Ashina Helu

Who was Ashina Helu?

Ishbara Qaghan before 620—658) was a khan of the Western Turkic Khaganate. Before being a khagan, he was nicknamed Hallıg ("elevated"). He had served the interests of China's Tang Dynasty as a general prior to 651, but broke away from Tang in 651 and declared himself khan. Emperor Gaozong of Tang sent the general Su Dingfang, who commanded a campaign against him in 657, and Su defeated and captured him at the Battle of Irtysh River. Emperor Gaozong spared him, and he lived out his days at the Tang capital Chang'an.