The Kutrigurs (Kotrags/Kotzagerek/Kazarig), first mentioned in 539/540, are a horde of equestrian nomads later known as part of the Bulgars that inhabite he Eurasian plains during the Dark Ages.
They came into existence when the Eurasian Avars conquered half of the Hunno-Bulgars, whilst the remaining group, who were free (led by Sandilch in the east) were called Utigurs.
The conquest of the easternmost Kutrigurs by Gokturk arrivals led by three brothers from the Imaon Mountains in the 6th century is mentioned by Bar Hebraeus, as well as in the Chronicle of the late 12th century Jacobite patriarch of Antioch Michael the Syrian.
At this time they come to be dominated by clans related to the Göktürks.
