teginids

The Teginids were a princely dynasty of the early medieval Khazar Khaganate. The name "Tegin" was a Turkic title, often denoting a prince or heir apparent, and it is through this title that the dynasty derives its name. While specific genealogical details are scarce, the Teginids were a prominent ruling family, likely intermarried with the ruling Ashina clan, the traditional royal house of the Turkic peoples.

Historical sources, particularly Arab geographers, mention the Teginids as holding significant influence within the Khazar state. They appear to have been responsible for military matters and administration, often acting as regents or senior princes under the nominal authority of the Khagan. The Teginid princes were instrumental in the governance and expansion of the Khazar realm during its peak. Their role was crucial in maintaining the complex political and social structure of the Khaganate, which encompassed a diverse range of ethnicities and religions. The decline of the Teginid influence is often associated with the gradual weakening and eventual collapse of the Khazar Khaganate in the late 10th century, following incursions by Rus' forces.