Overview
Ashina Daluobian, Apa Qaghan, was a son of Muqan Qaghan. When Taspar died in 581 he claimed the throne, but the elders rejected him because his mother was of low rank. He was given a lesser qaghanate between Mongolia and the Altai, and his rivalry with Ishbara split the Türks into eastern and western realms.
Rise to Power
Ishbara made him Apa Qaghan in 581 as a compromise.
Rule and Achievements
- Was blamed by Ishbara for defeats by the Sui in 582–583, after which Ishbara attacked his camp and killed his mother
- Fled west to his cousin Tardu, who gave him an army
- Took Kucha and Kumul and built a base in the Ili valley
Legacy
Bagha Qaghan captured Apa in 587. The Sui kept him alive as a check on the eastern khagans, but he died soon after. His followers raised Niri, and the division he began became permanent.