Khazar refers to a group of semi-nomadic Turkic people who emerged as a powerful kingdom in the region between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea during the medieval period. The term "Khazar" can have several connotations, including an ethnic and cultural identification.
Ethnically, Khazars were primarily Turkic-speaking people, believed to have originated from the Central Asian region. They had distinctive physical characteristics, such as light skin, blue or green eyes, and light or red hair.
Culturally, the Khazars had a complex society influenced by various civilizations, particularly Turkic, Iranian, and Judaic elements. One of their most notable characteristics was their adoption of Judaism as their state religion in the 8th or 9th century, although a significant portion of the population remained pagan or adhered to other beliefs.
Politically, the Khazars created a powerful kingdom known as the Khazar Khaganate, which reached its height of influence between the 7th and 10th centuries. They established a strategic location as intermediaries between Europe and Asia, engaging in trade, diplomacy, and military alliances with neighboring empires, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Abbasid Caliphate.
The Khazar Khaganate remained a prominent force until its decline in the 10th century, attributed primarily to invasions from various nomadic Turkic and Mongol tribes. The exact fate of the Khazars is a subject of scholarly debate, with some suggesting they assimilated into neighboring populations while others propose their migration to other regions.
In summary, "Khazar" refers to a Turkic people who formed a significant medieval kingdom, known as the Khazar Khaganate, and embraced Judaism as their state religion.
