Tonyukuk

Tonyukuk, born in the year six hundred forty-six, was a prominent statesperson in the annals of Turkic history. He served as the baga-tarkhan, or supreme commander, and played a crucial advisory role to four successive khagans of the Göktürk Empire: Ilterish Qaghan, Qapaghan Qaghan, Inel Qaghan, and Bilge Qaghan.

His military prowess was evident through his successful campaigns against a variety of adversaries, both Turkic and non-Turkic. Among those he faced were the Tölis, Xueyantuo, Toquz Oguz, Yenisei Kyrgyz, Kurykans, Thirty Tatar, Khitan, and Tatabi, as well as the formidable Tang dynasty.

Historians such as E. P. Thompson and Peter Benjamin Golden have noted Tonyukuk's significant influence, often referring to him as a kingmaker. His strategic acumen and leadership not only shaped the military landscape of his time but also solidified the power of the Göktürk khagans he served.