Editor’s Note: Discover Kazakhstan is a column dedicated to exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Each article examines different aspects of Kazakh life and history, offering insights and stories that highlight its unique significance.
Batu Khan/open access.
The birthplace of Kazakh statehood
This year, Kazakhstan celebrates the 800th anniversary of the establishment of the Ulus of Genghis Khan, a crucial chapter in its rich history. Founded in 1224 by the legendary Genghis Khan as an inheritance for his eldest son, Genghis Khan, this vast dominion stretched across the Eurasian steppes and included the Volga region, Russia, the Black Sea and the Caucasus. Under the leadership of Genghis’ son Batu, the Ulus (or state) flourished and eventually became the largest state in medieval Europe, laying the foundations for the future Kazakh Khanate and shaping the region’s cultural and political identity.
A map from 1562. Russiae, Moscoviae et Tartariae Descriptio by Abraham Ortelius, Antwerp, 1592/Wikimedia Commons.
What do we know about Jochi?
Jochi was born in the 1180s as the eldest son and heir presumptive of Genghis Khan. However, his successes aroused the jealousy of his brother Chagatai, who questioned Jochi’s legitimacy since their mother had been captured before his birth. Despite this, Jochi held a high position and was referred to as Ulus-idi (ruler of the Ulus) or Khan, which expressed his authority.
Dzoch’s domains included northern Khvarasmia, Turkistan and parts of modern-day Kazakhstan. There is evidence that he extended his conquests further west and may have participated in the Battle of the Kalka River against Cumans and Russian princes in 1223. His mysterious death in 1225 or 1227, attributed either to a hunting accident or to poisoning instigated by Chagatai, adds to the intrigue surrounding his life.
Genghis Khan, Borte and her sons. Late 16th century miniature/Wikimedia Commons.
Origin of the name
Batu Khan (ca. 1207-55), Mongolian ruler, 1871 (engraving). Batou, illustration from “The Travels of
Marco Polo’ by Marco Polo and Rustichello da Pisa, translated by Henry Yule, first published
1871)/Wikimedia Commons.
Although historians often refer to the Ulus of Juchi as the Golden Horde, this name did not appear in Russian sources until much later, around the mid-16th century. The term “Horde,” which denotes a camp or headquarters, acquired the epithet “Golden” from reports of opulent tents, particularly the gilded tent of Ozbeg Khan.
The Golden Horde was characterized by the prominent role of women, who actively participated in state affairs and ceremonies and challenged traditional norms. The khans’ wives held positions of high prestige and influence, thus defying the stereotype of seclusion.
The state was also known by other names, such as Great Ulus, Dasht-i Kipchak (Kipchak or Cuman Steppe), and Tataria. In Western narratives, Tataria was often associated with the mythical “Tarta,” reflecting the awe and fear inspired by the Mongol conquerors.
An empire is not easy
The size of the Mongol Empire posed great challenges to governance and communications. Maintaining control of territory over enormous distances proved difficult even with a highly developed postal system. Internal conflicts and power struggles among Genghis Khan’s descendants eventually led to the fragmentation of the empire.
Genghis Khan sits on the throne. Persian miniature from the 15th century/Wikimedia Commons.
The ulus of Jochi, although rich in pastoral lands, appeared desolate compared to other uluses, but showed remarkable resilience, lacking powerful local elites and a strong central authority. The khan’s family maintained dominance and contributed to relative stability until internal conflicts and external pressures triggered its decline in later centuries.
At its peak in the 14th century, the Golden Horde had an estimated population of 15 million people, surpassing any European country at the time. However, population density was low, and vast stretches of land appeared desolate to travelers.
Despite their conquests, the Mongols were pragmatic rulers who adopted the administrative practices of the conquered lands. They relied on local officials and introduced systems such as censuses to manage their vast empire.
Nomadic cities
While the Mongol elite maintained a nomadic lifestyle, the Golden Horde saw the development of cities along trade routes, driven by economic and administrative needs. Sarai, the capital, was a magnificent metropolis, possibly larger than Constantinople and Paris in its heyday. It had a diverse population, bustling markets, and architectural wonders such as the Khan’s palace, Altuntash. However, because the city had no fortifications, it was vulnerable to attack.
The Camel Train, from “Constantinople and the Black Sea”, engraved by the Rouergue brothers,
1855/Wikimedia Commons.
State system
The Jochids’ power was based on the authority of Genghis Khan and the belief in the divine right of his descendants. The Golden Horde was divided among Jochi’s fourteen children, with the Khan holding supreme power. The state was divided into military districts and relied on a combination of Mongol and local administrative practices.
Kazakbay Azhibekuly “Kaganat”, Kurultai/e-history.kz.
Over time, a new administrative pyramid emerged, incorporating elements from conquered regions such as Khorezm. This system included a vizier and a divan, who were responsible for civil administration, taxation, and distribution of revenues. The Mongols’ flexibility in adopting administrative practices from different cultures contributed to the stability and longevity of the Golden Horde.
Ulus of Jochi’s lasting legacy
The legacy of the Ulus of Jochi goes beyond its political and economic achievements. The cultural fusion of Mongolian and Turkic traditions within the Golden Horde left a lasting influence on the development of Turkic languages and paved the way for the Turkic Age in Asia.
Mausoleum of Jochi Khan/Wikimedia Commons.
The Jochids’ decentralized model of government, reliance on local officials, and integration of diverse peoples laid the foundation for the emergence of new states, most notably the Kazakh Khanate. Jochi Khan’s legacy continues to shape Kazakhstan’s cultural and political landscape 800 years later, and is a testament to the enduring power of his vision and leadership.
Based on an original article by Nikolay Uskov, a famous journalist and medieval historian, PhD in History. The full article can be found on the Qalam Project website.
