A Significant Event in Astana: Kazakhstan Is Confidently Positioning Itself as the Heir to the Golden Horde
Russian version of the article https://www.rizvanhuseynov.com/2026/05/blog-post.html
On May 19–20, Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, hosted the International Symposium “The Golden Horde as a Model of Steppe Civilization: History, Archaeology, Culture, Identity”. The event brought together over 300 leading scholars, experts, and specialists from 23 countries.
The symposium was chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with the support of UNESCO and the participation of prominent international and state figures. The event was attended by Eloundou Lazare, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and Acting Assistant Director-General for Culture; Arslan Koychiev, State Secretary of the Kyrgyz Republic; Irada Ayupova, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan; Audrey Azoulay, President of the La France s’engage Foundation; Sodnosambuun Demberel, President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences; Shavkat Ayupov, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and others.
A high-profile delegation from Azerbaijan also attended the symposium, including Rizvan Huseynov, Director of the Center for the Caucasus History, Associate Professor of the UNESCO Chair, and historian. (The text and video of his speech are provided at the end of the material).
Within the framework of the symposium there was opened an exhibition for the first time, bringing together into the single space rare archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, and international archival documents related to the history of the Golden Horde.
The welcoming speech on the official opening ceremony was spoken by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Greeting the participants and representatives of international organizations, the Head of State emphasized that the Golden Horde was a major political entity connecting East and West, and it is an irrefutable historical fact. The President noted that the thorough study of this heritage would never lose its relevance and expressed his gratitude to UNESCO leadership for supporting Kazakhstan’s initiatives.
The President of Kazakhstan also expressed confidence that this unique symposium would provide a fresh impetus to the systematic study of global historical and cultural heritage, particularly highlighting the significant contribution of the scholars and experts who were present.
This large-scale forum demonstrated that Kazakhstan has now officially secured its status at the state level as the direct historical, cultural, and geopolitical successor to the Golden Horde (the Ulus of Jochi). It should be reminded, the Ulus of Jochi encompassed vast territories of Eurasia, including Turkestan, the Caucasus, and modern-day Russia. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has elevated this thesis from academic debate into a core element of state ideology, foreign policy, and long-term economic strategy.
First, it aims at the sovereignization of history, demonstrating that Kazakh statehood roots back to the 13th century rather than beginning with the collapse of the USSR or Soviet autonomy. This serves as a direct rebuttal to the arguments proffered by certain Russian politicians regarding the “non-existence of Kazakh statehood” in the past.
Second, Astana is taking de facto the historical initiative from Moscow and Kazan. In Russian historiography, the Golden Horde has traditionally been perceived through the negative lens of the “Yoke”, whereas for Kazakhstan, it represents a golden age of statehood, legal institutions, and urban steppe culture.
Third, due to tectonic shifts across Eurasia, Kazakhstan is distancing itself from the Soviet and “Russian World” civilizational sphere, carving out its own powerful brand to balance geopolitical influences.
For the internal audience, the concept of the Ulus of Jochi serves as a powerful unifying force in nation-building. The legacy of the Golden Horde unites all Kazakh Zhuzes (clans) and lineages under a common institutional roof that existed before the division into Kazakhs, Nogais, Tatars, and Uzbeks, thereby helping to overcome tribalism.
The symbolism of the Horde allows for the construction of an inclusive civil identity (“Kazakhstanis”) based on a great medieval superpower where peacefully coexisted diverse ethnicities and religions. Simultaneously, it reinforces the legitimacy of the authorities by linking modern governance institutions to a centuries-old tradition of steppe diplomacy.
The foreign policy vector of this ideology signals specific messages to key global players. Within the Turkic world, Kazakhstan positions itself as the geographical and historical heart of integration, since the headquarters of the Khans and the Mausoleum of Jochi are located on its territory.
For China, Astana is reminiscent of centuries-old traditions of diplomatic and trade relations along the Silk Road dating back to the Mongol Empire. For the West, the image of the Golden Horde as a transit hub between Europe and Asia is used to promote a modern transport project the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route).
