Kimekler (Kimek Devleti)
Ortaçağ’da Türk Anayurdu’nun batı kesiminde yaşayan Kimekler (Kimegler), eski ve büyük bir Türk ulusudur. VIII. yüzyıl ortalarından, XI. yüzyıl ortalarına değin süren bir devlet de kurmuşlardı.Kimekler’in yaşamış olduğu bölgenin yerli tarih kaynakları, son derece kıttır. Orada yürütülen arkeoloji araştırmaları, pek yetersiz bulunduğu gibi, yazılı tarih kaynakları da henüz ele geçmediğinden, Kimek ülkesinin iç haberleri yoktur. Göktürk çağı yazıtlarında (VIII. yy.) Kimekler veya bu boy birliğinde bulunan öteki boylar üzerinde bilgi verilmemektedir.
Komşu bölgelere ait yabancı kaynaklar da titizlikle taranarak, incelenmemiştir. Çinlilerin kuzeybatı yönünde ve oldukça uzakta bulunmalarına rağmen, onların Kimekler’i bildikleri, Saray Yıllıkları’ndaki kayıtlardan anlaşılmaktadır. Bazı eski kayıtlar da, IX. ve X. yüzyıla ait İslâm coğrafya eserlerinde bulunuyor. Bunlar, düzenli ve etraflı değil, tüccar ve gezginlerden derlenmiş, küçük bilgilerden ibarettir.
Kimek (Kimäk) boy adı, Kime (kéme) �gemi� sözcüğünün ilk şekli olan �Kimeg�den alınmış olabilir. Bilindiği gibi onlar İrtiş (Ertiş) ırmağının iki yanında yaşamışlardı. Bu büyük akarsuyu geçmek için, onların kullandıkları bir tür gemiden alarak komşularınca verilmiş olabilir. Türk boy biliminde böyle kullanılan hayvan veya eşyanın adının, boya ad olarak verildiğini biliyoruz. Nitekim biçimce buna benzeyen �Kanglı� ve �Kayıg� adlı boylar da, eski kaynaklarda geçmektedir.
Kimekler, tarih sahnesinde, İrtiş’in orta boyunun iki yanında ve daha çok doğu yöresinde iken görünmüşlerdir. Burası, Türk Anayurdu’nun batı kesimidir. Kimekler’in ilk yurtları, belki yine burası idi. Belki de İrtiş’in doğusundaki Altaylar’dan yayılarak, buraya indiler. Türk ilkçağı başlarında, İrtiş boyunda, başka Türk boyları bulunduğuna göre, bu ikinci ihtimal daha mümkün görünüyor.
Kimekler, yakın komşuları Farsların, destanî tarihinde yer almıştır. Gerçekten, Kimekler’in Turan ötesi komşusu olan Farslar’ın eski destanlarında bu ulusun adı geçmektedir. Fars söylentilerini derleyerek �Şehname� adlı büyük eserini ortaya koyan ünlü şair Tus’lu Firdevsî (935?-1020?), Turan’ın büyük hükümdarı Afrasyab’ın (Alp Er Tunga), İran Hükümdarı Keyhusrev’e yenilip, geri çekildiğinde, Kimek ülkesine ve �Derya-yi Kimek�e gittiğini anlatır.
VII. Yüzyılda
Bu yüzyılda Kimekler’in, Altay dağlarının kuzey batısında ve İrtiş ırmağının orta kıyılarında yaşadıkları anlaşılıyor. Bu durumda, Batı Göktürk Kağanlığı’nın sınırları içinde ve onların hakimiyeti altında olmalıdırlar. Yüzyıl boyunca, Batı Göktürk Kağanlığı zayıfladığı ölçüde, onun idaresi altında bulunan boylar, bağımsızlığa doğru gidecekler ve kendi idarelerini kazanacaklardır. Yine bu arada, yüzyılın sonlarına doğru, Çu havzası merkez olmak üzere Türgiş Devleti de kurulacaktır.
VIII. Yüzyılda
Yüzyılın ortalarına değin İli havzası, Batı Türklerinden bir bölük olan Türgişler eline geçmiş bulunuyordu. Geçen yüzyılın sonlarına doğru kurulan bu Türgiş Kağanlığı’nın hâkimiyet alanı, İrtiş’in orta havzalarına uzanmış olsa gerektir. Bununla birlikte, Türgiş-Kimek münasebetleri üzerinde hiç bir bilgimiz yoktur. Öte yandan, Gök Türk çağı yerli kaynaklarından olan ve yüzyılın ilk yarısına ait yazıtlarda, �İrtiş� adı birkaç kere anılır ise de, onun kayıtlarında hangi boyların yaşadığı belirtilmemiştir.
