What is "zhuz"

A zhuz ( , also translated as " horde" or " hundred") is one of the three main territorial and tribal divisions in the Kypchak Plain area that covers much of the contemporary Kazakhstan, and represents the main tribal division within the ethnic group of the Kazakhs.

• The Senior zhuz or Uysun horde covers territories of southern and southeastern Kazakhstan, northwestern China ( Xinjiang) and parts of Uzbekistan.
• The Middle zhuz or Argyn horde consists of six tribes, covering central and eastern Kazakhstan
• The Junior zhuz or Alshyn horde consists of three tribes, covering western Kazakhstan.