Irano-Turcica: The Khazar sacral kingship revisited
Irano-Turcica: The Khazar sacral kingship revisited

Summary/Abstract: The ruling house and core tribes of the Khazar empire did not share the same tribal or, in many instances, ethnic origins as those of the Qağanate’s diverse subject population. The Khazar rulers were heirs of the Türk qağanal charisma. Although aspects of sacral rule and dual kingship can be seen in the Türk and other Inner Asian nomad-based empires, it was only in Khazaria that the Qağan became a sacralised, tabuised figure. This transformation occurred in the 9th century and may reflect the influence of the Ors, the Khwârazmian-Iranian guard of the Qağan and the chief minister drawn from their ranks.

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