Yüzyılın ortasında, doğu ve batıdan uzanmış iki istila ordusu, Arap ve Çin orduları, karşı karşıya geldi. Her ikisi de, bölge için hakimiyet mücadelesinde idi. Kimekler’in güneyinde yaşayan Karluklar’ın, 751 yılı yazında yapılan Talas Savaşı’nda, Araplar yanında yer almasıyla, Çinliler, büyük bir yenilgiye uğrayıp çekildiler. Bununla birlikte, Arap kumandanı da, bölgedeki hakimiyetini kuramadı. Böylece Isık Göl’ün batısında uzanan Talas yöresi, adı geçen Karluklar’ın idaresi altına girdi. Oradaki bazı boylar, otlaklarını bu yeni hakime bırakarak kuzeybatıya doğru çekilmek zorunda kaldı. Karluklar’ın gittikçe güçlenmesi sonucu, 765 sıralarında Türgiş Devleti de artık kesin olarak dağıldı. Bununla, Çu havzası, onların sınırı içine giriyordu. Öte yandan daha 745′lerde Uygur, Karluk ve Basmıllar’ın akınlarıyla, doğudaki Göktürk Kağanlığı da çökmüş bulunuyordu.
Doğu ve Batı Türkistan’da arka-arkaya gelen bu olaylar sonucu, Orta Asya’daki siyasî durumun değişmesi sırasında, Kimekler de VIII. yüzyıl ortalarında bağımsızlıklarını almış ve devletlerini kurmuş olmalıdırlar. Onların bir çok boydan kurulmuş bir ulus olduğunu biliyoruz. İşte gerek bununla ilgili sonraki haberler, gerek çağın benzer Türk devletleri göz önünde tutulduğunda, bu devletin göçer evli büyük boylardan kurulu birlik niteliğinde olduğu anlaşılıyor. Devlet idaresinde �Hakanlı� derecesinde bir teşkilat kurmuş olan boy birliğinin en kalabalık boyu, belki daha başta Kıpçaklar idi.
Kimek Devleti ile ilgili en eski bilgi, Arap elçisindendir. Emeviler’in yıkılışı ve Abbasîler’in çıkışı sıralarında, Halife tarafından Tokuz-Oğuz Hakanı’na elçi olarak gönderilmiş Bahroğlu Temim (Temim b. Bahr el-Muttavvi’î), raporunda Kimekler’i de gördüğünü, hükümdarlarını ve göçer evli hayatlarını anlatarak belirtilmiştir (760-800?).
Bu yüzyılın son çeyreğinde Oğuzlar’ın Doğu Türkistan’ın Selenge bölgesindeki yerlerinden, batıya doğru hareketle, bir aralık Kara ve Ak Ertiş’de Kimekler’in güneyinde komşu kaldıklarını, Arap kaynaklarının Abbasî halifesi Mehdî çağına (775-785) ait haberlerinden öğreniyoruz. Arap tarihçisi Ali el-Mes’ûdî, Oğuz, Karluk ve Kimekler’in birleşerek Peçenekler’e karşı mücadeleye giriştiklerini anlatır.
Ona göre adı geçen boylar, Aral Gölü kuzeyi ile Hazar arasında yaşayan Peçenekler ile Peçni, Bacgırd (Başkurd) ve Nugerde adlı boylar üzerine saldırmışlardır. Bu Peçeneklerin doğusunda, Kıpçaklar ile Oğuzlar bulunuyordu. Amansız bozkır mücadelesi sonunda Peçenekler, yenilmeleri sonucu otlaklarını (ve yurtlarını) onlara bırakıp batıya doğru çekilmeye başlayacaklardır. Böylece Peçenekler’i biz, daha sonra doğu Avrupa’da, Kuzey Kafkaslar’da ve Hazarlar arasında yer almış göreceğiz. Bu haberlerden anlaşılıyor ki, batıya gelen Oğuzlar, eski yakınları olan boylar ile birleşerek, kendilerine yurt bulmak üzere adları geçen boylara karşı mücadeleye girmişlerdir. Bu bozkır mücadelesi, VIII. yüzyıl sonları veya IX. yüzyılın başlarında Oğuzlar’ın yeni yerlerine yerleşmesiyle bitmiştir. Büyük bir kısmı Avrupa’ya doğru göçe başlayan Peçenekler’den, eski yerlerinde kalan az sayıdaki uruklar ise, yeni gelen Oğuz ulusu içine gireceklerdir. Bunları, Oğuzlar’ın, sonraki 24′lü boy düzeninde buluyoruz.
