It is known that Turks have lived in the steppe for a long time and developed production methods based on animal husbandry. In the later periods, although the Turks settled down and turned to urbanization, animal husbandry continued to occupy a very significant place in their lives. Especially horse breeding has maintained its continuity as an important element of sedentary life. Horse breeding is prominent in Koço Uyghurs as in previous Turkish states. The horse takes very important places in the economic activities, transportation and daily life of the Uighurs. Horse trade is the most vital income source of the state treasury. Besides horses were also used as a tax and payment tool among the taxes which is paid in terms of property. In addition, horses have also been accepted as a means of penal payment in the contract documents which organize relationship between individuals or between individuals and the state. In our article, horses, horse breeding and the cultural texture that emerged with horses in Koço Uyghurs will be discussed based on Uyghur civil documents; in this cultural texture, the use of horses in trade, transportation, communication and legal transactions will be emphasized.
Uyghur Civilian Documents, Koço Uyghur Kingdom, Old Uyghurs, horse husbandry, contracts.