The article is devoted to the activities of Governor General Konstantin Petrovich von Kaufman in the process of establishing the Russian education system in Turkestan by the Russian Empire. By creating an education system in Turkestan, the Russian Empire sought to adapt the local population to Russian culture. K.P. von Kaufmann had thoughts and plans for the implementation of the educational strategy.His views and activities in this direction were based on a policy of non-interference in the spiritual life of the local population. He intended to create Russian-native schools and, with their help, educate the local population in the spirit of devotion to the empire.His ideas became widespread after his death. The article attempts to assess the place and role of von Kaufmann in the formation of the Russian education system.