Eurasian steppeAsia

Western Turkic Khaganate

581 CE – 657 CE · about 76 years

The Western Turkic Khaganate ruled the steppes of Central Asia from Suyab and controlled Silk Road trade. It allied with Byzantium against the Sasanians in the early 7th century. The Tang dynasty defeated it in 657.

Key facts

Dates	581 CE – 657 CE
Region	Eurasian steppe
Continent	Asia
Capitals	Suyab, Navekat
Religion(s)	Tengrism, Buddhism
Peak extent	≈ 3.5 million km² (c. 630 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

First Turkic Khaganate Hephthalite Empire

Followed by

Tang dynasty Khazar Khaganate Second Turkic Khaganate Türgesh Khaganate

Sources

Wikipedia – Western Turkic Khaganate
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.