The Kipchak branch refers to a group of Turkic peoples who historically inhabited the steppes of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. They are part of the larger Kipchak confederation, which emerged in the 11th century. The Kipchaks played a significant role in the political and cultural landscape of the region, influencing various empires and states. The Kipchak branch is known for its nomadic lifestyle, skilled horsemanship, and contributions to trade along the Silk Road. They interacted with neighboring cultures, including the Mongols and Rus', and their language contributed to the development of the Kipchak languages, a subgroup of the Turkic language family.