Ahmed Khan bin Küchük facts for kids

Ivan III tears up the Khan's letter asking for tribute. This painting shows the moment in front of the Khan's messengers.

Ahmed Khan bin Küchük was an important ruler, known as the Khan of the Great Horde, from 1465 to 1481. The Great Horde was one of the last parts of the large Mongol Empire that once covered much of Asia and Eastern Europe. Ahmed Khan played a key role in the history of this region, especially in its relationship with the growing power of Russia.

Ahmed Khan: Ruler of the Great Horde

Ahmed Khan became the leader of the Great Horde in 1465. He took power from his brother, Mahmud bin Küchük, who had been the ruler since 1459. This change in leadership marked the start of Ahmed Khan's time as Khan.

Early Years and Alliances

In 1472, Ahmed Khan made an important agreement with the Polish king, Casimir IV. This alliance was formed against Ivan III of Russia, who was the ruler of Muscovy (an early name for Russia). These alliances were common ways for rulers to gain strength against their rivals.

Later, in 1476, Ahmed Khan suggested to Ivan III that he should recognize Ahmed Khan as his "overlord." This meant Ivan III would have to accept Ahmed Khan as his superior ruler and pay him tribute. However, the balance of power was changing. The Great Horde was not as strong as it used to be, and Russia was becoming more powerful.

The Great Stand on the Ugra River

In 1480, Ahmed Khan decided to launch another military campaign against Muscovy. This led to a famous event known as the great stand on the Ugra river. This "stand" happened about 150 miles from Moscow.

For several weeks, the armies of Ahmed Khan and Ivan III faced each other across the Ugra River. They shouted at each other, but neither side wanted to start a full battle. Eventually, both armies suddenly decided to retreat without fighting. This was unusual, as it went against the traditional fighting style of the Mongols.

End of Mongol Rule

The retreat of the Great Horde from the Ugra River was a very important moment. It meant that the long period of conflict between the Mongol-led Hordes and the Russian states was finally coming to an end. The Mongols had ruled parts of Eastern Europe for centuries.

After this event, the last remaining Mongol territories in the region were in Kazan, Astrakhan, and Crimea. Ivan III, the ruler of Russia, was able to free his country from the control of the Tatar-Mongol overlords. This was a major step in the creation of an independent Russian state.

Death of Ahmed Khan

Ahmed Khan's reign ended on January 6, 1481. He and his men were killed by Ibak Khan, the ruler of the Siberian Khanate of Tyumen, and his allies, the Nogays. This happened near the Donets River.

Family Life

Ahmed Khan's wife was a princess named Badi' al-Jamal. She came from the Timurid dynasty, a powerful family in Central Asia. She was the sister of Sultan Husayn Mirza Bayqara, a ruler in a region called Khorasan.

Ahmed Khan and Badi' al-Jamal had two sons, Mahmud Khan and Bahadur Khan. They also had a daughter named Khanzada Khanum. However, Badi' al-Jamal later left the Golden Horde. She returned with her children to her brother's court in Herat.

Genealogy

• Genghis Khan
• Jochi
• Orda Khan
• Sartaqtay
• Köchü
• Bayan
• Sasibuqa
• Ilbasan
• Chimtay
• Urus
• Temur-Malik
• Temür Qutlugh
• Temur ibn Temur Qutlugh
• Küchük Muhammad
• Ahmed Khan bin Küchük