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A tudun was a Göktürk title for a governor or resident administrator appointed to oversee a conquered territory or settlement on behalf of the khagan. The title designated “tax officials” sent “to supervise the el/il-tebers,” described as “a title given to governors of conquered peoples.” The title was used in the Avar empire.[1]: 110, 135  It was also used in Western Turk regions, notably Sogdia.[2]

Function

In the Western Turkic Khaganate, the title formed part of the administrative hierarchy alongside the yabgu, shad, tegin, eltebers, irkins, tarxans, and other offices. Some of these positions were hereditary.[1]: 148 

Usage by polity

Göktürks

The title originated with the First Göktürk Khaganate.[citation needed] Tuduns were sent to supervise subject peoples and collect taxes on behalf of the khagan.[1]: 135 

Western Turkic Khaganate and Sogdia

Sogdian territories under Western Turkic control were administered using Turkic titles alongside indigenous Sogdian administrative ranks. The tudun worked in parallel with local Sogdian officials bearing titles such as the ikhshid and afshin.[2]

Khazar Khaganate

In the Khazar Khaganate, the tudun served as a governor appointed by the Khazar central authority, distinct from the elteber (semi-independent hereditary prince). A Khazar tudun was stationed in Cherson (Crimea), representing the Khaqan.[3]

Avar Khaganate

The Pannonian Avars used the tudun as a title; it is listed among “the few Avar titles known to us” alongside the qaġan and yuġruš, indicating Inner Asian political traditions.[1]: 110 

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Golden, Peter B. (1992). An Introduction to the History of the Turkic Peoples: Ethnogenesis and State-Formation in Medieval and Early Modern Eurasia and the Middle East. Turcologica. Vol. 9. Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz. ISBN 3-447-03274-X.
  2. ^ a b Grenet, Frantz (2003). “Pre-Islamic Civilization of the Sogdians (Seventh–Eighth Centuries): New Discoveries at Panjikent”. Regional History and the Panjikent Paintings. pp. 1–3.
  3. ^ Dunlop, D.M. (1954). The History of the Jewish Khazars. Princeton: Princeton University Press. pp. 173–174.