The 8th-century steppes crackle with upheaval: the Abbasids convulse to the south, the Second Göktürk Empire lies in ruins to the east, and the Khazars solidify their grip on the Caucasus. In this forty-minute deep dive, we follow twenty-four restless Turkic tribes as they seize the Syr Darya basin, forge the loose confederation known as the Oğuz Yabgu State, and set the stage for empires that would command the Islamic world for the next millennium. From their first etched mentions in the Orkhon...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min
Spring, 523 AD. The steppes burn with the fires of rebellion as Börü Khan of the Tölös federation raises the wolf banner against Rouran rule for the first time in a generation. Across the grasslands, the call echoes from clan to clan: the time has come to reclaim freedom, to remember what it means to be wolves rather than dogs. But seventeen-year-old Bumin Ashina will not ride to join this glorious uprising. Instead, he will march east with Rouran armies, Türk warriors under imperial banners, se...
Jun 18, 2025•47 min
Winter, 515 AD. The Rouran tribute collectors have taken their due and disappeared into the darkness, leaving the Ashina camp diminished and mourning. Around the dying embers of the evening fire, eight-year-old Bumin clutches the ancient wolf pendant his mother gave him and struggles with a burning question: if they are truly the children of Gök Börü, if their bloodline carries the blessing of the sacred wolf, how did they become servants paying tribute to foreign masters? His mother Ay Hatun se...
Jun 14, 2025•55 min
In winter of 515 AD, under the Altai Mountains' shadow, the Ashina Türks endure the oppression of Rouran rule. As tax collectors demand tribute—horses, men, and dignity—young Bumin witnesses his father reduced to subservience, questioning if his clan are mere slaves. On a cold night, carried by the wind, change is in the air as his mother, Ay Hatun, shares a transformative story. From the ruins of a lost civilization to the mystical cave where Gök Börü, the Blue Wolf of Tengri, saved the last Tu...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Enjoy this engaging short story about Bumin and the clandestine Council of Elders in Ötüken. It's a creative experiment that transports you to the heart of Göktürk lore. #Bumin #SecretCouncilofElders #Ötüken #TurkicShortStory See show notes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 18, 2025•9 min
In this special episode, we summarize the complete history of the Ottoman Empire from humble beginnings in the form of the Kayı tribe to the Sublime State that stretched across 3 continents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 03, 2025•6 min
In this short episode, we epxlore the history of the Kipchaks in under 10 minutes. Perfect to listen to on-the-go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 02, 2025•11 min
Explore the fascinating rise and fall of the Cuman-Kipchak confederation across the Eurasian steppe, as they challenged empires and formed crucial alliances. Discover how their fearsome cavalry impacted medieval Europe, including battles that defined their legacy, such as Kalka River and Mohi. Learn about their cultural influence, from the Codex Cumanicus to the spread of Tengrism, and their eventual integration into the Golden Horde, shaping the region's history. 00:00: Arrival of the Kipchaks0...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Experience the soothing narration of the Bilge Khan Inscriptions, accompanied by ambient rain and Turkic shamanic trance music. This immersive audio blend offers a unique cultural and historical journey. #BilgeKhan #OrkhonInscriptions #Turkic #shamanictrance #ambientsounds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Join Emre he narrates Chapter 6 of his new book "The Gokturk Empire: Rise of the Turkic Peoples." Discover the intriguing origin story of the Ashina clan, explore the legendary Asena Wolf, and differentiate between historical facts and myths. #GokturkEmpire #AshinaClan #AsenaWolflegend #TurkicPeoples #originstory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 21, 2025•31 min
Discover the Khazar Empire, a captivating yet lesser-known state of the Middle Ages. These Turkic warriors established a significant trading empire between Europe and Asia, uniquely converting to Judaism. From their beginnings as Tengrist steppe nomads to their rise as a trading power in Ukraine and the Caucasus, explore their religious transformation and lasting impact on Eastern European Jewry. Uncover the story of their role in trade, their battles with Arabs, Byzantines, and other Turkic peo...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Imagine a small clan of blacksmiths, eking out a living in the unforgiving steppes of Central Asia. Now picture that same clan, mere generations later, ruling an empire that stretched from the borders of China to the gates of Byzantium. This isn't the plot of a fantasy novel - it's the real-life story of the Turkic Ashina clan, founders of the Göktürk Khaganate. But here's where it gets strange. According to legend, the Ashina weren't just skilled metalworkers - they were the descendants of a wo...
