Ahmad Alaq

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Ahmad Alaq (d. 1503) was Khan of eastern Moghulistan (Uighuristan) from 1487 to 1503. He was the son of Yunus Khan.

During his father's lifetime Ahmad was behind several rebellions against him. When Yunus Khan took up residence in Tashkent in 1484, Ahmad and a large body of Moghuls fled to the steppes. In 1487, Ahmad's father died and was succeed ed in the territory he still controlled by another son, Mahmud Khan.

Ahmad's reign was marked by conflicts with several of his neighbors. Conflict over Hami with the Ming Dynasty resulted in an economic blockade of the region, which allowed the Chinese to eventually emerge victorious. A campaign against the Dughlats of the south-west Tarim Basin, who were in theory vassals of the Moghul khans, resulted in the temporary acquisition of Kashgar in around 1499. Expeditions against the Kalmyks also seem to have resulted in a measure of success.

In the early 16th century, Ahmad and Mahmud decided to counter the growing power of the Uzbeks under Muhammad Shaybani. The two brothers united the forces and launched a campaign against the Uzbeks, but Muhammad Shaybani proved victorious in battle and took them both prisoner. They were soon released, but Ahmad died shortly afterwards, in 1503. He was succeeded by his son Mansur Khan.