[3/7/2026 9:47 AM] عذراء علي: Abstract In this article, I attempted to briefly summarize the Khazars, their way of life, their origins, and their historical role in order to reveal the diversity and intersection of opinions about this tribe. These opinions often reflect bias or prejudice in the interpretation of the past. By examining the nature, origin, and structure of the tribe, we find that the ambitions of its leaders were relatively limited and that they were unable to establish a great civilization. This is because the Khazars did not rely on a strong ideological or religious foundation, which affected their ability to endure through history and ultimately led to their assimilation into other nations. Main Discussion There is a close relationship between the present and the past. This relationship is both dialectical and problematic at the same time. It involves recognizing the contradiction between the written history about events, nations, and tribes and what actually occurred during that historical period. The Khazars have been referred to by several names, such as the Khazar Kingdom, the Khazar Empire, and the “Thirteenth Tribe.” The importance of studying them lies in the strong connection between the past and the present. Therefore, it is necessary to understand ancient nations and tribes that once held power and influence in distant times. Name and Origin There are different opinions regarding the origin of the name “Khazar.” Some scholars believe that the word Khazar is derived from “Qaz,” which in turn comes from the Turkic word “Gez,” meaning “to wander” or “to roam.” It is believed that the rulers of the Khazars came from Central Asia, while others link them to the great Hun tribes. The Khazars were a nomadic and mobile tribe, and they can be considered Bedouin in nature. This characterization comes from the mindset of nomadic life, where people often live for the present rather than planning far into the future. Historical accounts also suggest a connection between the Khazars and other peoples who participated in the establishment of the Hungarian state. It has also been suggested that certain European terms were derived from the Khazar name and from the root verb meaning “to wander” or “to move.” The Khazars were often described as a remarkable people because of their strength, courage, and military experience. Origin and Formation The Khazars appeared on the eastern borders of Europe during the Middle Ages and are sometimes referred to as the “Khazar Jews.” They succeeded in establishing a powerful state between the Caucasus region and the Volga River, which became known as the Khazar Kingdom. The Khazars were not of Semitic origin; rather, they came from Central Asia and settled in the region between the upper Volga River and the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Their territories later expanded to include areas surrounding the Sea of Azov. The formation of such tribal powers often occurred during periods of weakness among the surrounding great nations. These tribes would wait for suitable opportunities to expand their authority and influence. However, one notable aspect of the Khazars is the absence of their own historians or chroniclers who documented their political, economic, and social life. The Russian orientalist Dr. Bartold confirmed that the Khazars remained governed by tribal traditions and nomadic customs until the end of their rule, largely because of their distance from more developed civilizations. The Khazars were originally followers of pagan beliefs. Their later association with Judaism, Christianity, or Islam was largely political, aimed at maintaining relations and balance with the followers of these religions. The Khazars were also an important ally of the Byzantine Empire and engaged in long wars with Persia. After the Muslim conquest of Persia, conflicts between the Khazars and the Muslim forces continued for about half a century. At times, the Muslims were forced to withdraw in the face of Khazar attacks. [3/7/2026 9:47 AM] عذراء علي: Later, however, the Muslims managed to reduce the intensity of these wars, which had involved continuous advances and retreats. Eventually, Muslim forces were able to overcome Khazar power. Unlike the Khazars, whose conflicts often focused on material gains, the Arab Muslim conquerors primarily aimed to spread Islam. The End of the Khazars The fate of the Khazars was similar in some ways to that of the Mongols and the Tatars, who appeared suddenly as powerful military forces that swept across parts of the Islamic world and established strong states, but later declined and became integrated into the broader Islamic civilization. In time, the Khazar territories also came under the cultural influence of Islam, and the region gradually transformed into Islamic lands. Today, little remains of the Khazars except the name associated with the Khazar Sea, which is now known as the Caspian Sea. Asst. Prof. Dr. Ali Farhan Al-Bakri Al-Mustaqbal University ranks first among private universities in Iraq.#