Sartaq Khan

Sartaq Khan (or Sartak, Sartach; ; ; died 1257) was the eldest son of Batu Khan by his senior wife Boraqchin. He succeeded his father as ruler of the Golden Horde, but died not long into his reign. He was succeeded by Ulaghchi.

Reign Sartaq was the eldest son of Batu Khan and his designated heir. Sartaq was a Christian, but continued with shamanist practices. During Batu's reign, Sartaq was entrusted with dealing with the Russians and all Christians in his territory. In particular, he was responsible for making the Russian princes ratify their rule by appearing in front of the khan's court. According to the 18th-century historian Vasily Tatishchev, the prince Alexander Nevsky complained to Sartaq about his brother for "deceiving the khan, taking the grand principality from the senior prince [Aleksandr] and not paying in full the taxes and tributes to the khan", after which Alexander returned to Vladimir with the grand princely throne.

After Batu died, Sartaq was confirmed as leader by Möngke Khan. During his short reign, Sartaq ordered the construction of a Nestorian church in a new settlement he built along one of the routes in his territory. Sartaq had his own horde on the west bank of the Volga. Following Sartaq's death, he was succeeded by Ulaghchi, who was either the fourth son of Batu or Sartaq's son. Ulaghchi was confirmed by Möngke; however, as he was a child, Batu's primary wife Boraqchin served as regent for Ulaghchi, who died not long into his reign. Boraqchin was later accused of high treason by Berke and was subsequently executed.

Family Sartaq had six wives in total. One of his daughters was married to Gleb of Beloozero in 1257.