John
Thanks for your fascinating
potted history of the Khazars.
I was going to reply to Pavel's
post myself, but you beat me to it. And there's very little I can add. For once
we seem to be in agreement.
Just a note - Jews (and
Christians) as dhimmis enjoyed a special protection (Ar. dhimmah) under the
Caliphate, not just toleration. The Jews in particular, in stark contrast to
their position in medieval Christendom, flourished under Islamic
rule.
I also don't think the Khazar
wars had very much to do with the course and success of the Abbasid revolution.
By 750 the Ummayyads had alienated just about every faction within the Islamic
empire, and their finances were in such a mess that only a radical shake-up of
the whole social order could resolve the situation. Which was what the Abbasids
provided.
The only thing I would disagree
with is your statement that Arthur Koestler's (theory that the Ashkenazim are in
the main the descendants of the Khazars) has been disproved. I read his book
long ago and found his arguments quite convincing. Also, in a paper entitled "Has Genetic Science Closed the Question of Origin of Ashkenazi
Jews?" which you can read at
the author Daniel Friedman
concludes "..the question of origin of Ashkenazi Jewry is far from closed.
"
Cheers
Dennis