The Göktürk Khaganate was a significant early Turkic state that emerged in the 6th century CE. It was founded by the Göktürks, a nomadic people from Central Asia, and became a powerful empire that controlled vast territories across Mongolia and parts of China. The khaganate played a crucial role in the spread of Turkic culture and language. The empire was divided into two main parts: the Eastern and Western Göktürk Khaganates. It reached its peak under the leadership of Bumin Khagan and his successors. The khaganate eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its fragmentation by the 8th century.