10 Facts About Ulugh Muhammad

Ulugh Muhammad was the son of the oglan Ichkile Hassan and the cousin of Tokhtamysh.

Ulugh Muhammad received the nickname "Ulugh", meaning older or large, in contrast to Kuchuk Muhammad, meaning younger or small.

Ulugh Muhammad succeeded in spreading the power of the Horde to Crimea and established friendly relations with the Ottoman Sultan Murad II.

Ulugh Muhammad ruled in favour of the grandson, Vasiliy II.

Ulugh Muhammad first came to power following the death of Yeremferden.

For much of his reign Ulugh Muhammad controlled Sarai, and was therefore seen as the most legitimate ruler within the Horde, although Sarai was captured by his rival after the Siege of Sarai in 1420 and held by him for two years.

Ulugh Muhammad lost control of the Golden Horde in 1436 and fled to Crimea.

Ulugh Muhammad quarreled with the Crimeans, led a 3000-man army north and took the border town of Belyov.

Ulugh Muhammad subsequently moved to Volga and in 1438 captured Kazan, separating it from the Golden Horde.

Ulugh Muhammad died a few months later, possibly murdered by his son Maxmud.