Kazakh Khanate (1465–1847)

Founded in the Chu valley, the khanate grew under Kasym Khan in the 16th century into a powerful steppe state. The city of Turkistan (Yasi) later became its political and spiritual centre.

The Kazakhs were divided into three zhuzes — Senior, Middle and Junior — each with its own khans and bis. The Zheti Zhargy laws were adopted under Tauke Khan.

The Dzungar invasion of the 18th century weakened the khanate, and the zhuzes gradually passed under Russian protection. Khan rule was abolished in the 1820s–1840s; Kenesary's uprising was the last attempt to revive it.