Tonyukuk

Tonyukuk (Old Turkic: , Bilge Tuňuquq,[1] died c. 724 AD, (暾欲穀/暾欲谷, Pinyin: tūnyùgǔ, personal name: Ashide Yuanzhen 阿史德元珍, āshǐdé yuánzhēn, a-shih-te yüan-chen) was the yabgu and commander-in-chief of four Göktürk khagans, the best known of whom is Bilge Khan. He played a major role in the revival of local Turkic tribes and establishment of the Göktürk state. His biography, achievements and advices for state administration were carved (in the so-called Orkhon-Turkic script) on two stelae erected in 722 (before his death) at the site of Tsagaan-Ovoo (Mongolia, Töv aimag, near Nalaikh).[2]

He was killed in his campaign against Turgesh.[3]

References

  1. ^ Tonyukuk’s Memorial Complex, TÜRK BITIG
  2. ^ For the site see Sören Stark Die Alttürkenzeit in Mittel- und Zentralasien. Archäologische und historische Studien (Nomaden und Sesshafte, Band 6), Reichert: Wiesbaden 2008, pp. 75-76
  3. ^ Book of Tang, Vol. 194-I 元珍後率兵討突騎施,臨陣戰死。

See also