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Karakitai dynasty

Central Asian dynasty
Also known as: Black Kitai, Karakhitan state, Qara Khitay, Western Liao, Xi Liao dynasty(Show More)

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The Karakitai dynasty, also known as the Western Liao dynasty, was a Central Asian empire founded by Yelü Dashi in 1124. Yelü Dashi was a member of the Liao dynasty's imperial family, which was established by the Khitan tribes. When the Liao dynasty was overthrown by the Juchen, Yelü Dashi fled west to Turkestan.1

The Karakitai empire was centered in Turkestan, east and west of the Pamir Mountains. They eventually conquered the Qarakhanid dynasty, extending their influence across Central Asia. The empire was known as the "Black Khitan" by the Mongols. In 1211, the Karakitai empire was conquered by the Mongols.123

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