Khagan or Kahn Khan or Qagan (;Ethno Cultural Dictionary, TÜRIK BITIGFairbank 1978, p. 367 , Khaan, Mongolian Script: , Qaγan; or ; , Khāqān), alternatively spelled Kağan, Kagan, Khaghan, Kha-khan, Xagahn, Qaghan, Chagan, or Kha'an, is a title of imperial rank in the Mongolian and Turkic languages equal to the status of emperor and someone who rules a khaganate (empire).