Protector of the Western Regions

In 60 BC, during the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Western Han Dynasty, this official was established in Wuli City, east of Qiuci (at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), as a base for managing the Western Regions. The term "protector" refers to controlling the northern and southern routes of the Western Regions. It was responsible for supervising the countries of the Western Regions and collecting tribute from faraway countries. The Western Han Dynasty's management of the Western Regions began during the reign of Emperor Wu, but with the establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions it came to direct control. However, due to the power balance between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu and the countries of the Western Regions, it was repeatedly established and abolished. It was suspended during the reign of Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, but was revived in 74 AD under Emperor Ming, and was later suspended again for a time, but was re-established in 91, and after Ban Chao was appointed, the number of tributary states rose to over 50. In 107, the position of Western Regions Protector was abolished and a Chief Clerk of the Western Regions was appointed to manage the affairs of the region.

[Kazuyuki Tsuruma]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

中国、紀元前60年、前漢宣帝のとき、西域経営の拠点として亀茲(きじ)（新疆(しんきょう)ウイグル自治区天山南麓(なんろく)）東方烏塁(うるい)城に置かれた官。都護とは西域の南・北道を統括する意。西域諸国の監督と絶遠の国々の朝貢とをつかさどる。前漢の西域経営は武帝のときに始まるが、西域都護府の設置によって直接支配するようになった。しかし漢と匈奴(きょうど)、西域諸国との力関係で置廃を繰り返した。後漢(ごかん)の光武帝のときには中断するが、紀元後74年明(めい)帝のときに復活、のちにまた一時中断するが、91年ふたたび設置され、班超(はんちょう)が任命されてからは朝貢国が50余国に上った。107年、西域都護は廃され、西域経営を行う場合には西域長史が置かれた。

［鶴間和幸］

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