Crimean Khanate

1441–1783 Crimean Tatar state

The Crimean Khanate, self-defined as the Throne of Crimea and Desht-i Kipchak, and in old European historiography and geography known as Little Tartary, was a Crimean Tatar state established by Hacı I Giray existing from 1441 to 1783. In the first half of the 16th century, the Crimean Khanate reached the height of its power and extended from Bessarabia in the west to the North Caucasus in the east. In one of his diplomatic letters, Mehmed Giray Khan proclaimed himself: "the great khan of the Great Horde, the Qipchaq Steppe, and all the Mongols, padishah Mehmed Giray Khan" and secured recognition of his authority from the Grand Duchy of Moscow and its ruler, Prince Vasili III. Later, he also succeeded in uniting the Crimean, Kazan, and Astrakhan khanates, bringing a significant part of the western lands of the former Jochid Ulus under his control.

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