A tudun was a Göktürk title for a governor or resident administrator appointed to oversee a conquered territory or settlement on behalf of the khagan. The title designated "tax officials" sent "to supervise the el/il-tebers," described as "a title given to governors of conquered peoples." The title was used in the Avar empire. It was also used in Western Turk regions, notably Sogdia.
Function
In the Western Turkic Khaganate, the title formed part of the administrative hierarchy alongside the yabgu, shad, tegin, eltebers, irkins, tarxans, and other offices. Some of these positions were hereditary.
Avar Khaganate
The Pannonian Avars used the tudun as a title; it is listed among "the few Avar titles known to us" alongside the qaġan and yuġruš, indicating Inner Asian political traditions.