11 Facts About Illig Qaghan

Illig Qaghan, born Ashina Duobi, posthumous name Prince Huang of Guiyi, was the last qaghan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.

Illig Qaghan was a son of Yami Qaghan and his Tuyuhun wife Poshi.

Illig Qaghan was raised by the Tuyuhun general Kulug Tarkhan.

Illig Qaghan declared himself Illig Khagan after the death of his older brother Chuluo and married his brother's widow as well.

Illig Qaghan gave his nephew Ashina Shibobi the title of Tolis Qaghan afterwards and assigning him to his own former tribes.

Illig Qaghan continued his predecessors' pro-Sui politics, supporting puppet emperors.

In 626, just 19 days after Emperor Taizong took the throne, Shibobi and Illig Qaghan were just across the Wei River from Chang'an.

Illig Qaghan was already facing internal dissent from the Gokturk generals jealous of the influence of Illig Qaghan's Sogdian viziers.

In summer 628, when a number of Khitan tribes surrendered to Tang, Illig Qaghan offered to trade Liang Shidu for the Khitan tribes, but Emperor Taizong refused stating Liang was already on verge of surrendering himself and Khitan were no Turk.

Illig Qaghan was created a commander and appointed to be a governor of Guo Prefecture which was rich with deer in 632 by Taizong, but he declined.

Illig Qaghan was married to Princess Yicheng of Sui and a number of wives.