Gaochang

Gaochang was a Uyghur kingdom that existed from the 9th to the 13th century in the Tarim Basin, in modern-day Xinjiang, China. It was established by Uyghur exiles who fled the collapse of the Uyghur Khaganate in present-day Mongolia. Gaochang, also known as Qocho, became a prosperous trading center on the Silk Road, benefiting from its strategic location.

The kingdom was known for its religious tolerance, with Buddhism being the dominant religion, but Nestorian Christianity, Manichaeism, and Islam were also present. Gaochang developed a unique culture, blending Turkic traditions with influences from the surrounding regions. The kingdom's administration was influenced by Chinese systems, and it maintained diplomatic and trade relations with various powers, including the Tang Dynasty and later the Song Dynasty.

Gaochang's economy was largely based on agriculture, particularly wheat and millet, and its role as a hub for Silk Road trade. It controlled important oasis towns and caravanserai, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between East and West. The kingdom's sophisticated irrigation systems were crucial for its agricultural success in the arid environment.

In the 13th century, Gaochang was conquered by the Mongol Empire. The kingdom was incorporated into the vast Mongol territories, and its distinct political identity gradually faded. However, its legacy as an important center of culture, religion, and trade on the Silk Road endured. Archaeological discoveries in the region have shed light on Gaochang's history and the lives of its people.