Abd Al-Karim Khan

Abd Al-Karim Khan

Khan of the state of Mamlakat-i Moghuliye (otherwise called Moghuliyya or Yarkand Khanate) and Central Moghulistan (1559-1591), as well as the Turpan district (from the 70s of the 15th century). The second son of Abd ar-Rashid Khan I.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1529

Content:
  1. Early Life and Reign
  2. Accession to Power
  3. Foreign Policy and Military Campaigns
  4. Internal Affairs and Succession

Early Life and Reign

Abd al-Karim Khan was the second son of Abd ar-Rashid Khan I, the founder of the Khanate of Mamlakat-i Moghaliya. During his father's reign, Abd al-Karim served as the hakim (governor) of Kashgar.

Accession to Power

In 1559, Abd al-Karim Khan succeeded his father to the throne of the Khanate of Mamlakat-i Moghaliya, also known as Moghulistan or Yarkand Khanate. He also ruled over Central Moghulistan and the Turfan region from the 1570s onwards.

Foreign Policy and Military Campaigns

Abd al-Karim Khan continued his father's policy of resisting the Kazakhs and Kyrgyz and allying with the Shaibanid Uzbeks of Maverannahr. Throughout his reign, he engaged in numerous wars to contain the Kyrgyz tribes in Central Moghulistan. Despite his military victories, by the end of his rule, the Kyrgyz had firmly established their presence in the northern Tian Shan, stretching from Chalysh to the Chu-Talas interfluve.

Internal Affairs and Succession

Towards the end of Abd al-Karim Khan's reign, separatist tendencies emerged within the Mamlakat-i Moghaliya. The Kara-Khitay Khojas, led by Ishaan Muhammad-Ishaq Wali, sought autonomy. However, Abd al-Karim Khan died before he could fully address these internal challenges.

© BIOGRAPHS