Töregene

Töregene Khatun, also written Töregene, was a prominent Mongol queen and regent who played a pivotal role in the governance of the Mongol Empire after the death of Ögedei Khan in 1241. As the wife of Ögedei and mother of several successors, she came to wield de facto political power during the interregnum, guiding the succession and maintaining central authority across the vast realm.

During her regency, Töregene pursued policies to stabilize the administration, appointing trusted officials and generals to key posts, and reorganizing court rituals and governance to reflect the empire’s needs. She backed the expansion of Mongol influence in frontier regions and worked to ensure continuity in taxation, law, and military command.

Her efforts culminated in the enthronement of her son Guyuk Khan in 1246, after which she remained an influential figure in court politics during the early years of his reign. Modern historians view Töregene as one of the most powerful women in Mongol history, highlighting her role in shaping imperial succession, centralization of power, and the interface between the ruler and the Mongol aristocracy.

Her legacy is noted for demonstrating the capacity of royal women to exercise authority within the Mongol Empire and for setting a precedent for female involvement in high-level decision making within steppe governance.