Toqtamish Khan’s War against Amir Timur
The article examines the confrontation between Toqtamish and Tamerlane, causes of conflict, major battles between them in the territory of the Golden Horde. The author notes that the reason for Timur’s war with the Golden Horde was, first of all, that Timur was creating a new state in central Asia on the wreckage of Chinggisid states, destroyed the established old borders and pretended to the Golden Horde region of Khwarezm. Toqtamish who ascended to power in the Golden Horde tried to bring back the Golden Horde state to the international arena. But Toqtamish faced with Timur during realization of his foreign policy. Tamerlane developed a master plan for the dealing of a series of powerful blows against the Golden Horde. Since 1385, the entire foreign policy of Toqtamish Khan was connected with the struggle against Timur. This war took place in two stages: in 1385-1391 and 1395-1396. There were several reasons for Toqtamish’s defeat. The surprise of the invasion of Timur’s army into the territory of the Golden Horde was the main reason: Toqtamish Khan could not collect all his forces, carefully prepare himself and develop alternative battle plans. Also, Timur developed a more advanced tactic of combat. But the main reason for the defeat was in the betrayal of some amirs.