Balanjar

Some scholars speculate that the name derives from the Turkic root "Bala" or "Great", and the clan-name "Endzhar".

With the rest of the Baranjar domains the city became part of the Khazar Khaganate around 650; until the early 720s, Balanjar served as the capital of Khazaria.

During the First Arab-Khazar War in the 650s, a Muslim army under Abd ar-Rahman ibn Rabiah was defeated outside the town (see Battle of Balanjar).

The inhabitants of Balanjar tried to defend their town by fastening 3,000 wagons together and circling them around the key fortress on high terrain, but were defeated in the attack.

The victorious Arab army stole much booty and the soldiers received large sums of money.

Map showing the major Varangian trade routes of the 8th–11th centuries, with Balanjar along the Volga trade route (in red).