Crimean Khanate

The Crimean Khanate (Khanate of Crimea), 1441–1783, the independent state of the Crimean Tatar people. One of the Turkic khanates emerged in result of the fall of the Golden Horde Empire.

Related Topics:
Khanate - Crimea - Crimean Tatar - Turkic - Golden Horde

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Founded by Haci Giray in 1441 after a long-lasting struggle for independence from the Golden Horde. The khanate included the Crimean peninsula (except the South and South-West seashore) and the plains of modern Southern Ukraine. Possessed lands in Circassia in Northern Caucasus.

Related Topics:
Haci Giray - Golden Horde - Circassia

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During the rule of Mengli Giray, a son of Haci Giray; the Ottoman Empire invaded under the orders of Mehmed II in 1475. The Ottoman forces, under the command of Gedik Ahmet Pasha conquered the Princedom of Gothia and Genoan colonies in Cembalo, Soldaia|Sudak, and Kaffa. The khanate became a vassal of the Ottoman Empire.

Related Topics:
Mengli Giray - Haci Giray - Ottoman Empire - Mehmed II - 1475 - Gedik Ahmet Pasha - Cembalo - Sudak - Kaffa

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In 1502 Mengli Giray defeated the last khan of the Golden Horde putting the end to the Horde's claims on Crimea. In the 16th century the Crimean khanate pretended to be the successor of authority of the former Golden Horde over the Turkic khanates of Caspian-Volga region. This resulted in rivalry with Muscovy for dominance in the region. Though a successful campaign of Devlet I Giray to Moscow in 1571 finished with burning the Russian capital, the Crimean Khanate finally lost the dispute for Volga.

Related Topics:
Mengli Giray - Golden Horde - Muscovy - Devlet I Giray - 1571

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The capital of the Khanate was placed initially in Salaciq near the Qirq Yer fortress, then moved to Bakhchisaray founded in 1532 by Sahib Giray I.

Related Topics:
Bakhchisaray - 1532 - Sahib Giray I

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Internally, the khanate was divided into several "beyliks" (semi-autonomous domains of noble clans). During the reforms by the last Crimean Sahin Giray the internal structure was changed following the Turkish pattern: land-ownings of nobility were proclaimed the domain of the khan and reorganized into "qadiliqs" (provinces governed by representatives of the khan).

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The main principle of external policy of the Crimean Khanate was keeping balance between two powers of Eastern Europe: the Princedom of Muscovy (later Russia) and the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania. The Ottomans often demanded participation of Crimean Tatar troops in military campaigns led by the sultans in Europe (Poland, Hungary) and Asia (Persia). Attempts of some Crimean khans (e.g., Mehmed III Giray) to liberate the country from the Turkish authority had no effect.

Related Topics:
Crimean Khanate - Ottomans - Poland - Hungary - Persia - Mehmed III Giray

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