Göktürk Khaganate Splits into Eastern and Western
Central Asian Steppe· Central Asia
The vast Göktürk (Turkic) Khaganate, which had dominated the Central Asian steppe from Mongolia to the Black Sea, permanently split into Eastern and Western halves after a prolonged civil war. Both halves would be alternately allied with and fighting against the Chinese, Byzantine, and Sassanid empires.
Historical Significance
The Turkic split reshaped Central Asian geopolitics. The Western Khaganate allied with Heraclius against Persia, while the Eastern Khaganate faced pressure from the rising Tang dynasty.
Islamic Relevance
The Turkic peoples would become among the most significant converts to Islam, beginning in the 8th century. The Seljuk Turks, Mamluks, and Ottomans all traced their origins to the Central Asian Turkic world.
Academic Sources(from non-Muslim historians)
Peter B. Golden
Central Asia in World History
Oxford University Press (New Oxford World History)
"Golden covers the Turkic khaganates and their role in connecting the steppe world with the settled civilizations."
Quick Facts
- Dates (CE)
- c. 603 CE
- Civilization
- turkic
- Region
- Central Asia
- Academic Sources
- 1 references
- Seerah Links
- 0 cross-references