Yabgu (
Old Turkic: , yabγu,
Traditional Chinese: 葉護,
Simplified Chinese: 叶护,
Jabgu,
Djabgu, literally, "pioneer", "guide") was a state office in the early
Turkic states, roughly equivalent to
viceroy. The title carried autonomy in different degrees, and its links with the central authority of
Khagan varied from economical and political subordination to superficial political deference. The title had also been borne by Turkic princes in the upper
Oxus region in post-
Hephthalite times.