This term identifies one of the four successor khanates arising from the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire in the mid-13th century. It encompassed territories primarily in present-day Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and parts of Eastern Europe. The entity established a long-lasting, albeit often turbulent, influence over the region through its system of indirect rule and tribute collection from local principalities.
The significance of this political structure lies in its reshaping of the political landscape of Eastern Europe. Its dominance affected the development of Russian statehood, contributing to the rise of Moscow as a regional power, and it facilitated cultural exchange (though often forced) between Mongol and Slavic populations. The effects of this control persisted for centuries, shaping subsequent geopolitical dynamics.