The "Kipchak invasion of Lakz" was a military conflict between Kipchak forces and the Lezgin inhabitants of Lakzan during turmoil following the Mongol invasion of the Caucasus in the early 13th. The event is recorded by Arab historian Ibn Al-Athir in his "Al-Kamil Fi Al Tarikh".
According to Ibn Athir, after being defeated elsewhere the Kipchaks withdrew toward Shirvan and later arrived to the country of Lakz, the inhabitants of Lakz, together with other Muslim forces attacked the Kipchaks, killing and capturing them and taking their possessions, Ibn Al Athir states that the number of Kipchak captives became so large that Kipchak slaves were sold in Derbent and Shirvan at the lowest price.
Background The Kipchaks were a major steppe confederation whose actions brought them in repeated contact with the peoples and states of the Caucasus. By the beginning of the 13th century, Kipchak groups were established in and around the northern Caucasus and had military connections with Shirvanshahs, Derbent, Georgia and other regional powers.
Campaign following their movements through the Caucasus, Kipchak forces retreated towards Shirvan, Ibn Al Athir records that the Kipchaks crossed into the Kingdom of Lakz (land of Lezgins).
Conflict with Lakzan According to Ibn Al Athir, the Kipchaks encountred a resistance after entering Lakz, the Lezgins together with the Muslim population had gained confidence against the Kipchaks and attacked them.
Ibn Al-Athir describes the ensuing fighting as a major defeat for the Kipchaks, stating that many were killed while the others were captured and their possessions were plundered.
Ibn Al Athir particularly highlights the number of Kipchak captives taken during the fighting. According to his account, the number of Kipchak slaves became so vast that one could be purchased in Derbent and Shirvan for a very low price.
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