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Yelü Dashi

Type Figure Region Northeast Asia Time c. 1087–1143 Also known as Liao Dezong、Emperor Tianyou、Gür Khan、Dashilinya

Yelü Dashi (courtesy name Chongde; c. 1087 or 1094–1143), eighth-generation descendant of Liao Taizu; founded Western Liao after fleeing west.

Timeline

  1. 1115–1122Pingzhou (Liaoxing Army) · HebeiJinshi of the fifth Tianqing year, promoted to Hanlin Yingfeng and Chengzhi, called linya in Khitan, hence the name Dashilinya. Later served as regional inspector of Taizhou and Xiangzhou, and as military commissioner of the Liaoxing Army. In 1122 he and Xiao Gan resisted the Song at Nanjing (present-day Beijing).
  2. 1123–1131Kedun City to Yemili · Central AsiaAfter Jin forces took Nanjing, Dashi was briefly captured by Jin, then escaped back to Tianzuo. In 1124, opposing a rash counterattack, he led followers northwest to Kedun City. In 1130 he advanced further west, passing through the Gaochang Uyghur, and was once repulsed attacking Kashgar.
  3. 1132–1143Balasaghun (Husi Ordos) · KyrgyzstanIn 1132 he proclaimed himself Gür Khan and Emperor Tianyou, adopted the era name Yanqing, and later established his capital at Balasaghun. He expanded in Fergana and Transoxiana, and died two years after the Battle of Katwan (1143); temple name Dezong, with Empress Xiao Tabuyan serving as regent.

Sources