- There are a number of Khans named Jani Beg in the history of the various descendants of Genghis Khan. This page refers to the Kazakh leader. See below for other related names.
Zhanibek Khan was a co-leader of a new
Kazakh Khanate, following a successful rebellion against the
Uzbek Khan
Abu'l-Khayr Khan in 1465 and 1466. Zhanibek's father was
Baraq (Khan of Golden Horde) who was poisoned by emirs of the former
White Horde. He led the splinter group along with
Kerei (or Girei or Keray), who was his relative, and who was also descended from the famous
Urus Khan of the
White Horde. For his wisdom, he was given the title "Az", meaning "the wise" in the
Kazakh language, and so was called Az-Zhanibek. His son,
Kasym Khan codified the laws of his people.