Yabghu

The title Yabghu (also spelled Jabgu) was a high-ranking title among various early medieval Turkic peoples, particularly associated with the Western Turkic Khaganate and later groups like the Oghuz Turks and Karluks.

The exact role and responsibilities of a Yabghu varied depending on the specific Turkic group and the period in question, but generally, it signified a high-ranking subordinate ruler, often a viceroy or governor of a significant portion of the khaganate. They were typically second in importance only to the Khagan (supreme ruler).

In the Western Turkic Khaganate (6th-8th centuries), the Yabghu usually controlled the western territories, including areas in Central Asia. They had considerable autonomy in their assigned regions, commanding their own armies and administering their own affairs, while still owing allegiance and tribute to the Khagan.

Among the Oghuz Turks, the Yabghu was a powerful chieftain, often ruling a major tribal confederation within the larger Oghuz political structure. The Oghuz Yabghu, like Seljuk, could rise to become dominant figures in their own right, eventually leading to the establishment of independent dynasties.

The Karluks also used the title Yabghu, signifying a similar role as a subordinate ruler or viceroy within their own political organization.

The title Yabghu reflected the hierarchical and often decentralized nature of Turkic governance, where power was distributed among different levels of leadership while still maintaining a semblance of unity under a supreme Khagan or other paramount leader. The Yabghu represented a crucial link in this chain of authority, holding significant power and influence within their respective territories.