Social and administrative structure in the Khitan Liao State

The Liao Dynasty was established in the northern region of China by the Khitans. The first part of the thesis aims to present the social structure of the Khitans, covering their tribes, lifestyles, livelihoods, and relations with other states in the region. The Khitans, geographically scattered in East Asia and partially in Inner Asia, lived as tribal communities. Comprising eight tribes, the Khitans were considered rural nomads, with sources mentioning the name "Khitan" dating back to the fourth century, believed to have originated from the Xianbei. Their daily lives and economies revolved around animal husbandry, particularly standing out for the horses they raised. From the sixth century onwards, their presence among neighboring states, such as the Türks and the Tang Empire, increased. After the fall of the Türks, the Uyghurs, a state formed afterward, also interacted with the Khitans. Another significant element in the surrounding region was the Koreans, and the influence of the Khitans was evident in the establishment and fall of the Balhae Dynasty. Additionally, besides the Khitans, ethnic nomadic groups like the Tanguts and Jurchens were present in the region. The second part of the thesis delves into the administrative structure of the Liao Dynasty. While maintaining the traditional aspects of Khitan tribes in terms of administrative structure, the Liao Dynasty also exhibited characteristics of a Chinese state. The dynasty implemented a five-capital system, with the ruler spending the majority of the year in seasonal migrations rather than in the main capital. Differences in laws and financial systems were observed between the settled communities within the dynasty and the Khitans. In conclusion, drawing from the social structure of the Khitans and the administrative structure of the Liao Dynasty, deductions were made about the ideology determined by the dynasty.