Qara Khitai

Qara Khitai, also known as the Western Liao, was a powerful empire established in the 12th century by the Khitan people, who originated from northern China. After the collapse of the Liao Dynasty, they created this empire across Central Asia, stretching from modern-day China to parts of the Middle East. It served as a cultural and military bridge between Chinese civilization, Central Asian nomads, and the Islamic world. The Qara Khitai dynasty was known for its stability, governance, and promoting trade along the Silk Road until it was eventually overtaken by the Mongols in the early 13th century.