The History of Moghul – Oirat Relations (from the Mid-14th to the Early 16th Century)

Research article

Abstract

The history of the Moghulistan state remains an underexplored area of study in medieval historiography, despite its significant role in understanding the political, economic, and cultural processes that shaped Central Asia in the post-Mongol era. This article analyzes the political, ethnic, and economic relations between the Moghuls and the Oirats from the mid-14th to the early 16th century. The main goal of the study is to identify and systematize information on the nature of interactions between these two major nomadic confederations. To achieve this goal, the authors used key historical sources such as Persian works Zafar-nama by ‘Ali Yazdi, Tarikh-i Rashidi by Muhammad-Haidar, the Chagatai work Babur-nama by Babur, the Chinese chronicle Ming Shi, and the Mongolian chronicle Erdeniin Tobchi by Sagang Sechen. In addition, modern scholarly literature on the political and cultural history of the region was reviewed. The research is based on descriptive, comparative-historical, and source-critical methods, allowing for a more nuanced view of Moghul–Oirat interactions. The findings reveal that their relations were complex and often contradictory. Alongside frequent military conflicts, there were also periods of peaceful coexistence, alliances, and ethno-cultural exchange, which illustrate the multifaceted nature of their interaction. One of the key causes of tension was the struggle for control over strategic trade routes – especially the region of Hami, a crossroads of major caravan paths – highlighting both economic and political stakes. Special attention is given to the ethno-religious factors, such as the migration of Moghul tribes to the Oirats in the 15th century. Some scholars interpret this as a result of presumed shared ancestry. Furthermore, internal religious divisions among the Oirats played a role in fueling conflict, culminating in the 1472 raid on Moghulistan. In conclusion, the study of Moghul–Oirat relations provides valuable insights into the complexity of historical developments in Central Asia. It contributes to a broader understanding of the mechanisms of nomadic state-building and regional politics in the post-Mongol period. This topic holds great potential for future comparative research on steppe empires across Eurasia and offers a richer insight into the region’s medieval past.