This article describes the representatives of the Tatar nation in the economic life of the Zhetysu region, which became part of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19^th century. Namely, on the basis of archival materials, some data are given on fairs, mobile trade, and stationary trading places and the contribution of the Tatars, which had a significant impact on the economic growth of the region.

            In the 60- 80s of the 19^th century, the Zhetysu was part of two governor generals and was in the middle of the markets of China in the East and Central Asia in the South, which of course was due to the great strategic interest of the Russian Empire. For this reason, it was in this region of Kazakhstan that battered entrepreneurs from all over the empire came. And this article is an attempt to describe the significant contribution of Tatar entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of the region’s economy.

            The type of Tatar trade with local Kazakh and Kyrgyz, which began initially with traveling trade, developed over time. It grew to seasonal fairs and then continued with the opening of permanent trading houses and permanent places of work for the local population. And this article provides information on the contribution of these fairs and trading houses to the economic development of the region. Monthly and annual incomes, the number and names of some Tatar merchants are given. Among these names, there is also information about the activities of Iskhak Gabdulvaliev, a major merchant, philanthropist, and unofficial leader of the local Tatars in the city of Verny, the center of the Zhetysu region.