The Second Gokturk Khaganate (Kutluk State)
After the collapse of the First Turkic Khaganate, Turkic tribes remained under Chinese rule for approximately fifty years. During this period, the Turks rebelled against China multiple times in an attempt to regain their independence.
One of the most well-known uprisings was led by Kürşat and his 39 comrades, who stormed the Chinese palace in 639, capturing Emperor Tai-tsung in their quest for independence. Although this rebellion was not successful, it strengthened the sense of independence among the Turkic tribes.
Under the leadership of Kutluk, the Second Turkic Khaganate was established in 682, gaining independence from China. Kutluk Khan assumed the title "İlteriş," meaning the one who compiles and organizes the state. Tonyukuk, taking the title "Apa Tarkan," became the chief aide to İlteriş Khan, involved in planning all military and administrative matters.
Following Kutluk Khan, Kapgan Khan ascended to the throne and based his foreign policy on keeping constant pressure on China, facilitating the return of Turks in China to Ötüken, and uniting all Turkic tribes in Central Asia under the sovereignty of the Second Turkic Khaganate. Kapgan Khan conducted 46 expeditions against China, eliminating the threat posed by the Chinese. Under Kapgan Khan's rule, the political unity of the Turkic tribes under the Second Turkic Khaganate was largely achieved. However, due to Kapgan Khan's harsh policies and Chinese intrigues, tribes loyal to the state rebelled one by one. Kapgan Khan was killed while attempting to suppress the uprisings incited by China in 716.
During the rule of Bilge Khan in the Second Turkic Khaganate, with his brother Kül Tigin managing the military and vizier Tonyukuk shaping the state's internal and external policies, the state engaged in struggles against China. The Khaganates succeeding Bilge Khan proved to be inadequate, leading to a gradual weakening of the state. The declining Second Turkic Khaganate was eventually weakened by Basmil and Uyghur rebellions in 742, ultimately being destroyed by the Uyghurs.
