russia. The article provides information about Semyonov’s short life story and concludes that his expeditions contributed to the policies of the Russian government.

Russian Geographical Society, Tian Shan, Issık-Kul Lake.