Khazaria was a medieval state that existed from the 7th to the 10th centuries, located in what is now southern Russia, western Kazakhstan, and parts of Ukraine. It was established by the Khazars, a Turkic people, and became a significant power in the region, known for its strategic position along trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. The Khazar rulers adopted Judaism as the state religion, making Khazaria unique among contemporary empires. The kingdom facilitated trade and cultural exchange, influencing the surrounding regions. Its decline began in the late 10th century, leading to its eventual absorption by neighboring powers.