The Gokturks were an ancient Turkic state that emerged in the 6th century CE in Central Asia. They are known for uniting various Turkic tribes and establishing a powerful empire that stretched from Mongolia to parts of modern-day China and Kazakhstan. The Gokturks played a significant role in the history of the Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The empire was divided into two main khanates: the Eastern Gokturk Khaganate and the Western Gokturk Khaganate. Their governance was characterized by a strong military and a complex social structure. The Gokturks also contributed to the development of the Turkic script and left a lasting legacy in the history of Turkic peoples.