Ashina Xian

Ashina Xian was a Western Turk khagan, also a general of Protectorate General to Pacify the West from 708 to 717, appointed by the Tang dynasty.

Life When Ashina Xian's father was executed by Lai Junchen in 692, he was exiled to Yazhou. However, he was recalled to court in 703.

In 708, he was appointed Xingxiwang Khagan by Emperor Zhongzong of Tang. However, Saqal was appointed as his subordinate, who was going to be appointed Shisixing Khagan later.

In 714, after the death of Saqal at the Battle of Bolchu, Xian was made Qixi (碛西) Military Commissioner and sent to Suyab to fill the power vacuum.

Nevertheless, when Suluk rose to prominence, the Tang appointed Ashina Xian as the Shixing Qaghan in 716 and appointed Suluk as his deputy, to appease Suluk. Suluk's growing ambition over Xian's overlordship resulted in war and the defeat of Xian in June and July in 717.

After his defeat, he left for Chang'an and died sometime during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. His successor was his son Ashina Zhen.