Aguk Shagin

Aguk Shagin [lower-alpha 1] was a Khazar commander in the first half of the 8th century and a participant in the Arab-Khazar wars. He was a Chechen from the region Aukh.[1][2]

He was the chieftain of the Aukh Chechens[lower-alpha 2] and the commander of the Aukh detachments in the Khazar army. According to Aidaev, he was an important general in the Khazar army. The Aukh had diplomatic and economic ties with the Khazars, as evidenced, for example, by excavations on the outskirts of the village of Gachalk'a (Khazar-Kala).[2][1]

Between the years 735 to 736, the Aukh Chechens led by Aguk Shagin waged a fierce struggle against the Arab army led by Mervan. The Arab commander first conquered and destroyed the Aukh fortress Khasni Khisnumma [lower-alpha 3] and then advanced on the Aukh fortress Keshen (modern-day village Keshne/Chapaevo), [lower-alpha 4] which was then also conquered. Aguk Shagin was captured during the battle of Keshen. His later life is unknown.[1][2][4]