Mongol archer, 15th-16th century C.E.

Mongol Invasions

Like many other Eurasian countries, Azerbaijan suffered heavily during the Mongol and Tatar invasions led by the descendants of Genghis Khan (Chingiz Khan, born Temujin). Situated at a key point along the Silk Road, Azerbaijan had previously maintained a robust trade. As the combined Mongol and Tatar (a Turkic people) army invaded, they levied heavy taxes on the remaining population. Azerbaijan was ruled by Mongol viceroys and the Mongol Il Khans dynasty until the 14th century C.E., when the rulers were replaced by the Chobanids (1335-1357), the Kara Koyunlu (1375-1468) and Ak Koyunlu (1378-1508) Turkic empires.

The formidable Mongols and Tatars fought using bows and long-range arrows on horseback, which gave them greater speed and range than most cavalry of opposing armies.