The article presents a list of Chokan Valikhanov's essays, providing interpretation and classification from a source study perspective. The content of the essays, their themes, and methodology are analyzed. Special attention is given to the significance of the essays for the study of the history and culture of Central Asia, as well as their contribution to ethnographic and historical research. Valikhanov's essays describe important aspects of the life and customs of the peoples of Central Asia, their traditions, and beliefs. These works are valuable sources of information for contemporary researchers studying the history and ethnography of Kyrgyzstan. The article examines the main motifs and themes present in the essays and concludes their significance for further research. In addition, the author claims that Shokan Ualikhanov's work on a trip to Kyrgyzstan preserves common historical values. In 1856-1857, he visited the Alatau Kyrgyz and drew attention to the Kyrgyz work "Manas". On the basis of this visit, major works were included in the historical turnover: Notes on the Kyrgyz, the Diary of the Issyk-Kul trip. In general, modern historical science proves that these works from a historiographical and documentary point of view joined the ranks of historical documents of the Central Asian states in the second half of the XIX century.