Sorkhu

Sorkhu, also sometimes spelled Sorghaghtani or Sorqoqtani, was a Kerait princess and daughter of Jakha Gambu, and the chief wife of Tolui, the youngest son of Genghis Khan. She lived approximately from 1190 to 1252.

A woman of remarkable intelligence, political acumen, and ambition, Sorkhu is widely credited with shaping the Mongol Empire after the death of her husband in 1232. As a widow, she skillfully managed the appanage (land and revenue assigned for support) left to her and her sons. This allowed her not only to raise her sons in comfort and security but also to wield considerable influence within the Mongol court.

Sorkhu's most significant contribution lies in her advocacy for her sons, Möngke, Kublai, Hulagu, and Ariq Böke, each of whom went on to play major roles in the expansion and governance of the Mongol Empire. She used her wealth and influence to garner support for them within the Mongol elite, carefully maneuvering them into positions of power.

Möngke became the fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, and Kublai succeeded him, establishing the Yuan dynasty in China. Hulagu led the Mongol conquests in the Middle East, founding the Ilkhanate. Ariq Böke briefly contested the throne against Kublai.

Sorkhu is generally regarded as one of the most influential women in Mongol history. Her strategic decisions and nurturing of her sons profoundly impacted the trajectory of the Mongol Empire, contributing to its expansion and its subsequent fragmentation into independent khanates. Her legacy is one of political savvy, maternal dedication, and lasting influence on the course of history. Her religious tolerance is also noteworthy, as she was a Nestorian Christian who nevertheless supported other religions.