Göktürk Kağanlığı

  The division of the First Göktürk Khaganate into Eastern and Western factions led to the weakening of the state and an increase in internal conflicts. While the Eastern and Western Göktürk Khaganates tried to maintain their independence, they lost power due to both internal strife and external threats. 1. Pressure from China: • The Eastern Göktürk Khaganate fell under the control of China’s Tang Dynasty in 630 after prolonged struggles. • The Western Göktürk Khaganate was also subdued by China in 659.2. Rebellion and Attempts to Regain Independence: • In 682, under the leadership of Kutluk Khagan, the Göktürks launched a successful rebellion against Chinese domination and established the Second Göktürk Khaganate. The fall of the Göktürk Khaganate did not disrupt the political and cultural continuity of the Turks. On the contrary, it laid the foundation for future Turkish states. The Göktürks’ spirit of independence and their administrative system continued to influenc...

 Golden Era • Bumin Khagan’s Death (552): After Bumin Khagan’s death, his son Kara Khagan briefly ruled but was unable to consolidate power. • The state reached its peak under Mukan Khagan (553–572), during which it expanded its influence from China to the Black Sea. Significance of the First Göktürk Khaganate 1. Use of the Name “Türk”: The Göktürks were the first to officially use “Türk” in the name of their state. 2. Control of the Silk Road: Their dominance over the Silk Road strengthened their economy and geopolitical influence. 3. Turkish State Tradition: The Göktürks established a central administrative system and federative governance model that influenced later Turkish states. The First Göktürk Khaganate eventually split into the Eastern and Western Göktürk Khaganates in 582 due to internal conflicts and weak leadership. Despite its division, the Göktürks left a lasting legacy in Turkish history as pioneers of statehood and culture.

Post-Foundation Period of the Göktürk Khaganate  Bumin Khagan governed the eastern regions, while his brother, İstemi Khagan, ruled the west, establishing a federative system. İstemi Khagan led campaigns in the west, securing control over the Silk Road, which boosted trade and strengthened the economy. After Bumin Khagan’s death in 552, his son Kara Khagan briefly ruled but failed to establish strong leadership.During the reign of Mukan Khagan (553–572), the Göktürk Khaganate expanded from China to the Black Sea, reaching its golden age and becoming the most powerful state in Central Asia.