What was the Religion of Turkic Khazars before They Embraced Judaism?

The history of the Khazar Khaganate, a powerful Turkic state that existed between the 7th and 11th centuries, is shrouded in mystery, particularly when it comes to understanding their religious beliefs prior to their adoption of Judaism. The Khazars, a semi-nomadic people who originally hailed from Central Asia, eventually built a flourishing empire that spanned parts of modern-day Kazakhstan, Ukraine, southern Russia, and the Caucasus. Their decision to embrace Judaism in the 8th or 9th century stands as one of the most intriguing and unique religious conversions in history, but before their conversion to Judaism, the Khazars practiced a variety of religious beliefs and traditions. This article explores the Khazars' religious practices before they embraced Judaism, shedding light on their polytheistic origins, shamanistic traditions, and their interactions with neighboring religious communities.

Early Religious Beliefs: Shamanism and Tengriism

Before their interaction with other monotheistic religions, the Khazars, like many other Turkic peoples, followed the ancient religious traditions of Central Asia, including shamanism and Tengriism. These religions were closely related to the steppe cultures of the Eurasian nomads, which included various Turkic, Mongolic, and other Indo-European groups.

Tengriism: The Sky God and Nature Worship

Tengriism, the primary belief system of many early Turkic and Mongolic peoples, was centered on the worship of Tengri, the sky god, who was believed to rule the universe and oversee all natural and cosmic events. Tengriism was a form of animistic polytheism that involved the veneration of natural elements such as the sky, earth, mountains, and rivers, as well as the belief in a complex pantheon of deities and spirits.

For the Khazars, Tengriism represented a worldview that revered both the forces of nature and the celestial realm. Tengri was considered the supreme deity, and the ruler of the Khazars, known as the "Khagan," was often regarded as a divine representative of Tengri on earth. This belief system provided the Khazars with a framework for understanding their role in the world and their connection to the natural and spiritual realms. Rituals and ceremonies, often led by shamans, played an important role in ensuring the favor of Tengri and the spirits. These rituals involved offerings, sacrifices, and prayers aimed at maintaining cosmic order and securing the well-being of the community.

Shamanism: Spiritual Mediators and Healing Practices

Shamanism was another key element of the Khazar religious landscape. The shamans, known as kam in Turkic languages, acted as intermediaries between the physical world and the spirit world. They were believed to possess the ability to communicate with spirits, heal the sick, and guide the community through rituals that ensured harmony with the natural and spiritual worlds. The role of the shaman was central to Khazar society, as they performed vital functions such as leading rituals, offering sacrifices, and interpreting dreams or omens. Shamanic practices were often deeply intertwined with the animistic elements of Tengriism, where spirits of ancestors, animals, and nature were believed to influence the lives of the Khazars.

The Khazars, like many nomadic peoples, relied on the expertise of their shamans to navigate the challenges of daily life, from warfare to agriculture. The connection between the physical and spiritual realms was believed to be essential to ensuring the stability and success of the Khazar state. As such, the shamans held a respected position within Khazar society, guiding the people and the rulers in times of peace and war alike.

The Influence of Neighboring Religions: Christianity, Islam, and the Byzantine Empire

As the Khazar Khaganate grew in power and influence, it became increasingly exposed to the religious traditions of its neighbors, particularly Christianity and Islam. Both of these monotheistic faiths played significant roles in shaping the Khazars' religious landscape and may have contributed to their eventual decision to convert to Judaism.

Christianity in the Khazar Khaganate

By the 9th century, Christianity was making significant inroads into the region, especially due to the influence of the Byzantine Empire, which had established a foothold in the Caucasus and had been trying to convert the Khazars to Christianity for centuries. The Byzantines saw the Khazars as a strategic ally, and Christian missionaries attempted to spread their faith among the Khazar elite, especially the ruling class. There are accounts that suggest that the Khazar Khagan was initially intrigued by Christianity and even entertained the idea of adopting it as the state religion.

The Khazar rulers were well aware of the power dynamics involved in religious conversions. While Christianity offered a relationship with the Christian Byzantine Empire, it was not the only faith the Khazars were exposed to. However, the presence of Christianity, with its rich theological traditions and ties to the Roman Empire, may have played a role in the Khazars' decision to reconsider their own religious beliefs and eventually seek out another monotheistic tradition.

Islam and the Role of Arab Influence

Islamic influence on the Khazar Khaganate also grew during the 8th and 9th centuries, particularly after the expansion of the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates. As the Islamic empire expanded, it came into contact with the Khazars through military campaigns, trade, and diplomacy. The Khazars, who had established themselves as a powerful empire in the region, were initially resistant to Islam, as they were to Christianity. However, the growing presence of Muslim traders and emissaries in the region led to increased exposure to Islamic culture and religion.

Islam was seen as a powerful, expanding faith, and there were discussions and debates between the Khazar rulers and Muslim scholars. Some Khazar elites were intrigued by Islam’s monotheistic framework and legal system. However, the Khazars eventually chose Judaism over Islam, partly due to political reasons. Some accounts suggest that the Khazar rulers believed Judaism would offer them greater political and diplomatic independence, as it would help distinguish them from both the Byzantine Empire and the expanding Muslim Caliphate.

The Conversion to Judaism: A Unique Religious Decision

In the mid-8th century, the Khazar Khaganate made one of the most remarkable decisions in the history of religion: the conversion of the ruling class, including the Khagan himself, to Judaism. This decision is thought to have been influenced by a combination of political, social, and cultural factors. Some historians argue that the Khazars were motivated by the desire to maintain their independence from both the Christian Byzantine Empire and the rapidly expanding Muslim Caliphate. Judaism, with its distinct identity and lack of political entanglements with powerful neighboring states, offered the Khazars a unique religious path that was neither Christian nor Muslim.

The conversion to Judaism, however, did not result in the complete abandonment of the Khazars' earlier beliefs. It is likely that many Khazars continued to practice shamanistic rituals alongside their new Jewish faith, incorporating elements of their ancient traditions into their understanding of the new religion. The Khazar conversion to Judaism is often viewed as a complex, pragmatic decision rather than a purely spiritual one, though it marked a significant shift in the religious identity of the Khazar elite.

Conclusion: A Transitional Period in Khazar Religious History

Before embracing Judaism, the Turkic Khazars practiced a blend of Tengriism, shamanism, and animism, all of which were deeply rooted in their nomadic culture. The Khazars' early religion was marked by a reverence for nature and the divine sky god Tengri, as well as a reliance on shamans to mediate between the physical and spiritual realms. As the Khazars came into contact with Christianity and Islam through trade, diplomacy, and warfare, they were exposed to new religious ideas. Ultimately, their decision to adopt Judaism was a unique and strategically motivated move, reflecting the complex political and religious dynamics of the time.

The conversion to Judaism in the 8th or 9th century remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic episodes in the history of religious transitions. The Khazars’ religious history before adopting Judaism showcases the diversity of beliefs that existed among early Turkic peoples and highlights the role of religion in shaping political and cultural identity.