The Qarluq Hazaras are described as having played an important role in the political history of the region. They were involved in the formation of the
Karakhanid state and later interacted with the Samanid and
Ghaznavid dynasties. In the 13th century, the Qarlughids—said to have originated from the Qarluqs—ruled parts of present-day
Afghanistan and
Pakistan. In the 8th century, the Qarluqs revolted against the Western
Turkic Khaganate and formed a confederation with the
Uyghur and
Basmil tribes. This alliance eventually led to the establishment of the
Karakhanid state, one of the earliest Islamic Turkic dynasties in Central Asia. The Qarluqs had a dual political structure, divided into eastern and western branches. The eastern branch was based in Kashgar, while the western branch was centered in Balasaghun (in present-day Kyrgyzstan). The eastern ruler held the title
Arslan (“lion”), and the western ruler held the title
Bughra (“camel”). == Geographic Distribution ==