The Eastern Turkic Khaganate, also known as the Gök Turk Khaganate, was a nomadic Turkic state that existed from the mid-6th century to the early 8th century in Central Asia. It was one of the successor states to the Gök Turk Khaganate, which was the first Turkic Khaganate established in the 6th century.

Key features of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate include:

1. Formation and Expansion:
   • The Eastern Turkic Khaganate emerged in 552 CE following a division of the Gök Turk Khaganate. It was established by Bumin Qaghan and his brother Istämi.
2. Leadership of Bumin and Istämi:
   • Bumin, the founder of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, played a key role in consolidating Turkic power in Central Asia. His brother Istämi contributed to diplomatic efforts, including forming alliances with the Sassanian Empire and the Byzantine Empire.
3. Relations with the Sui and Tang Dynasties:
   • The Eastern Turkic Khaganate had complex relations with the neighboring Sui and Tang Dynasties in China. The Turks alternated between cooperation and conflict with the Chinese dynasties, engaging in diplomatic exchanges, trade, and military campaigns.
4. Sovereignty and Decentralization:
   • The Eastern Turkic Khaganate was characterized by a decentralized political structure. The khagan, or ruler, held a central position, but power was also shared among tribal leaders and nobility.
5. Conversion to Manichaeism:
   • During the reign of Bumin’s son, Ilterish Qaghan, the Eastern Turkic Khaganate underwent a brief period of conversion to Manichaeism, a syncretic religious system. However, this religious shift did not have a lasting impact on the khaganate.
6. Conflict with Tang China:
   • The Eastern Turkic Khaganate was involved in several conflicts with the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. These conflicts included the Battle of Irtysh River and the Battle of Mount Yanran. At times, the Turks formed alliances with other nomadic groups against the Tang forces.
7. Dissolution and Fragmentation:
   • Internal conflicts, including succession disputes and power struggles, contributed to the weakening of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. By the early 8th century, the khaganate disintegrated into smaller and less cohesive entities.
8. Khazars and Uighurs:
   • The Khazars and Uighurs emerged as significant powers in the region following the decline of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. The Uighurs eventually established their own Uighur Khaganate.

The Eastern Turkic Khaganate played a crucial role in the complex geopolitical landscape of Central Asia during the 6th to 8th centuries. Its interactions with neighboring states and the influence of Turkic nomadic culture contributed to the historical development of the region.