Sorghaghtani Beki or Sorkhokhtani or Sorkhogtani bekhi (bekhi is a title) (c. 1198 - 1252), a Kereyid princess of the Nestorian Christian faith and daughter-in-law of Temüjin (later known as Genghis Khan), was one of the most powerful and competent women in the Mongol Empire. Married to Tolui, Genghis' youngest son, she raised her sons to be leaders, and maneuvered the family politics so that all four of her sons, Mongke Khan, Hulagu Khan, Ariq B...
more
Sorghaghtani Beki or Sorkhokhtani or Sorkhogtani bekhi (bekhi is a title) (c. 1198 - 1252), a Kereyid princess of the Nestorian Christian faith and daughter-in-law of Temüjin (later known as Genghis Khan), was one of the most powerful and competent women in the Mongol Empire. Married to Tolui, Genghis' youngest son, she raised her sons to be leaders, and maneuvered the family politics so that all four of her sons, Mongke Khan, Hulagu Khan, Ariq Böke, and most notably Kublai Khan, were to inherit the legacy of their grandfather. As a moving spirit behind the Mongol Empire, Sorghaghtani is responsible for much of the trade openings and intellectual exchange made possible by this, the largest contiguous empire in world history. As such, she may count among the most influential women in world history.
Sorghaghtani was the daughter of Jakha Gambhu, the younger brother of the powerful Kereyid leader Toghrul (a.k.a. Wang Khan). According to The Secret History of the Mongols, around 1203,...
less
