A group of semi-nomadic Turkic tribes that settled on the frontier between the Rus states and the Pechenegs (and later the Cumans) during the 1000's and 1100's CE. They fought as mercenaries for various Rus princes, forming most of the cavalry for the fledgling Rus armies. Several tribes are named as probable Cherniye Klobuki, including the Berendei and Torkils
Their name means "Black Hats" or "Black Hoods", and in Turkic languages it is "Karakalpak"; presumably this refers to their national costume.
It is unclear whether the Cherniye Klobuki are related to the Karakalpaks of today.
