Golden Horde

Abstract

The Golden Horde was a medieval state established in the mid-13th century by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan. Its territory covered parts of modern-day Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Crimea. As a significant Ulus, or province, it represented the western part of Genghis Khan's vast empire.

The Golden Horde was formed in the 1240s following Batu Khan's campaigns in the West. During these campaigns, his army conquered Kievan Rus and parts of Eastern Europe. Initially, the Golden Horde was part of the Mongol Empire, but it eventually became an independent state.

In the Golden Horde, political power was concentrated in the hands of the Khans. They were supported by noyans, biys, and other aristocrats. After Islam was adopted as the state religion, the political system began to align more closely with Islamic governance models.

Initially, the rulers of the Golden Horde practiced shamanism. However, by the mid-14th century, during the reigns of Berke Khan and Uzbek Khan, Islam became widespread and was established as the official state religion.

Located at the crossroads of Eurasian trade routes, the Golden Horde relied heavily on trade. Using the Great Silk Road, it developed strong trade relations with China, Central Asia, Iran, Byzantium, and various European countries.