This term identifies one of the four successor khanates arising from the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire in the mid-13th century. It encompassed a vast territory including parts of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other areas of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The polity was established by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, and maintained its dominance for several centuries, exacting tribute and influencing the political landscape of the region.
Its significance lies in its role as a major power that shaped the political, economic, and cultural development of Eastern Europe, particularly Russia. It controlled crucial trade routes, facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, and impacted the rise of Moscow as a dominant principality. The interaction between the Mongol rulers and the subjugated populations resulted in a complex blend of cultural influences and political adaptations that left a lasting legacy on the region’s history.
