Abd Al-Karim Khan
- Early Life and Reign
- Accession to Power
- Foreign Policy and Military Campaigns
- 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.
