Sogdian-Türkic military commander in service of the Táng court who launched the An–Shǐ rebellion 安史之亂 (755–763) against emperor Xuánzōng. The rebellion devastated the empire and was a turning point in Táng state-Buddhist relations: Amoghavajra (不空) and other Esoteric masters were called upon to perform protective rituals against the rebel forces, anchoring the Tang Esoteric state-protection programme.