Bilge Qaghan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bilge Qaghan |
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Marble Statue of Bilge Khan
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| Qaghan of the Second Turkic Khaganate | |
| Reign | February 717 – 25 November 734 |
| Predecessor | Inel Qaghan |
| Successor | Yollıg Khagan |
| Regent | Tonyukuk |
| Born | Ashina Mojilian 阿史那默棘連 683 |
| Died | 25 November 734 (aged 50–51) Otukan |
| Spouse | El Etmish Bilge Khatun |
| Issue | Yollıg Tigin Tengri Tigin Two unnamed sons |
| House | House of Ashina |
| Father | Ilterish Khagan |
| Mother | El Bilga Khatun |
| Religion | Tengrism |
Bilge Qaghan (born 683, died 734) was an important leader of the Second Turkic Khaganate, a powerful empire of Turkic people. He was the fourth ruler, known as a Qaghan. His amazing achievements and life story are carved into ancient stone monuments called the Orkhon inscriptions. These inscriptions are a key source of information about his reign.
Contents
Understanding His Names
Like many rulers of his time, Bilge Qaghan had different names. His personal name was Ashina Mojilian. This name was recorded using Chinese characters.
When he became the Qaghan, he took on the title Bilgä Qaγan. This name literally means "wise king." It showed his people that he was a smart and thoughtful leader.
His Early Life and Adventures
Bilge Qaghan was born in 683, right when the Turkic Khaganate was just starting. From a very young age, he joined his father on military campaigns. This helped him learn how to be a strong leader and warrior.
In 697, when he was just 14, he was given an important role. He became the Tardush shad, which meant he commanded the western part of the empire. He proved his skills early on.
- In 701, he and his brother helped defeat an enemy army.
- By 703, he had brought the Basmyl tribes back under control.
- He also led campaigns against the Yenisei Kyrgyz in 709 and 710.
- He even defeated the Türgesh khagan Suoge in a major battle.
In the years leading up to his rule, he was constantly fighting. He had to put down rebellions and nearly lost his life in an ambush by Uyghur forces in 716. These experiences made him a tough and experienced leader.
Becoming the Wise King
In 716, the previous Qaghan, Qapaghan Qaghan, was killed during a battle. His son, Inel Khagan, took over. However, Bilge's brother, Kul Tigin, and his father-in-law, Tonyukuk, decided to take action. They led a coup d'état, which is a sudden takeover of power.
They removed Inel Qaghan from power and made Bilge the new Qaghan. This is when he officially became Bilgä Qaγan, the "wise king."
As Qaghan, Bilge made his brother Kul Tigin the Left Wise Prince. This made Kul Tigin the second most powerful person in the empire. He also made his father-in-law, Tonyukuk, his Master Strategist. Tonyukuk was a very wise and experienced advisor.
Bilge's leadership brought stability to the empire. Many tribes that had left the Turkic state began to return.
Important Decisions: Religion
At one point, Bilge Qaghan thought about changing the official religion of his people to Buddhism. He also considered having his people settle down in cities.
However, his wise advisor, Tonyukuk, advised him against this. Tonyukuk explained that the Turkic people were few in number. Their strength came from being able to move quickly across the land. If they settled in cities and became Buddhists, they might become less warlike. This could make them vulnerable to attacks, especially from the powerful Chinese empire.
Tonyukuk believed that sticking to their traditional religion, Tengrism, was important for their survival. This advice helped Bilge Qaghan decide to keep the Turkic people's traditional way of life.
Later Years and Challenges
Bilge Qaghan continued to face challenges throughout his reign. In 720, there were plans by some tribes to join forces with the Eastern Tujue and attack. Tonyukuk, being a clever strategist, launched a surprise attack first. This crushed the Baximi tribe in 721.
Around the same time, Bilge led raids into the Gansu region, taking many animals. He also defeated the Khitans and Xi tribes in the following years.
In 726, his trusted father-in-law and chief advisor, Tonyukuk, passed away. This was a great loss for Bilge Qaghan.
In 727, Bilge sent a messenger to the Chinese Emperor Xuanzong. He sent 30 horses as a gift. He also warned the emperor about a possible alliance against China. This warning turned out to be true when a Tibetan general invaded China later that year.
A sad event occurred on February 27, 731, when his brave brother, Kul Tigin, died. Bilge Qaghan was very sad and ordered a large funeral ceremony for him.
In 733, he successfully put down a rebellion by Khitan tribes.
His Passing
After a long and successful reign, Bilge Qaghan was poisoned by one of his own officials, Buyruk Chor. He did not die immediately. He was able to punish Buyruk Chor's family before he passed away on November 25, 734. His burial ceremony was held on June 22, 735.
His Family
Bilge Qaghan was married to El Etmish Bilge Khatun, who was the daughter of his advisor Tonyukuk. They had several children:
- Ashina Yiran (who later became Yollıg Khagan)
- Ashina Kutluk (who later became Tengri Qaghan)
- Two other sons who also became Qaghans, though they were less powerful.
- A daughter who married a leader named Suluk.
His Lasting Legacy
After Bilge Qaghan's death, several large stone monuments were built in the capital area, near the Orkhon River. These monuments are known as the Orkhon inscriptions.
These inscriptions are incredibly important because they are the first known texts written in the Old Turkic language. They tell the story of Bilge Qaghan's life, his achievements, and the history of the Turkic people. They are a valuable historical record that helps us understand this ancient empire.
See also
- Silver Deer of Bilge Khan
