Kapaghan II Arslan

Khagan Kapaghan II Arslan (Turkish: II. Kapaghan Doganoglu Han) Was a Turkic nomadic ruler who ruled the territory known as the Arslan Khaganate for 5 years following his election by a disputed Kurultay amid rumours surrounding his personal life.

His short reign was characterised by the splitting of the Khaganate for the first time in its history, with the Tugrul Clan choosing to split from the main clan. This conflict dominated his short reign and limited his opportunities for expansion.

His succession was considered important as it allowed for his son to ascend to the head of the Khaganate, which decisively changed the fortunes of his dynasty.

Early Life
Not much is known about the early life of Kapaghan, it can be safely assumed that he was raised in a similar way to his brothers. Taught to ride and hunt from a young age, though according to contemporary sources he did not take to either of these activities.

His education seemed to primarily focus on court intrigue, though it is noted that he did not take to this education either. Despite his kind and friendly demeanour he was largely considered a person of low acumen and ability by his future subjects and his brothers. This was not aided by his salacious personal life, it is alleged by many sources that he took on male lovers. Though steppe cultures were considerably more tolerant of such activities than other contemporary cultures, this was still considered an unusual and even immoral activity for the son of a Khagan and potential leader to engage in.

At some point prior to his election by Kurultay he was married to Cicak of the Ashina clan, a prestigious marriage to former ruling clan of the Gokturk Khaganate.

Reign and Death
Having consistently ruled himself out of contention at every Kurultay during his adult life, he finally stood as the only eligible adult of appropriate rank in 853. His election war marred by the absence of the Tugrul clan, an offshoot of the Arslan Dynasty. Following his ascension, it had become apparent that they had decided to declare independence. Traditionally, such splits were not contested, as non-attendance at a Kurultay was considered a sacred right.

Prior to any action against the Tugrul, Kapaghan took his brothers body and performed a sky burial. Following this he began a controversial campaign to recapture the lands of the Tugrul. Upon his success he reabsorbed their members into his clan and banished those who wouldn't peacefully reintegrate.

His final years were spent raiding the Bajanids, culminating in the capture of Emir Nizam, who paid 145 tonnes of gold for his release to Kapaghan. Rumours of the collapse of the Karluk nation to the west convinced him to mobilise for war. However, his health suddenly turned, resulting in his death by heart attack before he had any opportunity to expand the Khaganate.