 The military of the Tang Dynasty was staffed with a large population of Turkic soldiers , referred to as Tujue in Chinese sources . Tang elites in northern China were familiar with Turkic culture , a factor that contributed to the Tang acceptance of Turkic recruits . The Tang emperor Taizong adopted the title of " Heavenly Kaghan " and promoted a cosmopolitan empire . He established diplomatic relations with the Turkic Khagans , and Turkic soldiers served in the Tang military . The Turkic soldiers were known for their martial skills and their ability to fight on horseback .
200,000 Turkic recruits served in the Tang military in 6