Qaraqoyunlu

The Qaraqoyunlu, meaning "Black Sheep" in Turkic languages, were a medieval Turkic confederation of nomadic tribes who ruled a large part of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and eastern Anatolia from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Their origins are believed to be from Central Asia, and they rose to prominence under the leadership of their chieftains. The confederation was primarily composed of Oghuz Turkic tribes, though other Turkic and Kurdish groups were also incorporated.

The Qaraqoyunlu established their capital first in Erzurum and later in Tabriz. They were known for their military prowess and engaged in frequent conflicts with neighboring powers, including the Aq Qoyunlu, Timurid Empire, and the Mamluk Sultanate. Their reign was characterized by a period of relative stability and economic prosperity in the regions they controlled, with a focus on agriculture and trade. The Qaraqoyunlu left behind significant architectural legacies, including mosques, mausoleums, and bridges, many of which are still standing today.

The confederation's power began to decline in the mid-15th century due to internal strife and external pressures, particularly from their rivals, the Aq Qoyunlu. The decisive battle of Bashkent in 1467 led to the defeat of the Qaraqoyunlu and the eventual absorption of their territories into the Aq Qoyunlu state. Despite their relatively short-lived dominance, the Qaraqoyunlu left a lasting impact on the political and cultural landscape of the Caucasus and Eastern Anatolia.