See Also: khan(dictionary)
Aga Khan(encyclopedia)
Aga Khan, the(dictionary)
khan(encyclopedia)
khan(2)(dictionary)
khan(1)(dictionary)
Aga Khan Hospital(health)
Kublai Khan(encyclopedia)
khan (as used in expressions)(encyclopedia)
Genghis Khan(dictionary)

khan (sh)




Historically, the ruler or monarch of a Mongol tribe.

Early on a distinction was made between the title of khan and that of khakan, or "great khan." Later the term khan was adopted by the Seljuq and Khwarezm-Shah dynasties as a title for the highest nobility. Gradually it became an affix to the name of any Muslim property owner. Today it is often used as a surname.