Where Was Mount Zongcai (“čuγay yïš ”)
In the fourth year [630] of the Zhenguan reign-period, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty sent troops to march against Khan Jili (Il Qaghan, 620-630), after which the First Khanate of the Eastern Türks died out. In the first year [681] of the Tiaolu reign-period, Pei Xingjian pacified the revolt of Ašïna Funian and Ashide Wenfu. After that, among the remnants, Ašïna Qutluγ “sought protection in Mount Zongcai (čuγay yïš)”, called together infantry and cavalry, and at last revived the Khanate of the Eastern Türks. Mount Zongcai (čuγay), as the base of the Second Khanate of the Eastern Türks, thus played a crucial role. Where was Mount Zongcai (čuγay yïš)? Chinese and overseas scholars have studied this issue for more than a century. As opinions vary, no unanimous conclusion can be drawn. This paper attempts to illuminate the location of Mount Zongcai on the basis of historical records of Tang times, unearthed epitaphs, Dunhuang Documents and sources of topology, combined with Turkic inscriptions.