2007/06/01 by Peter B. Golden · 2 citations
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Linguistics and Cultural Studies #Eurasian Exchange Networks #Cultural and Sociopolitical Studies
paper · doi:10.1556/aorient.60.2007.2.2
openalex publication_date 2007/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/03
The ruling house and core tribes of the Khazar empire did not share the same tribal or, in many instances, ethnic origins as those of the Qağanate’s diverse subject population. The Khazar rulers were heirs of the Türk qağanal charisma. Although aspects of sacral rule and dual kingship can be seen in the Türk and other Inner Asian nomad-based empires, it was only in Khazaria that the Qağan became a sacralised, tabuised figure. This transformation occurred in the 9th century and may reflect the influence of the Ors, the Khwârazmian-Iranian guard of the Qağan and the chief minister drawn from their ranks.