About Alghu
Lived 1250 – 1266 (aged 15–16). Alghu was a sovereign.
Biography In 1260 Alghu was appointed as head of the ulus of the Chagatai Khanate by the Great Khan claimant Ariq Böke, in opposition to the child khan Mubarak Shah and his mother Orghana, marrying her. In 1261 he was sent to Central Asia, where he quickly established control of much of the Chagatai Khanate, as well as other areas, particularly those that were formerly under the control of the Blue Horde. He also seized control of Samarkand and Bukhara, which had earlier been ruled jointly by the Chagatai Khan and the Great Khan. Alghu supported Ariq Böke in the Toluid Civil War against Kublai Khan, but later deserted him. In 1262 he rebelled against Ariq Boke and commanded 150,000 soldiers against him; the conflict saw a series of violent clashes over the next two years. Alghu gained the support of the Great Khan's governor of Turkestan, Mas'ud Beg, making him his vizier, as well as of Orghana. The revolt severely weakened Ariq Böke's and contributed to his eventual loss to Kublai Khan.
In 1263 Alghu declared his allegiance to Kublai, and then attacked Kaidu, whose lands bordered his, under the pretext that the latter had supported Ariq Böke. Kaidu turned to Berke, Khan of the Blue Horde, for assistance; the latter provided him with resources and an army. Alghu found his territories invaded, and was defeated by Kaidu in battle. However, Alghu struck back and was victorious in a new battle near Otrar. He was buried in Almaliq.
Family He was married to Orghana Khatun and several other wives, with whom he had three sons:
Qaban Chübei — created Prince of Weiwu (威武王) and Prince of Xining (西宁王) in 1304 Toqta Yasa'ur Düküles Ejil Buqa Nom-Quli — 2nd Prince of Xining (西宁王), became ancestor of Kara Del rulers Aq Buqa Sati Da'ud Gambo Dorji Chigin-Temur Jirghudai Mingtash Könchek Dorji. Toq-Temür Esen Böke Oqruqchi
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Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Alghu's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Frequently asked questions
Who was Alghu?
Khan of the Chagatai Khanate
When was Alghu born?
Alghu was born in 1250.
When did Alghu die?
Alghu died in 1266 in Olmaliq.
What was Alghu's occupation?
Alghu was a sovereign.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alghu. https://biography.guide/alghu/
MLA: "Alghu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alghu/.
Chicago: "Alghu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alghu/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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