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In early Khazar history, the
Khagan (supreme, sacred ruler) was subjected to a ritual strangulation if they failed in their duties, such as during famine, plague, or military defeat, a practice documented in medieval sources regarding their sacral kingship. This ritual ensured the ruler was killed when they lost divine favor.
Key Aspects of Khazar Sacral Kingship:
Ritual Strangulation: The Khagan was strangled until they could only utter a specific number of years to rule, often cited as 40 in some accounts.
Divine Favor: The act was rooted in the belief that the Khagan's health and fortune were directly tied to the prosperity of the Khazar Khaganate.
Distinction from Bek: The Khagan (sacred king) was distinct from the Bek (active military/administrative ruler).
While this ritual was a feature of early, shamanistic Khazar tradition, the Khazar state later adopted Judaism and faced decline, particularly after the 10th-century campaigns by Kievan Rus'.
~~Kagan~~ Bek