Chebi Khan (Ashina Hubo)

Following the collapse of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate in 630 and the ascendancy of Xueyantuo, Ashina Hubo (a member of a minor branch of the Ashina imperial clan whose ancestors had served as subordinate khans) initially surrendered to Xueyantuo. Threatened by Xueyantuo, he later fled north, gathered his people, and adopted the title Yizhuchebi Khagan. From this position he launched raids against Xueyantuo, gradually consolidated support, and after Tang and Huige forces destroyed Xueyantuo in 646 he reasserted regional authority by bringing the Yenisei Kyrgyz and Karluks into submission.

Contemporary political and historical records provide no physical or iconographic description of Ashina Hubo. The sources locate his seat near the Altai Mountains and focus on his political and military actions rather than personal appearance, dress, or portraiture.

Chebi Khan's capacities as recorded are political and military rather than supernatural: he gathered and led Turkic followers after fleeing Xueyantuo pressure, conducted raids against rival polities, secured submission of the Yenisei Kyrgyz and Karluks (circa 646), and engaged in diplomacy with Tang China (sending his son Ashina Shaboluo to greet Emperor Taizong in 647 and offering to visit the Tang court). His downfall came through Tang military action: Tang general Gao Kan, aided by Uighur (Huige) and Pugu contingents, surprised his headquarters in 649–650; his summons for vassal aid drew no response, he attempted flight and was captured and taken to Chang'an, where he was spared and granted a general title.