Ariq Böke

Infobox Monarch
name =Ariq Böke
Arigh Bukha
title =


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predecessor = Mongke Khan
successor = Kublai Khan
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royal house = Borjigin
dynasty = Mongol Empire
royal anthem = There is only god in heaven and only one lord Chingis khaan on earth.
father =Tolui
mother = Sorkakteni Beki
date of birth =
place of birth =
date of death =1266
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Ariq Böke, or Arigh Bukha, or a combination of both ( _mn. Аригбөх; zh-c|c=阿里不哥; died 1266), the youngest son of Tolui, was a grandson of Genghis Khan and a claimant to the Mongol Empire. His brothers were Möngke Khan, Hulagu Khan and Kublai Khan. He is counted as Great Khan sometimes.

He peacefully attended the elections of both his uncle Great Khan Ogedei and his successor Guyuk. After his eldest brother enthroned in 1250, his family became even more powerful among Chingisids. When Mongke left Mongolia to conquer Southern China in 1258, he entrusted all affairs of Heartland to Ariq Böke. In 1259 the Great Khan Möngke died. As Ariq Böke was commander of the Mongol homelands, and as Kublai Khan was campaigning against Southern Song Dynasty of China at the time of Möngke's death, he decided to attempt to make himself Khan. Hearing of this, Kublai aborted his Chinese expedition and had himself elected as Khan in April of 1260, though he was only supported by some Mongols and was opposed by many others surrounding his brother. Still, Ariq Böke had his supporters such as Mongke's widow and sons as well as other princes of Golden family and powerful ministers and was elected as a rival to Kublai at Karakorum. ) and Alghu was fearing of his unstable position and also warring with Kaidu, who was assisted by Berke. Therefore, Kublai decided to show mercy to Ariq Böke and his ally Asutai, the son of Mongke. Hulagu, Berke and Alghu acknowledged with the decision Kublai made. Kublai held Ariq Böke prisoner until he died two years later. Some scholars believe that he was certainly poisoned.

"At least when viewed in retrospect, Ariq Böke can be seen as representing an influential school of thought among the Mongols, which Kublai through his actions and attitudes after 1260 opposed. Some Mongols felt there was a dangerous drift towards softness, typified in those like Kublai who thought there was something to be said for settled civilization and for the Chinese way of life. In the traditionalist view, the Mongol center ought to remain in Mongolia, and the Mongols' nomadic life be preserved uncontaminated. China ought merely to be exploited. Ariq Böke came to be regarded as this faction's figurehead." (Morgan 2007, pp.104-105)

Ariq Böke is also known for being sympathetic towards Christianity.

References

* cite book
last = Morgan
first = David
authorlink = David Morgan
title = The Mongols
publisher = Blackwell Publishing
location =
date = 2007
pages = 104-105
doi =
isbn = 1405135395

*Rene Grousset - The Empire of Steppes
*Morris Rossabi - Kublai Khan
*Jack Wheaterford - Genghis khan and the making of the modern world
*John Man - Kublai Khan
*H.H.Howorth - The history of Mongols part II.