Tudun
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A tudun was a Göktürk title for a governor or resident administrator appointed to oversee a conquered territory or settlement on behalf of the khagan. The title designated "tax officials" sent "to supervise the el/il-tebers," described as "a title given to governors of conquered peoples." The title was used in the Avar empire. It was also used in Western Turk regions, notably Sogdia.
Function
In the Western Turkic Khaganate, the title formed part of the administrative hierarchy alongside the yabgu, shad, tegin, eltebers, irkins, tarxans, and other offices. Some of these positions were hereditary.
Usage by polity
Göktürks
The title originated with the First Göktürk Khaganate.[citation needed] Tuduns were sent to supervise subject peoples and collect taxes on behalf of the khagan.
Western Turkic Khaganate and Sogdia
Sogdian territories under Western Turkic control were administered using Turkic titles alongside indigenous Sogdian administrative ranks. The tudun worked in parallel with local Sogdian officials bearing titles such as the ikhshid and afshin.
Khazar Khaganate
In the Khazar Khaganate, the tudun served as a governor appointed by the Khazar central authority, distinct from the elteber (semi-independent hereditary prince). A Khazar tudun was stationed in Cherson (Crimea), representing the Khaqan.
Avar Khaganate
The Pannonian Avars used the tudun as a title; it is listed among "the few Avar titles known to us" alongside the qaġan and yuġruš, indicating Inner Asian political traditions.