The Kimeks were a Turkic people who founded a medieval state, the Kimek (Kimäk) Khanate. (10th-13th centuries) Turkic state.

Although the Kimeks are identifiable as a distinct group as early as the 500's CE, they do not appear to have been politically unified prior to the early tenth century. Their state incorporated seven related tribes: Kimeks, Yamak , Kipchaks, Tatar (Kimek Khanate) , Bayandur , Lanikaz , and Ajlad . In the 12th century their territory included the southern Urals, portions of the Trans-Volga area, Mangyshlaq and the region northwest of the Aral Sea. Their centers included Kimäk and Sangir. Most of the population was semi-nomadic, a minority were sedentary farmers, citizens was craftsmen. In northern parts of Kimek territory underground towns consisting of networks of tunnels and chambers were constructed to escape the cold.

The Kimeks were ruled by a khan. At times their leaders took on the title "kaghan", but, not being of the Ashina dynasty, this title would not have been recognized by such peoples as the Gokturks and Khazars. In the 10th and 11th centuries the ruling clan was Tatar Kimek . Later they appear to have been ruled by the Ilbari (Ilburi) clan.

The Kimeks were originally Tengri shamanists. In the eleventh century Islam made some inroads.

During the tenth century the Kipchaks became independent and began migrating westward, where they became known as Cumans. The zenith of Kimek power came under the Ilburi rulers near the end of the eleventh century. The Khanate thereafter declined, and was probably at times subjected to Kirghiz and Kara-Khitai overlordship .

Kimek attacks on Volga Bulgaria (1183) and Khwarezm (1152 and 1197).

In the 13th century the Khanate was conquered by Mongols and its lands were assigned to the Ulus Juchi (see Golden Horde).

List of known rulers

• Alip Qara Uran
• Alip Derek
• Inalchiq
• Abarkhan
• Bachman.