| Abstract |
This paper primarily discuss the political role and unique characteristics of the Sogdians (粟特) within the Turkic Khaganate. The connection between the Sogdians and the Turks (Türk, GökTür,突厥) established in Central Asia. With the formation of the First Turkic Khaganate, the Sogdians, leveraging their linguistic, diplomatic, and military skills, joined the Turkic Khaganate and assumed significant positions. Their linguistic proficiency enabled them to serve as officials and civil servants, playing crucial roles in the diplomatic and military activities of the Turkic Khaganate, such as the negotiations between Kang Sheli (康鞘利) and Li Yuan (李淵, 566-635, r.618-626). Additionally, non-Ashina (阿史那) tribe foreigners, including the Sogdians, gained higher status during the reign of Illig Qaghan (Jieli Khagan, 頡利可汗, ?-634, r. 620-630) due to the centralization policies he promoted. However, the relationship between the Sogdians and the Turks was not as close as often assumed. The Sogdians prioritized tribal interests and were not entirely dependent on the Turkic Khaganate. Historical figures such as Shi Shuhuxi (史蜀胡悉) and Kang Sumi (康蘇密) betrayed the Turks for realistic benefits, demonstrating the political agency of Sogdian leaders and their communities in the rapidly changing international landscape of North Asia. Through the analysis of various cases, this paper aims to elucidate the political role and uniqueness of the Sogdians within the Turkic Khaganate, offering a more nuanced understanding of their influence and the political roles they played. |
