Kul Tigin

Kul Tigin (Old Turkic: 𐰚𐰇𐰠𐱅𐰃𐰏𐰤‎, Kül Tigin; Chinese: 闕特勤; pinyin: Què Tèqín, Wade-Giles: Ch'üeh-t'e-ch'in, died 731 AD) was a prince and general of the Second Turkic Khaganate. He was the younger brother of Bilge Khagan, the ruler of the Turkic Empire.

Kul Tigin played a crucial role in the establishment and preservation of the Second Turkic Khaganate. He was renowned for his military prowess and strategic acumen, leading Turkic forces in numerous campaigns against rival tribes and empires, including the Tang Dynasty of China. His victories helped to consolidate Turkic power and expand the empire's territory.

After his death at a relatively young age, Bilge Khagan commissioned the construction of a monumental complex, including a stone stele inscribed with the Old Turkic alphabet, to commemorate Kul Tigin's life and achievements. This stele, known as the Kul Tigin Monument (or Orkhon Inscription of Kul Tigin), is a vital historical source for understanding the history, culture, and language of the Second Turkic Khaganate. It provides detailed accounts of Kul Tigin's military exploits, political views, and the values of the Turkic elite. The inscription, along with the Bilge Khagan Monument, is one of the oldest known Turkic writings and considered a cornerstone of Turkic literature. The monument offers invaluable insights into the self-perception of the Turkic ruling class and their relationship with neighboring civilizations.