At some point in the last decades of the
8th century or the early
9th century, the Khazar
royalty and
nobility converted to
Judaism, and part of the general population followed.
[7] The extent of the conversion is debated.
Ibn al-Faqih reported in the 10th century that "all the Khazars are Jews." Notwithstanding this statement, some scholars believe that only the upper classes converted to Judaism; there is some support for this in contemporary Muslim texts.
[8] However, recent archeological excavations have uncovered widespread shifts in burial practices. Around the mid-800s burials in Khazaria began to take on a decidedly Jewish flavor. Grave goods disappeared almost altogether. Judging by interment evidence, by
950 Judaism had become widespread among all classes of Khazar society.