Terken Khatun (wife of Ala al-Din Tekish)

Terken Khatun (Persian: ترکان خاتون) was the Empress of the Khwarazmian Empire by marriage to Shah Ala al-Din Tekish, and the mother and de facto co-ruler of Muhammad II of the Khwarazmian Empire. After marrying Ala al-Din Tekish, Turkan Khatun involved all her relatives and close associates in managing state and military affairs. Every region conquered by Ala al-Din Tekish or his son Muhammad Khwarazm was assigned to one of Turkan Khatun’s trusted people, which allowed her to effectively control the entire vast territory of the Khwarazmshahs. Her orders were above those of both her husband and her son. One of the reasons for the collapse of the Khwarazmshah dynasty is considered to be Turkan Khatun’s extensive political interference, her extraordinary influence, and her partnership in ruling alongside Muhammad Khwarazm. It is said that Ghayur Khan, who played a role in the Mongol invasion of Iran, was Turkan Khatun’s nephew and under her protection. Ghayur Khan was the person who, by killing Mongol merchants and seizing their property, ignited the war between Iran and the Mongols.