Korguz

Korguz (died 1242) or Körgüz was a Uyghur governor of Khurasan during the reign of the Mongol ruler Ögedei Khan.

Biography

Early life He was born in a village called Barlugh, about 4 parasangs away from Beshbalik in Xinjiang, China. He was an Uyghur and may have been a Nestorian Christian as Chinese rendering of his name - Kuolojisi - is usually a transcription of the Christian name George and his village had a church. However, according to Juvayni, he was a Buddhist. As a proven administrator, he went on to reform fiscal matters in the region, carrying out census, while collaborating with Persian officials. The traditionalist group headed by Kül Bolat and Nosal. Körgüz's supporters included Baha al-Din Juvayni, local rulers like Nizam al-Din of Isfarayin, Ikhtiyar al-Din of Abivard, Amid al-Mulk Sharaf al-Din of Bistam and others.

Danishmend Hajib later initiated an official investigation into Körgüz, instigated by Edgü Temür. Investigation team included Mongol officials like Arghun Aqa, Shams al-Din Kamargar and Qurbaqa Elchi. Körgüz, who sent his own emissaries to Khan's court was apprehended in Fanakat by Edgü Temür's party and was beaten. Khan later sent Körgüz's envoy back and expressed his anger over Körgüz's beating, summoning all bitikchis to court. On their way, Kül Bolad was assassinated in Bukhara by Ismaili fida'iyis. Ögedei tried to reconcile rival sides, but later found Edgü Temür to be guilty. He was succeeded by his former deputy Arghun Aqa. According to Juvayni, Korguz was converted to Islam towards the end of his life.