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Chagatai Khanate

medieval state, Asia

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The Chagatai Khanate was a medieval state in Central Asia, established by Chagatai Khan, the second son of Genghis Khan. Upon Genghis Khan's death, Chagatai received lands including Kashgaria and much of Transoxania. The empire encompassed territories east of Lake Balkhash, the Tarim Basin, and Afghanistan, with a predominantly Turkic population.12

The Chagatai empire was characterized by strong steppe traditions and expansionist tendencies, often attempting to conquer India. While initially influenced by nomadic culture, the civilization of Muslim oasis-dwellers had a limited impact. The empire experienced periods of internal conflict and external influence, notably from Kaidu. Later, under leaders like Tarmashirin, Islam became more prominent, though this led to divisions within the empire. Ultimately, the rise of Timur (Tamerlane) marked a shift, transforming the Chagatai ulus into an Islamic state, with Persian becoming the dominant language.2

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