The Golden Horde, also known as the Ulus of Jochi or the Kipchak Khanate, was a Mongol and Turkic khanate that emerged as one of the successor states to the Mongol Empire. It was established in the 13th century and played a significant role in the political and cultural history of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Key features of the Golden Horde Khanate include:

1. Founding and Succession:
   • The Golden Horde was founded by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, following the Mongol invasion of the Kievan Rus. The term “Golden Horde” is believed to have originated from the golden-colored tents that were used by the Mongol rulers.
2. Expansion and Subjugation:
   • Under Batu Khan and his successors, the Golden Horde expanded its territories, subjugating vast regions of Eastern Europe, including the Kievan Rus, the Volga region, and parts of the Caucasus. The conquests brought about significant political and cultural changes in the affected regions.
3. Capital Cities:
   • The Golden Horde established its capital cities, including Sarai on the Volga River and later Sarai Batu, which became one of the most significant political and economic centers in the region. Another important city was New Sarai (Sarai Berke), situated on the lower Volga.
4. Tatar-Mongol Yoke:
   • The period of Mongol rule over Eastern Europe, commonly referred to as the Tatar-Mongol Yoke, had a lasting impact on the affected regions. While the Mongols maintained political control, they allowed local rulers and institutions to continue functioning under their authority.
5. Trade and Diplomacy:
   • The Golden Horde played a key role in facilitating trade along the Silk Road and between Europe and Asia. It engaged in diplomatic relations with various European states, including the Papal States and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
6. Toleration of Religions:
   • The Golden Horde was known for its relatively tolerant approach to religions. While Islam was the dominant religion of the ruling elite, the Mongols allowed various faiths, including Christianity and Buddhism, to coexist in their territories.
7. Fragmentation and Internal Conflicts:
   • Over time, internal conflicts, power struggles, and invasions by the Timurid Empire contributed to the fragmentation of the Golden Horde. By the late 14th century, the khanate had split into several independent khanates, including the Khanate of Kazan and the Khanate of Astrakhan.
8. Legacy and Cultural Impact:
   • The Mongol rule of the Golden Horde left a lasting impact on the cultures of Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. It influenced political structures, trade routes, and artistic expressions in the affected regions.
9. Decline and Dissolution:
   • The Golden Horde gradually declined, and by the late 15th century, the remnants of its territories were absorbed by emerging regional powers. The Khanate of Kazan, for example, was annexed by the Grand Duchy of Moscow in 1552.

The Golden Horde Khanate, with its blend of Mongol and Turkic influences, played a crucial role in shaping the history of Eastern Europe and the surrounding regions during the medieval period. Its legacy is reflected in the cultural, political, and economic developments that unfolded in the wake of Mongol rule.