Kereyits

The Kereyits were a Turkic or Mongol tribe who played a significant role in the history of Central Asia during the 11th and 12th centuries. They were primarily nomadic and inhabited the region of modern-day Mongolia and parts of Siberia. Historical accounts often associate them with Christianity, specifically Nestorian Christianity, a denomination that had spread along the Silk Road. This religious affiliation distinguished them from many of their neighboring nomadic groups.

The Kereyits were known for their military prowess and their organized tribal structure. They formed a powerful confederation that often allied with or competed against other major nomadic groups, including the Naimans and the Merkits. Their influence grew significantly in the late 12th century, and they were a prominent force in the political landscape of the era.

A pivotal moment in Kereyit history was their interaction with Temujin, who would later become Genghis Khan. Initially, the Kereyits, under their leader Toghrul (also known as Ong Khan), were allies and benefactors of Temujin, supporting his rise to power. However, their relationship eventually deteriorated, leading to conflict. The Kereyits were eventually conquered and absorbed into the burgeoning Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan in the early 13th century. Their integration into the Mongol Empire marked the end of the Kereyits as an independent political entity, though their descendants are believed to have contributed to the ethnic composition of various Turkic and Mongol peoples in later centuries.