 The Liao dynasty was destroyed by the Jurchen people of the Jin dynasty in 1125 with the capture of Emperor Tianzuo of Liao . However , the remnant Khitan , led by Yelü Dashi , established the Qara Khitai ( Western Liao dynasty ) , which ruled over parts of Central Asia for almost a century before being conquered by the Mongols . Although cultural achievements associated with the Liao dynasty are considerable , and a number of various statuary and other artifacts exist in museums and other collections , major questions remain over the exact nature and extent of the influence of the Liao Khitan culture upon subsequent developments , such as the musical and theatrical arts . 
