Oghul Qaimish facts for kids

Oghul Qaimish (Mongolian: Огул Каймиш, ᠥᠭᠦᠯ ᠺᠠᠢᠮᠢᠱ, Chinese: 海迷失; pinyin: Hǎimíshī, died 1251) was a very important wife of Güyük Khan, who was a ruler of the Mongol Empire. After her husband died in 1248, Oghul Qaimish became the regent. This means she ruled the Mongol Empire for a short time until a new ruler was chosen. She came from the Merkit tribe.

Early Life and Family

Oghul Qaimish was given as a wife to Güyük Khan. This happened after Genghis Khan stopped a rebellion by her family's group between 1216 and 1219. Oghul Qaimish and Güyük Khan had two sons together. Their names were Khoja and Naqu.

When her husband, Güyük Khan, passed away in 1248, Oghul Qaimish moved his royal camp to the Emil-Qobaq region. This area was part of the lands belonging to the family of Ögedei Khan.

Ruling as Regent

After Güyük Khan's death, Oghul Qaimish became the regent. She was helped by Güyük's main officials, Chinqai, Qadaq, and Bala. During her time as regent, she spent a lot of time with Mongol shamans, who were spiritual leaders.

Her sons, Naqu and Khoja, along with Shiremun (who was a grandson of Ögedei Khan), all wanted to become the next ruler. Many princes, including Chagatayid Khan and Yesü Möngke, mainly supported Oghul Qaimish during this time.

Dealing with Other Nations

Before or during Oghul Qaimish's rule, her husband's general, Eljigidei, sent a message to Louis IX of France. He wanted to form an alliance against the Muslims. King Louis sent his own people, led by André de Longjumeau, to meet Oghul Qaimish.

When they arrived at her royal camp, Oghul Qaimish sent them back with gifts. She also sent letters that said the Mongols expected other nations to submit to their rule.

The Search for a New Khan

In 1249, Batu Khan organized a big meeting called a kurultai. At this meeting, Möngke Khan was chosen to be the next Khagan, or supreme ruler. This meeting took place in the lands of Jochi, which was part of the Golden Horde.

Oghul Qaimish did not go to this meeting. Instead, she sent Bala with a message. She demanded that Shiremun or one of the other princes from Ögedei's family should be chosen as the new khan.

When the families of Tolui and the Golden Horde held a second kurultai in 1251, Möngke Khan was officially declared the ruler. Oghul Qaimish and her son Khoja still refused to attend this meeting. Most of the princes from the Ögedei and Chagatayid families supported her.

End of Her Rule

After Möngke was elected in 1251, Oghul Qaimish's sons and Shiremun tried to overthrow him. But their plan was discovered. As a result, Khoja was sent away to the South China front. Shiremun was executed.

Oghul Qaimish and Shiremun's mother, Qadaqach, were called to court and arrested. Years later, in 1266, Kublai Khan gave Oghul Qaimish a special name after her death. This name was Empress Qinshu (欽淑皇后).