Qara Hulegu

Qara Hulegu (died 1252) was head of the ulus of the Chagatai Khanate (1242 - 1246, 1252). He was the son of Mo'etuken (killed during the 1221 siege of Bamiyan), and a grandson of Chagatai Khan.

Qara Hulegu was nominated by Chagatai Khan, as well as Ogedei Khan, to become khan. Since he was still young, Ebuskun acted as regent for him. In order to ensure his power, however, the Grand Khan Guyuk Khan deposed him in 1246 and replaced him with one of Qara Hulegu's uncles, Yesu Mongke. However, following the ascension of Guyuk's successor, Mongke Khan, Qara Hulegu gained the Great Khan's favor by supporting him in his purges of the family of Ogedei Khan. He was restored to his position of Chagatai Khan, but died before returning to his realm. Mongke permitted his wife Orghana Khatun to serve as regent. Qara Hulegu was later succeeded by his son Mubarak Shah.