Khazarian Turkmens and Their Journey from Tengri to Judaism

The Khazar Empire, a powerful and influential state in Central Asia, has long fascinated historians and scholars due to its unique religious and cultural shifts. Historians have explored when and how the rulers of this empire shifted from their indigenous Turkic Tengri religion to adopting Judaism. This curious transformation was not just a matter of religious belief but also a strategic move with political undertones.

Conversion of the Ruling Class to Judaism

Significantly, the ruling elite of the Khazar Empire converted to Judaism in the mid-700s. This conversion is often attributed to pragmatic political considerations, rather than a mass religious conversion of the populace. The ruling class likely sought to maintain their status as part of the “people of the book,” which both mitigated Christian and Muslim suspicions and allowed them to navigate the complex religious landscape of the time. Without clear and extensive documentation, the extent of the religious shift among the broader Khazar population remains uncertain.

Political Motivations Behind the Conversion

The conversion to Judaism was a strategic move to avoid being annexed by either the Byzantine Empire under Christian rule or the Islamic Caliphates. The Khazars, by aligning with Judaism, maintained a neutral stance and secured economic and political benefits without aligning with religious factions that could threaten their sovereignty. This decision reflects the political astuteness of the Khazar leadership, recognizing the importance of religious neutrality in maintaining independence.

Respected Jews in Medieval Writings

Medieval writings by Jewish historians describe the Khazars as respected individuals who followed rabbinical directives. These descriptions highlight the Khazars' religious adherence and moral standards, which were highly valued within the Jewish community of that time. Despite these glowing accounts, it is important to note that the accounts of medieval Jewish writers may be influenced by their own biases and the reputation they sought to establish for the Khazars.

What Happened to the Khazars After the Empire's Fall?

With the fall of the Khazar Empire, the fate of its people remains a subject of much speculation. One popular theory suggests that the Ashkenazi Jews are descendants of the Khazars. However, there is little historical evidence to support this claim. Genetic studies and historical records suggest that the Ashkenazi Jews were more likely to have migrated to more cosmopolitan centers such as Baghdad and Esfahan, which were thriving centers of Jewish life at the time. These cities offered a more welcoming environment compared to the largely non-Jewish Eastern European lands.

Conclusion

The conversion of the Khazar Empire to Judaism was a significant religious and political shift. While the shift primarily occurred within the ruling class, it was a strategic move that helped the Khazars maintain their independence in a region fraught with religious and political tensions. The legacy of the Khazars and their religious choices continue to intrigue historians and provide valuable insights into the complex history of Central Asia and the broader context of religious and cultural interactions during the medieval period.

Keywords: Khazar Empire, Tengri Religion, Jewish Conversion