Wang Khan

:"This article is about Wang Khan Toghrul, ruler of the Kereit. For the Seljuk leader, see Toğrül."Infobox Monarch
name =Toghrul
title =Wang Khan (King)


caption =Wang Khan "Toghrul" in "Le Livre des Merveilles", 15th century. He is depicted with the gown of a Cardinal rather than a King, and with his attendants (right) holding Christian crosses, in relation to his identification with Prester John in the Occident. He is receiving two envoys from Genghis Khan (kneeling). [Marie-Therese Gousset, p.42]
reign = - 1203
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date of death =1203
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place of burial =| Wang Khan, (zh-cp|c=王汗|p=Wáng Hàn) also Ong Khan, was the title given to the Kerait ruler Toghrul by the Jurchen Jin Dynasty of China. Like the rest of their tribe he may have been Nestorian Christian. Wang Khan was the blood brother of Temüjin's father Yesükhei, and he acted as a patron and early ally for Temüjin (who was later known as Genghis Khan).

When Temüjin attacked Jamuqa for the title of Khan, Toghrul, fearing Temüjin's growing power, plotted with Jamuqa to have him assassinated. He was killed in 1203 by Naiman soldiers who failed to recognize him, after fleeing from a defeat against Genghis Khan. Genghis married one of Toghrul's nieces, the Nestorian Christian Sorghaghtani Beki, to his son Tolui, who by her gave birth to Mongke Khan.

During the 13th century, Wang Khan was one of several Asian or African leaders who was identified with the legend of Prester John. [Igor de Rachewiltz, "Papal Envoys to the Great Khans" (Stanford University Press, 1971), p. 114.]

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