khazari

The Khazars were an Iranian-speaking people who inhabited the area between the Volga and the Don rivers in Eastern Europe from the 7th century until their eventual assimilation into the Rus' and other neighboring peoples. They are known for their role in the history of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, as well as their significant contributions to the development of the Silk Road.

The Khazars emerged as a distinct group in the 7th century, likely as a result of the migration of various Iranian tribes into the region. They adopted a unique cultural identity, blending elements of Iranian, Turkic, and Slavic traditions. The Khazars were known for their advanced agricultural practices, trade networks, and military prowess.

One of the most notable aspects of Khazar history is their role in the early medieval period. They established a powerful kingdom that controlled a vast territory, including parts of modern-day Ukraine, Russia, and the Caucasus. The Khazars were skilled traders, engaging in extensive commerce along the Silk Road, and they maintained diplomatic relations with various European and Asian powers.

The Khazars also played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in Eastern Europe. In the 9th century, the Khazar king Joseph converted to Christianity and sent envoys to the Byzantine Empire to request Christian missionaries. This marked the beginning of the Christianization of the Khazar kingdom, which would eventually lead to the establishment of the Kievan Rus' as a Christian state.

The Khazar kingdom began to decline in the late 10th century, facing internal strife and external pressures from neighboring powers. By the early 11th century, the Khazars had largely assimilated into the Rus' and other neighboring peoples, their culture and identity largely absorbed into the broader Eastern European context.