Sandilch (Σάνδιλ, Σάνδιλχος; Turkic "boat) was a chieftain of the Utigurs in the 6th century.[1] [2] The origin of the name is probably Turkic.[3] [4] Although he initially protested against leading the Utigurs into war against a related people, the Kutrigurs, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565) convinced him to do so through diplomatic persuasion and bribery. The Utigurs led by Sandilch attacked the Kutrigurs, who suffered great losses.
Sandilch's own words:
"It is neither fair nor decent to exterminate our tribesmen (the Kutrigurs), who not only speak a language, identical to ours, who are our neighbours and have the same dressing and manners of life, but who are also our relatives, even though subjected to other lords".[5]After decimating each other, the remnant of Zabergan's and Sandilch's Bulgars acquired Dacia during the reign of Emperor Maurice.
Sandilh Point in Antarctica is named after Sandilch.