The Gokturk Flag

Founded in 552 AD by Bumin Kagan, the Gokturks engaged in widespread diplomatic activity.

Although the Gokturks were forced to become subjects of China in the 7th century, they regained their independence in 632, led by a hero named Kutluk. In the year 716 kutluk's son Bilge kagan became the ruler, and ensured a period of peace and prosperity with the aid of his brother Kultegin and his father's elderly vezir, Tonyukuk. This lasted until the year 745. The famed Orhun epitaphs from this period are made up of the tombstone inscriptions of Tonyukuk , Kultegin and Bilge Kagan.