Additionally, in the late 14th century, the Golden Horde propagated Islam amongst Tatars and other Central Asian tribes. During the 18th century, Russian influence rapidly increased toward the region. Led by Empress Catherine, the Russians initially demonstrated a willingness in allowing Islam to flourish as Muslim clerics were invited into the region to preach to the Kazakhs whom the Russians viewed as "savages", ignorant of morals and ethics.[9][10]