Khan Uzbek and the Islamic Turn of the Golden Horde

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the reign of Khan Uzbek (r. 1313–1341), the Mongol ruler who made Islam the official religion of the Golden Horde. They discuss Uzbek's rise to power, his consolidation of authority through purges and religious patronage, and the lasting impact of his policies on the Horde's identity and relations with its Russian tributaries. The conversation touches on the curious case of the Orthodox Church's flourishing under a Muslim khan, the role of the Sufi sheikh-saint Baba Tükles, and how Uzbek's Islamic turn reshaped steppe culture. Lucas explains the practical reasons behind Uzbek's conversion and its effects on trade, law, and diplomacy, while Luna draws connections to earlier episodes on religious tolerance and the Horde's governance. Together, they paint a nuanced picture of a pivotal moment when the Horde chose a new spiritual path. #KhanUzbek #GoldenHorde #Islam #SteppeHistory #BabaTKles #SaraiBerke #MongolConversion #JochidDynasty #MedievalRussia #OrthodoxChurch #Sufi #MamlukSultanate #Yarlyk #GreatTroubles #14thCentury #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast #MongolEmpire #BatuKhan Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo