Akbash Khan


Akbash Khan of the Yarkent Khanate was a central Asian khan in the beginning of 18th century. He was the last khan of Yarkent Khanate. He is known as one of the "later Chagatai princes" in China.

Origin

Akbash Khan's name was Muhammad Mumin. He descended from the second son of Genghis Khan, Chagatai. He was a member of the Borjigin clan by blood. His father was Said Baba Khan and his grandfather was Ismail Khan. He had two brothers who were also at one point khan of Yarkent.

Reign

In 1679, Galdan Boshugtu Khan of Dzungar conquered eastern part Yarkent khanate and set up Abd ar-Rashid Khan II as a puppet. Instead of Afaq Khoja of the Naqshbandi order, Galdan appointed Rashid. This arrangement of power caused the later conflicts between the Chagatais and Khojas.
Akbash was never supposed to inherit the title of khan since his brothers were already ruling Yarkent. However, both Abd ar-Rashid and Muhammad Amin died during the conflict with Afaq Khoja. Afaq then set his son Yahya Khoja as the khan of Yarkent. In 1692, Afaq Khoja was poisoned and died. His son Yahya also died of Oirat riots.
After these incidents, Akbash was the only legitimate successor of the title of khan. In 1694, he was installed as khan by Yarkent baigs. On the other hand, Kirghiz tribes and Baigs in Kashgar had different ideas and installed Akbash's son Mahmud as khan. Kashgar and Kirghiz joint forces attacked Yarkent and captured it, making Akbash a captive. The Yarkent baigs sought the help of Oirats. The Oirats successfully took back Yarkent city but Akbash lost his title permanently.
During his reign, Akbash Khan was not able to effectively control the city of Kashgar since most of the followers of Afaq Khoja were centered in Kashgar. His influence was limited in Yarkent and the cities that lie eastward.