The Karakhanids
After the collapse of the Uyghur Khaganate, the Turkic tribes such as Yağma, Çiğil, and Karluk united in the region of Western Turkistan and established the Karakhanid Khaganate under the leadership of Bilge Kül Kadir Khan. Influenced by the Karluk Turks within their realm, the Karakhanids, during the reign of Satuk Buğra Khan, embraced Islam. Thus, the Karakhanids became the first Turkic-Islamic state in Central Asia to adopt Islam.
The Karakhanids, being the first Turkic-Islamic state, laid the foundation for Turkic and Islamic culture. Additionally, they produced the earliest Turkic-Islamic works. Despite accepting Islam, the Karakhanids did not perceive Islam as an Arabization process. Due to both the Turkish origins of their founders and the population in the region where the state was established, they preserved their national identity.
- They collaborated with the Ghaznavids to put an end to the existence of the Samanids. They fought for the Silk Road and established caravanserais called Ribat to enhance trade. (They were the first Turkish state to establish caravanserais among the Turks.)
- To meet the state's need for officials and revitalize scientific and cultural activities, they opened madrasas. (They were the first Turkish state to open madrasas among the Turks.)
- In order to integrate underprivileged students into society, they initiated a scholarship program. (They were the first Turkish state to start a scholarship program among the Turks.)
- They established hospitals called bimarhane within the state.
- They established the first organized postal system in Turkish history.
Experiencing its brightest period during the rule of Yusuf Kadir Khan, the Karakhanids faced internal turmoil after his death, leading to a division into eastern and western regions in 1042.
In 1211, the Kara-Khitan Empire destroyed the eastern part of the state, and in 1212, the western part was eradicated by the Khwarazm Shahs, leading to the disappearance of the Karakhanids from the historical stage.
