Sartaq Khan
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Sartaq Khan (also spelt as Sartak or Sartach, died 1256) was the son of Batu Khan and Regent Dowager Khanum Boraqcin of Hwarizim Sahi. Sartaq succeeded Batu as khan of the Golden Horde (Kipchak Khanate).
In 1241, Alexander Nevsky came to Sarai, befriended and bebrothered Sartaq, become his sworn brother (anda), and an adopted son of Batu Khan. In return, Alexander returned with a contingent of Tatars that took part in the Battle of the Ice. Alexander received yarlyk (license) to become Grand Duke of Vladimir, in vassalage to the Kipchak Khanate.
Sartaq was reputed to be a Christian convert; his father being a Shamanist. There are several stories of Sartaq's conversion. The Armenian writers, for example, alleged that Sartaq was brought up and baptized among the Russians.
However, in a message dated August 29, 1254 by Sartaq addressed to Pope Innocent IV, stated that Sartaq, then a duke, was baptised as a Christian. The Pope heard the news from a priest whom the khan had sent as envoy to the papal court.
Sartaq succeeded to his father's throne as khan of the Golden Horde. However, his reign was short-lived, he died in 1256, probably having been poisoned. Sartaq was succeeded by Ulaqchi briefly in 1257, before his uncle Berke succeeded to the throne. It is not clear whether Sartaq's successor, Ulaqchi, was his brother or son.
Sartaq's daughter, Theodora (also spelt Theothiure) was the wife of Gleb Vasilkovitch of Beloozero and Rostov. Their descendants could have included Ivan IV of Russia and innumerable families of Russian nobility.
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