Khazar Empire was once a dominant force in the Eurasian steppes, shaping trade, politics, and diplomacy between Europe and Asia. Discover how this powerful yet often overlooked empire rose to greatness and what led to its decline.
The Khazar Empire was once a powerful kingdom that controlled important trade routes and influenced both Europe and Asia. Though not as famous as other empires, the Khazars played a key role in history, ruling lands between the Volga River and the Black Sea.
Khazar Empire
Who Were the Khazars?
Khazars were a confederation of various tribes, including the Oğurs, Onoğurs, and Bulğars. These groups originally belonged to an older alliance known as the Tiele, which migrated westward due to pressures from stronger enemies. By the 4th century CE, they had settled in the regions surrounding the Volga River, the Caspian Sea, and the Black Sea. Some traced their origins to Mongolia and South Siberia, gradually forming a distinct kingdom after the collapse of the Hunnic Empire. Leadership in the Khazar Empire likely stemmed from the Ashina clan, the same lineage that ruled the Western Turkic Khaganate. Chinese and Islamic sources suggest ties between the Khazars and the Ashina. One of their early leaders, Yǐpíshèkuì, played a crucial role in the empire's rise but lost control around 651. As the Khazars expanded westward, they assimilated other steppe tribes, such as the Akatziroi, who had previously allied with the Byzantine Empire against Attila the Hun. By 630, the Khazar state formally emerged as the Göktürk Khaganate declined. The Göktürks had expanded into the Volga region by 549, pushing the Avars westward into present-day Hungary. As the Ashina clan seized control of the Rouran Khaganate in 552, their territorial expansions brought them into contact with the Byzantine Empire, forming alliances against Persia. However, internal conflicts weakened the Göktürks, allowing new states like Old Great Bulgaria and the growing Khazar Empire to rise.
Influence of the Khazar Kingdom
By the late 7th century, the Khazars had firmly established their kingdom, governing vast territories that extended from the Volga to the Dnieper River. Around 670, they absorbed the Onoğur-Bulğar confederation and positioned themselves as the rightful heirs of the Göktürks. Some historians even refer to their rule as "Pax Khazarica" because they maintained stability and safeguarded trade routes. An 11th-century Persian writer ranked the Khazar ruler among the most powerful leaders of the era, alongside the emperors of Byzantium and China.
Governance and Military Strength
The Khazar political system was unique, featuring a dual-ruler structure. The Bek held military and administrative authority, while the Qağan (or Khan) occupied a more symbolic and religious role. The Qağan was considered almost sacred and rarely appeared in public. Some sources describe a bizarre ritual where new Qağans were nearly strangled before ascending the throne, ruling only as long as they wished—after which they were executed. The Bek, however, had to show utmost reverence, even bowing and walking barefoot in the Qağan’s presence. The Khazars maintained power through a loyal personal guard, often recruited from the Khwārazmians. Their military was well-organized, with a standing army of 7,000 to 12,000 soldiers. However, in times of war, they could summon up to 100,000 troops, including their allies. Khazar warriors were renowned for their discipline—retreat was not tolerated, and any soldier who returned home after a lost battle faced execution. Khazaria was one of the most ethnically diverse empires of its time, hosting over 25 different groups. Some sources distinguish between "White Khazars" and "Black Khazars," though this likely indicated social or political divisions rather than racial differences. Early Muslim travelers described them as having light skin, blue eyes, and reddish hair, while others compared them to Central Asian peoples. Archaeological findings suggest a blend of European and Mongolic features among their population.