IX. Yüzyılda
Bu yüzyıl sırasında, yine İrtiş ırmağı boyunda ve bugünkü Kazakistan’ın kuzeydoğu illerinde, fakat çok daha yayılmış olarak, büyük Kimek Devleti, varlığını sürdürdü. İslâm coğrafyacılarının Orta Asya’dan ilk bilgileri derlediği sırada, Batı Türkistan’ın kuzeydoğusunda, henüz İslâm’ı kabul etmemiş bir çok Türk boyu göçerevli yaşıyordu. Coğrafyacılar, Oğuzlar’ın (Guz) kuzey doğusundaki çok geniş bozkırda ve İrtiş ırmağı boyunda, Kimek adlı büyük bir Türk ulusunun bulunduğunu, onların batıda İtil veya Kama Irmağına değin uzanan yerleri, idareleri altında tuttuklarım belirtiyorlar. Bu durumda, Türkistan’ın kuzeyinde, batıdan doğuya, sırasıyla Oğuz devleti, Kimek devleti ve Kırgız Beyliği’nin bulunduğu anlaşılıyor.
Kuman-Kıpçak meselesi üzerine eğilenlerden Çek bilgini D. A. Rasovsky, bu IX. ve X. yüzyılda İrtiş ile Ural arasında yaşayan Kimek boyunun aslında Kuman olduğunu, bunların bir oymağını Kıpçaklar’ın teşkil ettiğini, X. yüzyıldan başlayarak bu Kıpçak adının yavaş yavaş bütün Kimekler’e ad olduğunu ileri sürmüştü.
X. Yüzyılda
Onuncu yüzyılda, Batı Sibirya’nın Güney yarısında Kimek Hakanlığı, büyük bir ulus halinde hayatına devam ediyordu. Ülkenin batı kesiminde Yayık (Ural) ırmağına değin uzanan yörede, birlikten bir boy olan Kıpçaklar yayılmışlardı. Komşuları olarak doğuda Kırgızlar, güneydoğuda Karluklar, güneybatıda Oğuzlar bulunuyordu. Kimek devletinin sınırları, yüzyılın ikinci yarısında, güneyde Seyhun boyundaki Savran kasabasına, batıda ise Ak İtil ırmağı kaynaklarına dayanmıştı.
Yüzyılın başında kuzeydoğu Çin’den çıkmış olan bir Moğol boyu olan Kıtanlar (K’itan, Kıtay, Khitay) bir devlet kurdular (916). Bunun sonucu olarak, oradaki bazı Türk boyları, batıya çekilmeye başlamıştır. Kıtan sürüleri, 924 yılında Selenge havzasını işgal ettiler ve Karabalık (Kara-Balasagun) kentine de girdiler. Onların akınları sırasında, 840 yılından beri oralarda bulunan Kırgızlar da sürülüp atıldı. Yukarı Kem (Yenisey) ve Kobdo yöresi bozkırına geçen Kırgızlar ise, oradaki Türk boylarını batıya sürdüler.
Yüzyılın ortalarında, Kimekler’in batıya doğru yayılması sürüp gitti. Batı kesimindeki boylar, Ural sıradağlarının güneybatı yöresine, Çim (Emba) ve Yayık (Ural) ırmakları vadilerine hakim oldular. Bu arada Hazar denizi kıyısına da ulaştılar. Coğrafyacı Istahrî’ye (933-51) göre, Kimek ile Guz (Oğuz) arasındaki sınırı İsil (Atıl, İtil?) ırmağı çizer.
Son araştırmalara bakılırsa, X. yüzyılda Orta Asya’daki Türk boyları şöyle dağılıyordu: En doğuda, Nanşan yöresinde Sarılar (Uygurlar), onların batısında Kaşgar’a değin uzanan alanda Karahanlılar Hakanlığı, Isık göl havzasında Türkmenler ve Karluklar, kuzeyde Altaylar’a varan yörede Kimekler, bunların doğusunda Kırgızlar, Kimekler’in batı kesiminde Tobol-İşim havzasında Kıpçaklar, onların güneyinde Ertiş-Seyhun-Yayık arasında Oğuzlar.
Kimekler için bir bölüm ayrılmış bulunan Hudûdü’l-Âlem’de (982), onların hükümdarlarına �Hakan� denildiği belirtilir. Bu kayıt, Kimekler’in bağımsız devletini ve bu devletin niteliğini açıkça göstermektedir.
XI. Yüzyılda
Güneybatıya sarkmaya devam eden Kimekler ve Kıpçaklar, yüzyılın başlarında Seyhun’un orta ve aşağı kıyılarına da hakim oldular. Aşağı İrtiş-İşim Tobol havzasında bulunan Kıpçaklar, çoğalarak daha geniş bir alana yayılmışlardır. Bu sıralarda batı komşuları Hazarlar içine girdikleri de düşünülebilir.
