Eastern Chagatai Khanate
The Eastern Chagatai Khanate, also known as the Moghulistan, was a successor state to the Chagatai Khanate following its fragmentation in the mid-14th century. This khanate, established in the 14th century, primarily encompassed the region of modern-day Xinjiang, parts of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
Formation and History
- Origins: The Eastern Chagatai Khanate emerged after the death of Kaidu, who was a prominent figure in the Chagatai Khanate, in 1301. His lineage continued to rule the eastern part of the former khanate, while the western portion evolved into the Timurid Dynasty.
- Leadership: The khanate was initially ruled by descendants of Chagatai Khan, the second son of Genghis Khan. The rule was often contested among various claimants, leading to a series of internal conflicts.
- Capital: The capital of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate shifted several times, with cities like Almalik, Kashgar, and Aksu serving as administrative centers at different periods.
- Fragmentation: By the late 15th century, the khanate began to fragment due to internal strife and external pressures from neighboring states like the Ming Dynasty of China, the Oirats, and later the Uzbek Khanate.
Cultural and Political Influence
- Language and Culture: The Eastern Chagatai Khanate was instrumental in the spread of the Chagatai language, which later evolved into modern Uzbek, Uighur, and other Turkic languages of Central Asia. The khanate's cultural influence extended through poetry, literature, and the arts.
- Religion: Initially, the Eastern Chagatai Khanate adhered to Buddhism, but over time, there was a shift towards Islam, which became the dominant religion by the 15th century, influencing the region's culture and governance.
Decline
- The Eastern Chagatai Khanate's decline was accelerated by the rise of the Dzungar Khanate in the 17th century, which eventually conquered much of Moghulistan. This led to the integration of the region into the Qing Dynasty of China by the mid-18th century.
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