Chazaria

Chazaria, also known as Khazaria, was a major Turkic khanate that dominated a large portion of southeastern Europe and western Central Asia during the late 7th to 11th centuries CE. Originating from a Turkic tribal confederation, the Khazars migrated westward, eventually establishing an independent khanate in the lower Volga region. Their territory encompassed areas including modern-day southwestern Russia, southern Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and parts of the Caucasus.

The Khazar elite famously converted to Judaism sometime between the late 8th and mid-9th centuries. The extent of this conversion, and whether it applied to the entire population or only the ruling class, is a subject of ongoing historical debate. Accounts vary, with some suggesting a gradual adoption of Judaism influenced by trade routes connecting the Khazars to Jewish merchants and communities. The motivations behind the conversion are also debated, with factors like political independence from neighboring Christian and Muslim empires being considered.

Khazaria played a significant role in controlling trade routes between Europe and Asia, including the Silk Road and the Volga trade route, collecting tolls and taxes from merchants. Its powerful army protected these routes, fostering economic prosperity. The Khazars maintained a sophisticated legal system, and their society was known for its religious tolerance, accommodating various faiths, including Christianity, Islam, and pagan beliefs alongside Judaism.

The Khazar kingdom eventually declined due to internal conflicts and external pressures, particularly from the rising Rus' power to the north and Pecheneg incursions. The Rus', led by Sviatoslav I of Kyiv, launched a decisive campaign against Khazaria in the late 10th century, effectively destroying the Khazar state. The remaining Khazar population dispersed, and their territory was absorbed by neighboring powers.

The history of Khazaria, particularly the conversion to Judaism, has been the subject of much scholarly and popular interest. It has also been involved in various historical and contemporary political and religious discussions, often with varying interpretations and significance assigned to its historical role. The primary sources for Khazar history are limited and often contradictory, requiring careful analysis and interpretation.