The Oghuz Turks, initially known as the “tribe” in Common Turkic, evolved into the “Muslim Turkmens” by the 10th century, marking their Islamic faith. This transition was acknowledged not only within their own community but also within the Byzantine Empire.
Linguistically, the Oghuz languages, a part of the Common Turkic group, stand out due to distinct sound shifts and language evolution. Notably, their language was praised for its simplicity by scholars.
In the 700s, the Oghuz Turks settled in the region between the Caspian and Aral seas, a territory often referred to as Transoxiana. Their journey took them from the Altay mountains through the Siberian steppes to southern Russia. It was in this land that they embraced Islam, paving the way for cultural exchange with the Arab caliphate to the south.
The fascinating “Selçukname” (book) reveals the family tree of Oghuz Khagan, who had six children. Each of these children went on to become Khans in their own right, leading four tribes each. Here’s a glimpse of their legacies:
Gün Han’s Legacy (Gray Arrows)
- Kayı (Ancestral to the Ottomans, Jandarids, and Chobanids)
- Bayat (Connected with the Qajars, Dulkadirids, and Fuzûlî)
- Alkaevli
- Karaevli
Ay Han’s Lineage
- Yazır (With multiple affiliations)
- Döger (Notably linked to the Artuqids)
- Dodurga
- Yaparlı
Yıldız Han’s Descendants
- Afshar (Founders of the Afsharids and associated with the Zengids)
- Qiziq
- Begdili (Linked to the Khwarazmian dynasty)
- Kargın
Gök Han’s Progeny (Three Arrows)
- Bayandur (Founders of the Ak Koyunlu)
- Pecheneg
- Çavuldur (Tzachas)
- Chepni (Refer to Küresünni)
Dağ Han’s Lineage
- Salur (Linked to Kadi Burhan al-Din, Salghurids, and Karamanids; see also: Salars)
- Eymür
- Alayuntlu
- Yüreğir (Associated with the Ramadanids)
Diŋiz Han’s Legacy
- Iğdır
- Büğdüz
- Yıva (Qara Qoyunlu and Oghuz Yabgu State)
- Kınık (Founders of the Seljuk Empire)