Oct 10, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Explore the enigmatic disappearance of Modu Chanyu, a formidable leader of the Xiongnu Empire. Discover how he built a nomadic superpower in the Eurasian steppes, challenging even ancient China, and unravel the mystery behind his sudden vanishing without a trace. #ModuChanyu #Xiongnu #Eurasiansteppes #nomadicsuperpower #ancientChina #disappearance #Hunnu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 05, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Join a mysterious man, possibly in his 40s, as he takes refuge from a storm inside a cave in the Central Asian steppes. While the Khan waits for the rain to end, he relives memories of his forgotten past as a great ruler leading his men to victory. Experience the battle cries, clinging swords, and flying arrows with him. #Khan #memories #CentralAsiansteppes #storm #battlecries #swords #arrows #ambient #asmr #Mongolia #Cave #Rain #Rainymood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c...
Sep 29, 2024•54 min
Discover the secrets of the Issyk Golden Man from a 2,500-year-old burial mound in Kazakhstan. Delve into the opulent burial of this ancient ruler, adorned with thousands of gold ornaments. Was this figure male or female? What does his mysterious death reveal about early steppe power dynamics? Uncover how this discovery challenges our understanding of ancient Turkic culture and early nomadic societies. #IssykGoldenMan #Kazakhstan #ancientTurkicculture #nomadicsocieties #burialmound #goldornament...
Sep 21, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Explore the captivating history of the Volga Bulgars, a Muslim Turkic people who played a pivotal role on the Eurasian frontier from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Guided by Kubrat Khan, the Bulgars split into three groups post his death, each following unique paths. This episode delves into their migration, settlement in Volga Bulgaria, and interactions with key powers like the Khazars and the Kyivan Rus'. Discover the Volga Bulgars' significant contributions to trade, culture, and their early ...
Aug 31, 2024•38 min
The Pechenegs have finally arrived, and they are about to invade Europe. But how will they deal with the Khazars, Rus, Byzantines and other threats along their way? Enjoy 42 minutes of pure medieval Turkic history, produced and narrated by Emre-E. Yavuz. 00:00:00: Introduction to the Pecheneg 00:03:30: Origins in Central Asia 00:06:45: Ethnogenesis and Conflict with other Turkic peoples 00:09:16: Intermission: Patreon, Shop and Göktürk Book 00:10:32: Integration into the Oğuz Yabgu State 00:13:0...
Jul 27, 2024•48 min
Join us in Episode 2 of the Khan's Den Podcast as we explore the Turkic War of Liberation. Bumin, head of the Ashina Turks, embarks on a quest to overthrow the Mongol Rouran Emperor and establish the first official Turkic Empire. Will he succeed? Tune in to find out. #Gokturks #TurkicWarofLiberation #Bumin #AshinaTurks #MongolRouranEmperor #TurkicEmpire #Khan'sDenPodcast #SteppeHistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 18, 2024•27 min
In this episode of Khan's Den Podcast, Emre provides an update on the state of Khan's Den, news about podcast renewals, and upcoming YouTube live streams. He also reads a chapter from his book 'The Gokturks: A Basic Overview Of The First Turkic Khaganate,' focusing on Bumin Khagan, founder and first Khagan of the Göktürk Empire. Learn about the Ashina Clan, the Tale of Asena (the 'grey wolf'), and the geopolitical landscape of Central and East Asia during the 6th century. #BuminKhagan #Türks #Kh...