Yüzyılın başlarında, Kıtanlar’ın batıya doğru akınları gelişmeye başlamıştır. Bu sıralarda Kumanlar’ın ilk yurtlarından batıya doğru göçleri de, Kuzey Çin’deki Kıtan devleti’nin bu baskısına bağlanmaktadır. Şerefüzzemân Tâhir Mervezî’nin (1120?) aktardığına göre, Kunlar, Kıtay (Kıtan)’dan korkarak göçtüler. Arkadan gelen Kaylar, onları daha ileriye sürdü. Onlar Sarı’yı (Uygur), onlar Türkmenler’i, onlar Oğuzlar’ı, onlar Peçenekler’i iterek yurtlarını aldılar, işte bu sıralarda, Aral Hazar bölgesindeki Peçenekler’in kuzeyinde Hazarlar, doğusunda Kıpçaklar, güneyinde Oğuzlar bulunuyordu. İbnül-Esîr’de anlatılan, 1012-13′de Türklerin Çin’den çıkışı haberi de, yine bu Kun ve Sarıların (Uygur), Türkmen yurduna gelişi olmalıdır.
Gerçekten, 1004 yılında Çin ile barış yapan Kıtanlar, önce Kore ve sonra Gobi üzerine döndüler. Bu sonuncu bölgeden de, 1009 yılında Uygurlar üzerine yürüdüler ve onlardan Batı Kansu ile Kan-çou ve Su-çou kentlerini aldılar. 1017 sırasında Kıtan sürüleri, Karahanlı Devleti sınırları içindeki Kaşgar bölgesi ile Isık Köl yöresine de girmişlerdir. Çağın kaynaklarına bakılırsa, Kıtanlar, 300 bin çadır halkı halinde (toplamı belki iki milyona yakın nüfus) Karahanlı ülkesini istilaya başlamış oluyordu. Bazı öncüleri ise, Isık Göl’ün batısında bulunan başkent Balasagun’a sekiz günlük yere yaklaşmışlardır, işte bu ağır akın ve istila, Orta Asya’daki Türk boyları arasında, yeniden büyük bir boylar göçü doğurdu. Göçebe Kıtanlar’ın bütün varlıklarıyla, Türk boyları yurtlarına saldırışı, gerçekten ağır bunalıma yol açmış ve Türk boyları da birbirini yerlerinden sürerek, büyük bir göçe başlamışlardır.
XI. yüzyılın ilk yarısındaki büyük boylar göçü, Kimek ulusu üzerinde de kötü tesir bıraktı. Boy birliğinde ağır bir bunalım doğdu ve birlik bozuldu. Öyle anlaşılıyor ki, yüzyılın ortalarına doğru ülke içindeki karışıklıklar çoğaldı ve zayıflamış bulunan merkezî idareye karşı baş kaldırmalar arttı. Öte yandan, büyük nüfusa sahip Kıpçaklar’ın, çevredeki boylar üzerinde hakimiyet kurmaya girişmesi, ayrıca bunlardan bir kısmının batıya doğru göçe başlaması, Kimek Devleti’ni çözmüş olmalıdır. Boy birliğinin dağılışı ve merkezî idarenin çöküşü, o derecede anî ve kesin olmuştur ki, yüzyılın ikinci yarısında Kimek Devleti ve ulusunun adı bile unutulmaya başlamıştır. Onun yerini, en kalabalık boy olarak Kıpçaklar aldı. Bu son husus, yurtta kalan Kıpçakların, üstün sayılarıyla, belki de boy birliği idaresini ellerine geçirmeleri demek olabilir. Kimek ülkesindeki bütün boylar da bu Kıpçaklara bağlanmıştır.
Değerli eseri Dîvanü Lügati’t-Türk’ü yüzyılın ikinci yarısı ortalarında bitiren, Karahanlı ülkesinden Kaşgarlı Mahmud, Kimeklerden hiç söz etmez. Bu eserde, sadece, Kimek boy birliğinden olan ve yine İrtiş boyunda yaşayan Yimekler (Yemekler) tanıtılmış ve onların da Kıpçakların bir cifi (oymağı) olduğu belirtilmiştir. Ancak Kaşgarlı, bu bilgiye hemen şunu da katmıştır: �Bizce onlar Kıfçak’tır, ama Kıfçak Türkleri, kendilerini ayrı sayarlar�. Bu küçük açıklama, bazı mühim hususları akla getirmektedir: Kimek boy birliği, artık iyice dağılmış ve o toplayıcı ad unutulmuştur. Birlikten belki sadece Kıpçaklar ile Yimekler yerlerinde kalmışlardır. Pek kalabalık olan Kıpçaklar ise, kendilerini ayrı, belki de üstün saymaktadırlar.
Kimek ulusu, benzerlerinde olduğu gibi, bir çok Türk boyunun birleşmesinden ortaya çıkmış idi. XI. yüzyılın ortalarında olan dağılma sonunda, bu birliğin boylarından bazılarını, ya tek başına kalmış veya başka boy birlikleri içine girmiş bulmaktayız.
