Which Mongol and Turkic tribes did Genghis Khan defeat before unifying Mongolia?

Before unifying the nomadic tribes of Mongolia under his rule in 1206, Genghis Khan (born Temüjin) systematically defeated several major tribal groups to eliminate potential rivals and consolidate his power. These groups included:

• Merkit: One of the first major tribes Temüjin defeated, helping him establish his early military reputation.12
• Jürkin: A clan of princes who were nominally his allies but were massacred by Temüjin after they plundered his property.1
• Tatars: A formidable group that had long feuded with Temüjin’s family. He eventually defeated them in battle and ordered the execution of all those taller than a cart axle to ensure future stability.1
• Kereit: Once led by his ally Toghril, this people was destroyed after internal intrigues and a breakdown in their alliance with Temüjin.12
• Naiman: The last of the powerful tribes in Mongolia proper to be defeated, their loss left Temüjin as the undisputed master of the steppes.12

By crushing these rivals, Genghis Khan successfully replaced the existing pattern of fragmented tribes and clans with a unified, disciplined military structure under his family's leadership.13