Jul 18, 2024•31 min
In this episode, we delve into the role of the Göktürks in the Roman-Persian conflict. Learn about their strategies, alliances, and the impact they had on the historical dynamics between these two powerful empires. #Göktürks #Roman-PersianConflict #history #alliances #strategies #empires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 14, 2024•1 hr 55 min
In this episode of Ask the Khan, we explore the rich history of the Khazars, Kipchaks, and Avars. Join us as we answer your most-asked questions about Turkic and Steppe history, and uncover the fascinating stories of these ancient peoples. #Khazars #Kipchaks #Avars #Turkichistory #Steppehistory #AsktheKhan #ancientpeoples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 07, 2024•1 hr 56 min
Join us for an insightful Q&A session as we delve into Turkic and Steppe history. This episode marks our first live stream in over a year, where we address your most-asked questions on this fascinating topic. #Turkichistory #Steppehistory #livestream #Q&A #historicaldiscussion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 29, 2024•2 hr 31 min
Discover the latest updates from Khan's Den, including the launch of our new shop and exclusive details about my upcoming book. Tune in to learn more and stay connected with all our exciting news! #Khan'sDen #shoplaunch #upcomingbook #Khan'sbook #newstore #bookinfo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 23, 2024•7 min
Explore the fascinating journey of the Magyars, from their early interactions with Turkic empires to their migration into Europe and establishment of the Kingdom of Hungary. Uncover the origins, culture, and leadership of the ancient Magyars, including the influential Árpád dynasty and the monumental reign of Stephen. Delve into the Finno-Ugric and Turkic influences on Magyar identity and discover the true heritage of the Hungarian people. 00:00:00: Intro: Steppe Invasions and the Magyars00:02:4...
May 10, 2024•52 min
Discover the ancient alliance between the Göktürk Empire and Byzantium, exploring the diplomatic relations and military cooperation that defined Turko-Roman ties in Late Antiquity. From the first Turkic state to the joint victories against Persia, delve into the forgotten history of this powerful historical partnership. 00:00:00: Unraveling forgotten history00:02:23: Summary of the Göktürks00:05:17: Summary of the Byzantines00:08:26: The Sogdian Factor: Reasons for Turko-Roman Diplomacy00:10:42:...
Apr 20, 2024•32 min
Join us in this premiere episode as we reveal the first preview of a novel that has been a decade in the making. Narrated by the author, explore the core storylines, pivotal characters, and stunning imagery that defines this semi-historical Turkish epic. Immerse yourself in the saga of Izzet Yangın and the Kalın tribe as they seek to unite the Turkish tribes amidst conflict, power struggles, and ancient legends. Follow Eren Kayra and his brave companions as they strive to save Türkland from chao...
Mar 30, 2024•24 min
Dive deep into the history of the ancient Bulgars, their origins in the Eurasian Steppe, the founding of the First Bulgar Empire, and their enduring legacy in European history. Explore their conflicts, culture, and evolution from nomadic warriors to an established empire, interactions with the Byzantine Empire, and eventual transformation through Christianity and Slavic influences. 00:00: Introduction to the Bulgars03:25: The Turkic Khaganate and the Eurasian Steppe Belt07:40: Founding of the Fi...
Mar 23, 2024•33 min
In Episode 3 of KHAN's DEN Podcast, discover how a unique university experience shaped my perspective on history, influenced my journey to becoming a YouTuber, and inspired me to create videos and write books about Turkic history and mythology. 00:00: Intro03:45: Why I do this06:03: Lost Imagery08:49: New Success14:38: False Narratives at University28:53: Right Questions about Turkic Mythology #YouTuberjourney #universityexperience #history #Turkicmythology #falsenarratives #KHAN'sDENPodcast #Ep...
Mar 16, 2024•41 min
Join Emre in Episode 2 of KHAN's DEN Podcast as he transports you to the Caucasus during the harsh winter of 627-628. Witness the extraordinary alliance between a Turkic Khagan from the east and a Greaco-Roman emperor from the west, who came together in an army camp to strategize against Persia. This historic event marked the last unified effort of Turks and Romans on the battlefield. Immerse yourself in this captivating story of diplomacy, warfare, and unity. #Turko-RomanWar #627-628 #Caucasus ...
Mar 07, 2024•23 min
Join host Emre-E. Yavuz in the inaugural episode of the KHAN's DEN Podcast as he explores the captivating history of the Byzantine-Göktürk alliance of the 6th century. Despite being new to podcasting, Emre delves into the establishment, diplomatic relations, and ultimate fate of this remarkable partnership. Tune in for a journey through ancient history and diplomacy. 00:00:00: Introduction00:03:43: Let's talk about misconceptions00:08:27: Göktürks and Byzantines00:14:41: Establishment of Turko-R...
Mar 02, 2024•33 min
