The Khazars were a semi-nomadic people in the early medieval period who converted to Judaism sometime around the 8th century CE. The reasons for their conversion continue to be debated today, but there are several possible explanations that have been put forth by scholars on both sides of the debate.
On one hand, some historians argue that the Khazars converted to Judaism as a political move. According to this argument, the Khagan, or ruler, of the Khazars saw Judaism as a way to establish diplomatic relations with the neighboring Byzantine and Arab empires. By adopting a religion that was distinct from those of their powerful neighbors, the Khazars may have hoped to create a more independent political identity for themselves.
On the other hand, there are some scholars who suggest that the Khazars' conversion to Judaism was a more genuine spiritual choice. According to this argument, the Khazars may have been drawn to the ethical and intellectual teachings of Judaism, which they saw as more sophisticated than their own traditional beliefs. Some historians also point to evidence of long-standing Jewish communities in the region, which may have influenced the Khazars' decision to convert.
While there is no consensus on the precise reasons for the Khazars' conversion, it is clear that their adoption of Judaism had a lasting impact. Their kingdom, which was located in what is now southern Russia and eastern Ukraine, became an important center of Jewish culture and scholarship in the medieval period. The Khazars also served as an important buffer between the Byzantine and Arab empires, playing a key role in shaping the political landscape of the region.