Khazars

The Khazars were a semi-nomadic Turkic people from Central Asia, some of whom were converted to Judaism. The name 'Khazar' seems to be tied to a Turkic verb meaning "wandering". In the 7th century CE they founded an independent Khaganate in the Northern Caucasus along the Caspian Sea, where over time Judaism became the state religion. At their height, they and their tributaries controlled much of what is today southern Russia, western Kazakhstan, eastern Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and the Crimea.

Related Topics:
Nomadic - Turkic people - Central Asia - Judaism - Turkic - 7th century - Khaganate - Caucasus - Caspian Sea - Russia - Kazakhstan - Ukraine - Azerbaijan - Crimea

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The Khazars were important allies of the Byzantine Empire, and were a major regional power at their height. They fought a series of successful wars against the Arab Caliphates, probably preventing an Arab invasion of Eastern Europe. By the end of the tenth century, their power was broken by the Kievan Rus, and the Khazars largely disappeared from history.

Related Topics:
Byzantine Empire - Arab - Caliphate - Eastern Europe - Tenth century - Kievan Rus

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