Birliğin en kalabalık boyu olan Kıpçaklar, Batı Sibirya bozkırı ile Hazar Denizi kuzeyinde yayılmışlardı. Bunlardan bir kısmı, Kumanlar ile birlikte orta Avrupa’ya doğru uzandı. Ve orada yeni bir boy birliği devleti kurdu. Kendi alanlarında kalanlar ise, XV. yüzyılda yeni etnik toplumlar kurulana değin, varlıklarını sürdürdüler.
Kimeklerin durumu da, Kıpçaklarınki gibi oldu. Bir kısmı yerlerinde kalırken, bir kısmı Kıpçaklar yanında Doğu Avrupa’ya geçti. Muhammed Nesevî’nin (1241) verdiği bir malumatta, Yimeklerin XII. yüzyılda Seyhun boyuna indiklerini ve oralarda Harezmşahlar Devleti hizmetine girdiklerini öğreniyoruz. Bu devletin bazı askerî sefer ve başarılarında, büyük rol oynamışlardır. Avrupa’ya giden Yimeklerden bir bölüğünü daha sonra, XIV. yüzyıl başlarına ait bir başka bilgiye göre, Altınordu Devleti’ndeki Kıpçaklar arasında buluyoruz.
Birlikten başka bir boy olan Bayandurlar, galiba çok kalabalık ve yaygın değil idiler. Bunlar, sadece Oğuz ulusu içine girdiler. Daha sonra Türkiye’ye doğru akan Oğuzlar arasındaki Bayandurlardan Akkoyunlu soyu, XV. yüzyıl başlarında, Doğu Anadolu ve Azerbaycan’ı içine alan bir devlet kuracaktır.
Kimek boy birliğinin öteki boylarının, dağılıştan sonraki durumu üzerinde şimdilik bilgimiz yoktur. XIX. yüzyıl ile XX. yüzyıl başında Orta Asya’da yaşayan Türk boyları ve urukları arasında, Kimek boy adına rastlamıyoruz.
Kaynaklarımızdan anlaşıldığına göre Kimek ülkesi, Batı Sibirya ovası içinde kalan, geniş bir bozkır alanı idi.
Ülkenin asıl merkezini, İrtiş’in orta boyu teşkil etmekteydi. Birlikteki boyların nüfusu arttıkça ve bunlar da yayıldıkça, sınırlar genişlemiştir. Bu Türk ülkesinin sınırlarını belirleyen bazı bilgileri, İslâm coğrafyacılarının küçük kayıtlarında buluyoruz. Coğrafyacı Muhammed el-Mukaddesî, X. yüzyılda Güneybatı sınırının Seyhun havzasındaki Sabrân ile Şağlcan kasabaları yakınlarından geçtiğini söyler. Bunlardan Savran (Sabran), Oğuz (Guz) ve Kimek yurtları sınırına bakan bir kasabadır. Şağlcan ise, Kimek ülkesi sınırında, etrafı sur ile çevrili büyük ve zengin bir kasabadır. İbn Havkal’ın kayıtlarından da, bu sınırın, Batıda Ak-İtil ırmağı başlarına uzandığı sanılıyor.
Kaynaklarımızın çeşitli haberlerinden, Kimek ülkesinin komşularını da öğrenebiliyoruz. Bunlara göre, ülkenin doğusunda Kırgızlar (Kırgız Begliği) vardı. Onların bugünkü Altaylar ile daha doğusunda bulundukları biliniyor. Batıda Peçenekler yaşıyordu. Hudhüdü’l-Alem’de (982), bu Peçenek yurdunun her haliyle Kimeklerinkine benzediği belirtilmiştir. Peçeneklerin yerini, sonradan Oğuzlar (Oğuz Devleti) aldılar.
Güneydoğudaki Tokuz-Oğuzlar ile aralarında, bir bozkır (sahra) uzanırdı. Yine güneyde Kara İrtiş yöresinde, muhtemelen Oğraklar bulunmaktaydı. Güneybatı yönündeki alanda ise, Karluklar, Türkmenler ve Oğuzlar yayılmışlardı.
Kimek ulusunu, kaynakların açıkça anlattığı gibi, bir boy birliği teşkil ediyordu. Bu kuruluşta, onların bir çok boy ve uruktan meydana geldiği muhakkaktır. Ancak, Kimek ulusundaki boy düzenini, bütün bölüntülerin adlarını ve sayısını hiç bir kaynakta bulamıyoruz. Hudûd’a (982) göre, Kimek ülkesi, on bir (bir de Hakan bölgesi varsa, on iki) bölge (İl)’den kurulmuş idi. Bunların her biri, ulusu meydana getiren boylara ait ise, düzende o sayıda büyük boy bulunuyor demek olmalıdır. Halbuki, Gerdizî (1050), muhakkak daha eski bir kaynaktan aktardığı Kimek destanında, yedi boyun adını vermiştir. Bu iki kaydı birleştirirsek, Kimek boy birliğinin, başlangıçta yedi boy ile kurulduğunu, sonraki katılmalar ile bunun on ikiye çıktığını düşünebiliriz.
