Orghana facts for kids

Orghana (also known as Orakina or Ergene Khatun) was an Oirat princess and an important leader in the Mongol Empire. She became the Empress of the Chagatai Khanate, which was one of the big parts of the Mongol Empire.

Orghana was the daughter of Torolchi, who was a chief of the Oirats people. Her mother was Checheyikhen, a daughter of the famous Genghis Khan. Orghana was a powerful woman who ruled as a regent for her young son from 1252 to 1261. A regent is someone who rules a country when the real ruler is too young or unable to do so.

Early Life and Marriage

Orghana married Qara Hülëgü, who was a grandson of Chagatai Khan. Chagatai Khan was another son of Genghis Khan.

Her husband, Qara Hulagu, became the leader, or Khan, of the Chagatai Khanate in 1242. This happened after the deaths of both Ögedei and Chagatai. However, in 1246, another powerful leader named Güyük Khan replaced Qara Hulagu with his uncle, Yesü Möngke.

Becoming a Regent

Later, a different family group, the Toluids, took power from the Ögedeids. Qara Hulagu supported Möngke Khan, who was part of the Toluid family, in 1251.

Möngke Khan then made Qara Hulagu the Khan of the Chagatai Khanate again. He also had Yesü Möngke removed from power. Sadly, Qara Hulagu died on his way back to take up his role.

Because her husband had died, Möngke Khan allowed Orghana to become the regent. She ruled for her very young son. Orghana led the Chagatai Khanate for nine years, from 1252 to 1261.

A historian named Rashid al-Din wrote that Orghana even hosted a big feast for Hulagu in 1255. This was when his army was traveling through Central Asia on their way to Iran.

During the Civil War

In 1260, a big fight called the Toluid Civil War started within the Mongol Empire. This happened after Möngke Khan died. His brother, Ariq Böke, sent a leader named Alghu to a city called Beshbalik to strengthen his power.

Alghu removed Orghana from her position as regent. She had to flee to Mongolia. Alghu then took advantage of the fight between Ariq Böke and his older brother, Kublai. Alghu decided to act as an independent leader and sided with Kublai. He even had some of Ariq Böke's officials killed.

After several battles, Ariq Böke sent Masud Beg and Orghana to Alghu to try and make peace. Alghu then married Orghana, who was known for being beautiful, wise, and good at making decisions. Alghu also made Masud Beg a viceroy, which means a ruler acting for the king, in Central Asia.

After Alghu's Death

After Alghu died in 1266, Orghana chose her son, Mubarak Shah, to be the new Khan of the Chagatai Khanate. Mubarak Shah was her son with her first husband, Qara Hulagu.

However, Kublai, who was the Great Khan of the entire Mongol Empire, was very angry about this. He sent a leader named Baraq to take control of the Chagatai Khanate. After only a few months, Baraq took the throne from Mubarak Shah with the help of other Mongol noblemen.

It seems that Orghana had died by this time.