Overview
Qulie was the first qaghan of the Yaonian clan. The Liao History remembers him as Wa Qaghan. He was raised in 730 by Ketuyu, the Khitan military chief who held real power.
Rise to Power
In 730 Ketuyu killed the pro-Tang Khitan king Li Shaogu, took the Khitans and the Xi over to the Türks, and made Qulie qaghan.
Rule and Achievements
- Reigned while Ketuyu led a four-year war against the Tang
- His forces killed the Tang general Guo Yingjie and most of his army in 733
- Was defeated by the Tang commander Zhang Shougui in 734
Legacy
At the end of 734 Ketuyu's subordinate Li Guozhe, won over by Zhang Shougui, murdered both Ketuyu and Qulie. Qulie's clan kept the qaghan title for the next 170 years.