(1438-1783)
Foundation of the Crimean Khanate
The Crimea was an important region within the Golden Horde Empire. Towards the end of the century XIII, Nogay had established his independent dominion in the steppes in the north of the Black Sea and the Crimea against the khan of the Golden Horde. He tried to establish his political dominion and protection over the Balkans and the Byzantine. Pursuant to the annihilation of Nogay (1300), the Crimea preserved its privileged position under the administration of the governors with extensive authorities. Beys who resided in the Crimea were based on the crowded warrior tribes that wandered around the steppes out of the peninsula and there were always some conflicts between them and the Genoese people.
In the second half of the century XIV and in the course of the struggles for the throne that were dominant in the Golden Horde State, the Crimea turned into a region in which the rival beys and the khans took shelter. Therefore, the Crimea seemed to be the candidate for an independent political entity within the Golden Horde Khanate that was on the verge of disintegration. The princes from the lineage of Jenghiz relied on this region and declared their khanates and they tried to establish dominion in the centre that was located over the Volga River. Toktamis Khan was one of these princes. Towards the years of 1394-1395, Bas-Timur who was from the lineage of Cuci like Toktamis minted the coins with his name on them in the Crimea and claimed for sovereignty. The Crimea was the native land of his ancestors. After the struggles of his sons (Ulug Muhammed and Edike) against their rivals, they were able to establish a separate khanate in the Crimea. However, the independency did not live for long. In the period of Giyaseddin Khan who replaced him, Pulat Khan who was the ruler of the Golden Horde State captured the Crimea. Upon this event, Giyaseddin had to leave the khanate. However, Giyaseddin's son, Hajji Giray benefited from the conflicts within the Golden Horde State and he came to the Crimea in the year of 1438. He declared his khanate and then, he minted coins in his name. The Ruler of the Golden Horde State had to recognise his khanate. Therefore, the main founder of the Crimean Khanate was Hajji Giray.