Historical Encyclopedia
The Golden Horde was one of the greatest states of the medieval world, formed in the 13th century as a result of the Mongol conquests. It was part of the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan and later became an independent state under the leadership of the descendants of his son Juchi.
The foundation for the emergence of the Golden Horde was the unification of various Turkic-Mongol tribes inhabiting the vast steppes of Eurasia. After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, his empire was divided among his sons and grandsons. Juchi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan, received the western lands where the Golden Horde eventually arose.
In the early 13th century, the Mongols began actively conquering territories, and Juchi led campaigns to the west. This led to conflicts with Russian principalities and other peoples, contributing to the growing influence of the Horde in these territories.
The Golden Horde was officially established in the 1240s. After successful campaigns in Eastern Europe and the conquest of Kievan Rus’, the Mongol leaders began to establish their authority over the conquered territories. At this time, the capital of the Horde became the city of Sarai, located on the lower Volga, which became an important trade and cultural center.
The establishment of Khan Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, as the ruler of the Golden Horde played a key role in shaping the structure of power and governance. Batu held the first Khan's council, which determined the main directions of domestic and foreign policy, as well as the principles of governing the conquered lands.
The Golden Horde represented a federation of various tribes and peoples under the control of the Horde's Khan. It included both Mongols and Turkic peoples, which contributed to cultural exchange and synthesis. The basis of the Horde's economy was livestock breeding, as well as trade with neighboring states.
The Golden Horde not only conquered lands but also actively participated in trade, establishing trade routes between the East and the West. The opening of the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchange and the introduction of new technologies and ideas.
The Golden Horde had a significant influence on the development of the Russian principalities. The establishment of dependency on the Horde led to the formation of new political and social structures in Rus’. The Horde introduced a system of baskak, under which local princes were required to pay tribute to the Horde's Khan.
The Golden Horde displayed tolerance towards various religions, which contributed to the harmonious coexistence of Christians and Muslims in its territories. Islam became the dominant religion in the Golden Horde from the 15th century when Khan Uzbeg adopted Islam and implemented it as the official religion.
By the end of the 14th century, the Golden Horde began to experience a crisis. Internal conflicts, struggles for power among the khans, and pressure from the rising Russian principalities, such as Muscovy, led to the weakening of the state. In the 15th century, the Golden Horde ultimately disintegrated, opening the way for the emergence of new states in its territory.
The Golden Horde left a significant mark in the history of Eurasia, influencing the development of many peoples and states. Its legacy continues to be studied by scholars, and the experience of cultural and national interactions serves as an important lesson for contemporary societies.
*The Golden Horde remains one of the most mysterious pages in history, and its influence is still felt today.*