Gerdizî’nin aktardığı destana göre, hepsi kişi adı kökünden olan boy adları şöyledir: İmi-Eymi-İmey, İmek-Emek (Yimek), Tatar, Balandur (Bayandur), Khıfçak (Kıpçak), Lankaz-Lanıkaz, Aclad (?).
Uzun süre birlik içinde kalan Kıpçaklar, sonraları Batı Sibirya’dan Orta Avrupa’ya uzanan pek geniş bozkırların hakimi olmuşlardır. Onların Kumanlar ile ayrı bir boy birliği devleti de kurduklarını biliyoruz. Altınordu öncesi ve sonrası etnik kuruluşların içinde bu boyun büyük yeri vardır.
Haklarında az bilgimiz olan Yimekleri, Kaşgarlı Mahmud Beg tanıyordu. Birlik dağıldıktan sonra bir kısmı Seyhun boyuna inmişler, bir kısmı da Altınordu’daki Kıpçaklar içinde görülmüşlerdir.
Kimek boy birliğine, sonradan hangi boyların katılmış olabileceğini açıkça bilemiyoruz. Bununla birlikte, Kimek ülkesindeki üç bölgeden birinin adı olan �Kırkızhan� dikkate alınırsa, birliğe bir Kırgız boyunun da katılmış olduğu anlaşılıyor. Oğuzlar’a komşu bölgede yaşayan ve sonraları Kıpçaklar ile birlikte bulunduğu görülen Kanglı boyu da, bu birliğe katılmış olabilir. Nitekim yurtları, Kıpçaklarınkine pek yakın idi.
Kimeklerin, VIII. yüzyılın ortalarında, Doğu Göktürk ve Türgiş devletlerinin tarih sahnesinden çekilmeleri üzerine bağımsızlıklarını ilân eden öteki Türk boyları gibi, bir devlet kurduklarını biliyoruz. Ancak, bu devlet ne nitelikte idi? Çünkü Türk ilk çağı boyunca, Türkler’de iki türde devlet yapısı görülmüştür.
Bunlardan birincisi, bir-iki boydan kurulan �boy begliği�; ötekisi, büyük boylar birliğiyle oluşan �hakanlı devlet� yüksekliğinde idi. Bu ikincisi, pek çok büyük boyun katılmasıyla, geniş bir alana hükmeden ve idaresi aristokrat nitelikte tek bir soya dayalı devlettir. Devlet özelliği bakımından daha köklü, daha geniş teşkilatlı ve daha büyüktür.
Kaynaklarımızdan Ali el-Mes’ûdî, �Murûc� (943) ile �Tenbîh� (956) adlı eserlerinde, onlardan �Kimek Yabguluğu� olarak söz etmiştir. Aynı yüzyılda ve bu devlete daha yakın yerde yazılmış �Hudûd�da (982), Kimek hükümdarının unvanı, �Hakan� olarak verilmiştir. Gerdîzî (1050) ise, herhalde eski bir kaynaktan alarak, başbuğlarına �Baygu� (Yabgu) unvanını veriyor. Bu kayıtlara bakılırsa, ister Yabgu, ister Hakan olsun, ikisi de Kimekler’in Hakanlı devlet düzenine sahip bulunduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.
O halde, özet olarak, Kimek devlet yapısı, Hakanlık derecesindedir. Bir çok büyük boyun birliğinden kurulmuştur. Devlet idaresi aristokrat nitelikte ve Hakan soyu elindedir. Bu büyük devlet, göçerevli, hayvan besleyici boyların iktisadını ve hukukunu ön planda tutar. Bölgelerde, Hakan soyundan kişiler veya birliği oluşturan boyların beyleri hakimdir.
Kimek Devleti’nin devlet teşkilatını, bize, kısaca Hudûd tanıtıyor. Verdiği bilgiye göre, ülkenin başında �Hakan� unvanlı bir hükümdar bulunuyordu. Onun idaresi altındaki ülke, on bir (belki kendisininki ile on iki) il’e ayrılmıştır. Her ili kendi hâkimi idare etmesiyle, illerde on bir �âmil� vardır. Bu orun, idarecinin kendi soyuna mahsustur. Yeri, çocuklarına veraset yoluyla verilir. Her il’in de kendi içinde boy ve uruklara ayrılmış bulunacağı da düşünülebilir.
