I know there is some new research that questions how much of everything in this book is true, however I think this book does a good job of laying out his arguments that the Jewish conversion did indeed happen. It is attested to in several foreign sources, as well as personal names and minted coins of the time. I think it’s trendy, but not realistic to argue that the conversion did not really happen. I am therefore going to review this book, although it is old. Even if the conversion did not actually happen, it appears that Pagans, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived in relative harmony in Khazaria, so if you want a Jewish persona who was not persecuted, this is one of your only (if not your only) option.
This is the only book I’ve been able to find that is entirely about Khazaria, and the reason is obvious from reading it. There isn’t much information to go on, and it seems as though the author decided to just throw everything he knew at you without building a narrative. It’s not easy or fun reading, but if you’re interested in Khazaria, it is the book to read.
It argues that the Khazars were actually a racially and ethnically diverse group, although they spoke a Turkic language, and are considered a Turkic group. There are actually arguments for a white overclass and a dark underclass, although the author argues that this may not refer to skin color at all, and simply be a way of describing the underclass. The Jews were also described by later generations as “red” which might have referred to red beards and hair, or might have been a reference to the fact that German Christians believed red to be untrustworthy, and simply applied it in retrospect to the Jews.
Khazaria had a dual monarchy with two kings, and which was more important changed over time. It is thought that the spiritual king converted to Judaism first, and was followed, later, by much of his populace. Also, unlike most of the neighboring countries Khazaria had a standing army, making this a good choice for heavy weapons fighters.
Khazaria made the majority of their considerable wealth through maritime trade, and taxing anyone who wanted to trade through their territory. They also had their own artisans, although this is contested, and Brook was the first author to argue for this fact since some contemporary sources claim that they did not have artisans. I find it inconceivable that a powerful society would exist without any artisans, however, so I’m inclined to believe Brook.
The Khazars lived in yurts, if you’re looking for a period tent, or to join a period encampment. Some cities sprung up with more permanent domiciles, but the majority of people lived in yurts and were nomadic.
For clothing, Khazars wore coats and tunics like most Turkic groups, and both men and women wore their hair in braids. It is possible that women’s hair was visible, but because they were observant Jews it is also possible that these were wigs.
Overall this is a very valuable book if you want a Khazar persona, as it is the first and perhaps only one in English. However, it is a dry read without a narrative that just throws information at you almost at random. It also self-references a lot so it gets easier to read as you’ve read more of it but it starts out a little frustrating.