In general, Kazakhstan is generating high-export-potential content, monetizing TV series, historical blockbusters, and video games about nomads by selling streaming rights to global platforms and through merchandising. As a result, the image of the Golden Horde is becoming a globally recognized commercial brand for Kazakhstan, similar to the Vikings for Scandinavia or Samurais for Japan.
Despite the obvious benefits, implementing this strategic course entails certain risks. Russian academic and pro-government circles react sensitively to the romanticization of the Horde, as it dispels the familiar myth of “the gathering of lands” exclusively around Moscow. Consequently, Dauren Musa concludes that historians face a monumental task to move a political slogan into high-quality educational curricula, museums, and mass culture, while avoiding vulgarized myth-making.
For my part, I would like to note that this symposium marked the beginning of a new phase, not only in studying the history of the Golden Horde but also in presenting it as a political and state heritage relevant to modern Turkic peoples. A decision was made to hold this symposium annually, and a concrete action plan has been outlined. Specifically, plans are underway in making high-quality films and TV series about the history of the Golden Horde for international distribution and screening, including in Western countries.
At the end of the event, the symposium participants adopted a Resolution reflecting the agreed approaches of the international academic community on researching and popularizing the heritage of the Golden Horde.
The adoption of Resolution comes at the plenary and breakout sessions of the symposium, held with the participation of research centers, international organizations, and academic institutions, alongside the support of relevant bodies involved in humanitarian, scientific, and educational cooperation.
Key provisions are embodied in Resolution reflecting the consolidated stance of the participants. It notes support for the Republic of Kazakhstan’s efforts to expand international academic cooperation in studying the historical and cultural heritage of the Golden Horde and the civilization of the Great Steppe. The gratitude to UNESCO for its contribution to scientific and educational dialogue was also expressed and its comprehensive support for research progress.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the Golden Horde’s significant contribution to shaping the political and cultural traditions of the Great Steppe, developing international trade, diplomacy, legal institutions, numismatics, arts, and crafts, as well as the evolution of nomadic and urban civilizations in Central Eurasia. The symposium participants advocated for the development of interdisciplinary and international scientific projects aimed at a deeper study of the heritage of the Golden Horde and the Great Steppe civilization. These projects will strengthen humanitarian interaction and long-term scientific cooperation among the countries of Central Eurasia.
During the symposium, Azerbaijani historian Rizvan Huseynov delivered a scientific report entitled “The Strategic Significance of Azerbaijan for the Ulus of Jochi”. Below we provide the text and video of his presentation.
The Strategic Significance of Azerbaijan for the Ulus of Jochi
By Rizvan Huseynov, Director of the Center for the Caucasus History
Watch a brief presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DFm2_-iCC9kTU2lT_MK4Mmbt5EYYT5zd/view
Although the Ulus of Jochi is traditionally associated with the Eurasian steppes, its role in the history of Azerbaijan was fundamental and often dramatic. Following its splendid renaissance during the Atabegs of Azerbaijan State from the 11th to the early 13th centuries, Azerbaijan became a center for the development of Islamic science, philosophy, and statehood. However, during the 13th and 14th centuries, Azerbaijan faced a decline and became the primary “bone of contention” between two powerful empires: The Ulus of Jochi (Golden Horde) from the north and the State of the Ilkhanate (the Ulus of Hülegü) from the south.
Azerbaijan as an Arena of Geopolitics
For the rulers of the Golden Horde, starting with Berke Khan, Azerbaijan was not merely a neighboring territory but a rightful heritage bequeathed by Genghis Khan himself. The rich pastures of Mughan and Karabakh, along with control over the crucial trade route along the Caspian Sea, made this region a strategic prize. For nearly a century, the borders between the Ulus of Jochi and the Ilkhanids ran along the Kura and Aras rivers, turning these lands into a theater of constant military campaigns. The violent confrontation between the Ulus of Jochi and the Ilkhanate (the Ulus of Hülegü) took place in the second half of the 13th century. This was a battle for the “Azerbaijan Knot”—a key region that both dynasties claimed as their own. At the end of wars Azerbaijan for a short time became an official part of the Ulus of Jochi. Jani Beg appointing his son Berdi Beg as the governor in Tabriz.
The Role of Karabakh
For the Ulus of Jochi, the lands of Karabakh in Azerbaijan were of great economic and strategic importance, making them the central focus of their long-lasting conflict.