Kaynaklarda geçen bazı unvanlardan, Kimek Devleti’nin üst orunları hakkında bilgi edinebiliyoruz. Bu unvanları, zaten ilk ortaçağdaki Türk devletlerinde de bulmaktayız. Unvanların başında �Hakan� geliyor. Eski ve asıl şekli �Kağan� olan bu unvan, bağımsız devlet başkanına verilirdi. Hakan’ın saraydaki eşi olan kadın (hatun, katun), ilk çağlardan beri, bütün Türk devletlerinde kullanılmıştır. �Yabgu� (Kimek destanı vb.) ve �Şad� (Kimek destanı) unvanları, oldukça eski bir geçmişin eseri olarak, Hakan’ın yakınlarına, kendi idaresindeki ülkenin bir bölümünü idare etmek üzere verdiği bir vazife unvanı idi. Ancak bunlar, yer ve zamana göre, biri önde, öteki arkada tutulmuştur. Yüksek seviyedeki başka bir unvan da �Tutug�dur (bir okuyuşa göre: Totok) (Kimek destanı ve Mücmelü’t-Tevarih). Bu, bir bölgenin askerî-mülkî idarecisine verilirdi.
Kimekler, gerek kaynaklarındaki bilgilerden ve gerek günümüze kalan dil kalıntılarından açıkça anlaşıldığı üzere, Türk diliyle konuşuyorlardı. Elimizdeki dil kalıntıları dikkatle incelenince, Kimek Türkçesi’nde iki ağız bulunduğu da ortaya çıkıyor. Ülke nüfusunun büyük kısmı, komşu Oğuzlar ile birlikte Ana-Türkçe (Y-Türkçesi) konuşmakta idi. En kuzey batıda bulunan bir kısım Kıpçaklar ile bir kısım Yimekler ise, Bulgar Türçesi (S-Türkçesi) tesirinde bir ağza sahip idiler.
İlk çağlar boyunca, bütün Türk devlet ve boylarında olduğu gibi, Kimekler’de de Kamlık (Şamanizm) dini hakim bulunuyordu. Onların Gök’e (Tanrı’ya) taptıkları, atalar ruhuna ve ateşe de büyük saygı gösterdikleri biliniyor. Kimeklerde �Su kültü� bulunduğu, Gerdizî’nin aktardığı Kimek destanından ortaya çıkıyor. İshak ibn el-Hüseyin’in (XI. yy) yazdığına göre de Kimekler, ölen kişilerin cesetlerini yakarlar ve küllerini büyük akarsulara (İrtiş ırmağına) dökerlermiş. Ünlü Arap gezgini, Ebu Dulaf (Mis’ar b. Muhalhil, 941) Kimeklerde bir Yada taşı bulunduğunu haber veriyor.
Kimek ocaklarında (âile), ataerkil hakimiyet vardı. Bu, ilk çağdan gelen bütün Türk boylarında böyledir.
Onlarda, hayat tarzlarından, başlıca iki unsurun hakim bulunduğu anlaşılıyor. Nüfusun büyük çoğunluğu, göçerevli bir hayat tarzı sürdürürdü. Kuzey kesimindeki ormanlık yerlerde yaşayan Kimekler, oldukça yerleşik bir yaşayışa sahip idiler. Sayıca çok az olan bu oturaklar, daha çok, avcılık ile geçinirlerdi. Bu oturaklar dışındakiler, hayvan besleyiciliği (çobanlık) ile meşgul olurlar, geçimlerini bunların ürünleriyle sağlarlardı. O halde Kimek Devleti’nin asıl iktisadî yapısı, bu hayvan besleyiciliğine ve onlardan alınmış ürünlere dayanmaktaydı. Geçimlerinin bir yolunun da avcılık olduğu bilinmektedir. Kimekler samur (semmûr), kakım ve sincap gibi kürklü hayvanları avlarlardı. Onların kışın karlı günlerinde, kürk hayvanı avına çıktıklarını, Mervezî anlatır. Avcılık, yerleşik Kimeklerde asıl geçim, göçer evlilerde ise yardımcı meşguliyet olarak kabul edilmişti. Ocakların bütün servetlerini, büyük hayvan sürüleri teşkil ederdi. Besledikleri ve ürettikleri hayvanların başında, at, sığır ve koyun gelirdi. Gerdîzî’nin anlattığına göre, İrtiş ırmağının yukarı boyunda, binlerce vahşi at bulunuyordu. Kimekler, kementler ile bu atlardan yakalar ve ehlileştirirlerdi. Yine bu kaynak, onlarda deve bulunmadığını, getirilse bile çok yaşamadığını belirtir.
Göçerevli Kimeklerin besledikleri büyük sayıdaki hayvanları, kışın, kendi sert iklimlerinde korumaları çok güç olurdu. Oğuzlar ile iyi anlaştıkları yıllarda, kış şiddetli olunca,hayvan sürülerini alır, Oğuzların yaylalarına geçerlerdi. Sert soğuklarda bineklerini götürdükleri bir bölge, Oğuz yurduna yakın Ak tag (Ök tag) idi.
