Surkhachi

Surkhachi (also spelled Surqači, Surkhakchi, or similar variations) was a prominent figure in Mongol history, known primarily as the mother of Möngke Khan, Kublai Khan, Hulagu Khan, and Ariq Böke, all powerful rulers of the Mongol Empire and its successor states. She belonged to the Keraite clan, a Christian Turkic group who were allied with the Mongols.

As the wife of Tolui, the youngest son of Genghis Khan, Surkhachi played a significant role in the management of the Toluid appanage after Tolui's early death in 1232. She demonstrated considerable skill in administering these lands, which contributed significantly to her sons' future success.

Surkhachi was a devout Nestorian Christian, and her religious tolerance is often cited as a significant factor in the Mongol Empire's generally tolerant religious policies during her sons' reigns. She reportedly supported various religious institutions and fostered an environment where different faiths could coexist.

Her influence extended beyond her role as a mother and administrator. She was a respected advisor to her sons and played a crucial role in the complex power dynamics within the Mongol Empire following the death of Genghis Khan and later, during the reign of her nephew, Güyük Khan. Her diplomatic skills and political acumen were instrumental in navigating the internal conflicts and succession crises of the Mongol Empire. She died sometime before 1252.