Overview
Tumidu, of the Yaglaqar clan, led the Uyghurs when they were one of the Tiele tribes. He is the first Uyghur leader recorded as calling himself qaghan, a century before the Uyghur Khaganate was founded.
Rise to Power
As chief of the Uyghurs he led the Tiele rising against the Xueyantuo qaghan Duomi in 646, which destroyed the Xueyantuo Khaganate.
Rule and Achievements
- Submitted to the Tang in 646–647; Emperor Taizong made him commander of the Hanhai area command
- Styled himself qaghan and appointed officials in the Türk manner, while serving as a Tang official
Legacy
In 648 his nephew Wuhe murdered him. The Tang had Wuhe killed and made Tumidu's son Porun chief. The Uyghurs remained Tang clients until Kutlug Bilge Kul founded the khaganate in 744.