The Khazars and Tengrism

Introduction

The Khazar Empire, which dominated the steppes between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea from the 7th to 10th centuries, presents a unique case in Turkic peoples' history. While their partial conversion to Judaism is famous, their Tengrist roots deserve particular attention.

The Turkic Origins

The Khazars were a Turkic people arising from the dissolution of the Western Göktürk Empire. They inherited the religious and political traditions of their predecessors, notably the cult of Tengri.

The title of khagan, borrowed from the Göktürks, testifies to this continuity.

Khazar Tengrism

Like all Turkic peoples of this era, the Khazars initially practiced Tengrism. Tengri was venerated as the supreme sky god, dispenser of the kut (divine fortune) necessary for the khagan's legitimacy.

Horse sacrifices and shamanic rituals accompanied great occasions.

Religious Tolerance

The Khazar Empire was remarkably tolerant on religious matters. Muslim merchants, Christian missionaries, and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted under the khagan's authority.

This openness followed the Turkic tradition of religious pragmatism.

The Conversion to Judaism

In the 8th century, the Khazar ruling elite converted to Judaism, a unique event in history. The reasons for this conversion remain debated: preservation of independence from Christian and Muslim empires, or spiritual conviction.

However, the mass of the population remained faithful to Tengrism and shamanism.

Religious Syncretism

Even after conversion, Tengrist elements persisted. The Khazars continued to practice rituals linked to the sun and moon. Shamans coexisted with rabbis.

The khagan retained his role as sacred mediator between heaven and earth.

The Legacy

The fall of the Khazar Empire in the 10th century dispersed its population. Some historians see in the Karaites and other Eastern European Jewish communities the possible descendants of converted Khazars.

The Khazars illustrate the capacity of Turkic peoples to adopt and synthesize various religious influences while preserving their cultural identity.