The Khazars were a semi-nomadic Turkic people who established a powerful empire in the 7th century CE, located in what is now southern Russia, western Kazakhstan, and parts of Ukraine. They played a significant role in trade between Europe and Asia, controlling key routes along the Volga River and the Caspian Sea. The Khazar Empire was known for its religious tolerance, allowing various faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, to coexist. The Khazars are particularly notable for their conversion to Judaism in the 8th or 9th century, making them one of the few known states to adopt this religion as a primary faith. Their capital, Atil, became a cultural and economic hub, attracting merchants and scholars. The Khazar Empire eventually declined in the 10th century due to military pressures from neighboring powers, including the Kievan Rus and the Byzantine Empire