The region’s role can be divided into several key aspects, primarily its best quality pastures (Winter Quarters). The Golden Horde’s army consisted mainly of cavalry, which required a huge rangeland fodder. Karabakh was a favored wintering ground. Its rich grass and mild climate allowed for the maintenance of hundreds of thousands of horses during the winter months. For the Ulus of Jochi, possessing Karabakh also meant controlling these resources and depriving the enemy of its primary southern base.
Control over Karabakh and Arran confirmed a ruler’s status as the legitimate master of Azerbaijan. Karabakh stood at the crossroads of two worlds. On one hand, it served as a natural defensive barrier for the Ilkhanids against northern raids. For the Golden Horde, controlling Karabakh meant breaking through the frontline along the Kura River, posing a direct threat to Tabriz, the Ilkhanids’ capital. Karabakh was the “heart” of the Horde’s administration in the region.
Economic and Cultural Influence
Despite prolonged warfare, the era of the Ulus of Jochi introduced new elements of governance and trade to the region. Caravans passed through the Derbent Pass—the “Iron Gate” of the Caucasus—linking Sarai-Berke with Tabriz. This facilitated Azerbaijan’s integration into the pan-Eurasian system known in modern historical science as Pax Mongolica, where goods, ideas, and people moved from China to Crimea under the single legal framework of the Yassa.
Political Legacy
The influence of the Ulus of Jochi manifested most prominently in the mid-14th century following the collapse of the State of Ilkhanate, when the Khans of the Golden Horde (particularly Jani Beg) for a short time established direct control over Azerbaijan. It was during this period that coins bearing the names of Jochi Khans were minted in Tabriz, and the region’s political elite became closely intertwined with the Horde’s aristocracy.
Architecture
The influence of the Golden Horde on the architecture of Azerbaijan (13th–14th centuries) can be traced through a synthesis of local traditions and Horde construction arts. The main monuments of that period include mausoleums, mosques, caravanserais, as well as structures built during periods of frequent interaction, including elements of religious architecture.
In particular, the Haji Chalabi Mausoleum in Sheki is as an example of memorial architecture, often associated with the rise of local rulers during the era of the Golden Horde’s influence.
The mausoleum in the village of Khachindarbatli (located in the Aghdam district of Karabakh) includes decorative elements typical to the Golden Horde architecture, such as specific ornamentation and dome designs. Another significant monument is the Anig Fortress in the village of Anig (Gusar district).
Furthermore, trade routes maintained by the Golden Horde stimulated the development of caravan architecture (for instance, in Shamakhi and Baku). The influence of Horde architecture was also reflected in mosque construction, where local craftsmen adopted elements similar to structures in other regions under the rule of the Ulus of Jochi.
Conclusion
The role of the Ulus of Jochi in the history of Azerbaijan is multifaceted. On one hand, it was a period of long-term wars for dominance over the Caucasus. On the other, it was an era that permanently established Azerbaijan as a crucial geopolitical knot linking steppe Eurasia with Western Asia. The influence and traditions of the Golden Horde were felt long after in the administrative traditions and ethnic processes of the region, leaving an indelible mark on the formation of Azerbaijan’s medieval statehood.
Equally significant was the influence in return of the Azerbaijani scientific and political tradition. Specifically, religious Sufi orders such as the Suhrawardiyya and Khalwatiyya played a major role in the adoption of Islam by the Golden Horde’s rulers and elite. This factor had a profound impact on the subsequent history of the Golden Horde, Eurasia, and Islamic civilization as a whole.
Finally, I would like to note that some symposium participants avoided using the name “Azerbaijan” in their presentations, opting instead for terms like “northern regions of Iran” or “northwestern Iran”, which does not accurately reflect the historical reality of our region in the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, among some Russian and Western academic circles a certain consensus has long existed to avoid using the name “Azerbaijan” when referring to the ancient and medieval periods of the region’s history. This biased, politicized perspective clearly contradicts the stance and opinions of Turkic peoples and academic communities. Therefore, it would be highly appropriate if speakers would use without distortion at such impressive events as this symposium terminology, geographical, and political names.
Respectfully, Rizvan Huseynov
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