Göçerevli Kimekler, hayvan besleyicisi olmaları dolayısıyla, yılı, yaylak ve kışlak denilen belli iki yöre arasında, yarı göçebe geçirirlerdi. Yazın yaylakta otlaklarda, sulak yerlerde ve çayırlarda dolaşırlardı. Bu hayat tarzının bir gereği olarak, büyük çadırlar altında barınırlardı. Keçeden yapılmış büyük otağlardan, küçük çadırlara kadar, değişik barınakları vardı. Kışın karlı günlerini, soğuktan korunabilen vadi ve su kenarlarındaki kışlaklarında geçirirlerdi. Orada toprak altında, ağaçtan su hazneleri yapmışlardı. Soğuğun şiddetlendiği günlerde sular donunca, kendileri ve hayvanlar, bunlardan yararlanırdı.
Hudûd yazarı, Kimekler ile Kırgızlarda giyimin tamamen aynı olduğunu belirtir. Bu tarz giyimin, zaten göçerevli yaşayışın gerektirdiği hususlara uygun birimlerden oluştuğuna göre, eş olması çok tabiidir. Karda, Kimeklerin kayak kullandıkları da belirtilir.
Kimeklerin yiyeceklerinin başında, hayvanlardan elde ettikleri besinler gelirdi. Bol miktarda koyun, sığır ve at eti yerler, sütlerini de içerlerdi. Yaylakta semirmiş hayvanların eti ve sütü, en iyi gıdadır. Etler kurutulup saklanarak kışın da yenirdi. Bu et kurutma usulü, bugün bizde de yapılan �pastırma� biçiminde olmalıdır. İçecekleri arasında süt ve bundan yapılmış olan besinler vardı. Kimekler, at sütü de içerler ve bundan hazırladıkları mayalı içkiye de �kımız� derlerdi. Kımız, besin değeri yüksek bir içkidir.
Kimekler’in, başta komşuları olmak üzere, birçok millet ile alış-veriş yaptıkları anlaşılıyor. Çevre ülkeler ile canlı hayvan ve ürünleri (et, deri, yapağı, halı, dokuma vb.) üzerine ticaret yapılırdı. Ayrıca, avladıkları kürklü hayvanların postlarını da ihraç ederlerdi. Bunlara karşılık, dışarıdan, başka ihtiyaç maddeleri alırlardı. Ticarette paradan çok, değiş-tokuşun esas alındığı düşünülebilir. İslâm tüccarlarının Oğuz, Kimek ve Kırgız illeri gibi ana yollar dışında kalmış olan Türk yurtlarında, toplu halde, çetin yollarda aylarca dolaşarak ticaret yaptıklarını, pazar açtıklarını biliyoruz. İslâm coğrafyacılarının haber kaynağı olan bu tacirlerin, güvenlik içinde dolaşmaları da ayrıca dikkate değer bir husustur. Gerdizî ile Mervezî, Kimek ülkesinde tuz bulunmadığını, bunu dışarıdan temin ettiklerini belirtirler. Bu madde, onlar için o derecede değerli idi ki, samur kürk ile değiştirmeye razı oluyorlardı.
25 Kasım 2015 Çarşamba
Kimek Khanate
Kimek Khanate
The Kimek Khanate, also spelled "Kimäk Khanate" and Kimak Kaganate was a prominent medieval Turkic state formed by the Kimek and Kipchak people in the area of the Ob-Irtysh interfluvial. It existed as the "Kimak Kaganate" from approximately 743 to 1050 AD, and as the "Kimak Khanate" until the Mongol conquest in the early thirteenth century. Arab and Persian geographers, travelers and historians provide an abundance of information about the Kimaks. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] The name "Kimaks" was not known to medieval Chinese geographers, just as the name "Chumuhun " was not known by Arabian and Persian geographers. Both names referred to the same Kimak tribe. [Gumilev L.N. "Ancient Turks", Moscow, 'Science', 1967, Ch.27 http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/OT/ot27.htm] From 840 to 916 one power, the Kimak Kaganate, dominated the heartland of Asia, controlled a key central portion of the Silk Road, and influenced events from China to Persia and Europe, on a par with the Scythian s and Mongols. The Kimak polity can now be seen for what it was: one of the great pastoral nomadic empires of all time. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.371]
In the beginning, the Kimak state incorporated seven related tribes: Kimaks,Yamak , Kipchaks , Tatar (Kimek Khanate), Bayandur , Lanikaz , and Ajlad . At its height, the Kimak Kaganate had 12 nuclear tribes, and extended from the Irtysh river and Altai mountains in the east to the Black Sea steppe in the west, into the taiga fringes in the north, and southward it reached into the desert-steppe. After their decline, the Jeti-Su Kimaks retreated back to the upper Irtysh region, and the western Kipchak-Kimaks settled in the North Pontic steppes. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, pp.371-373] The Kimaks were originally Tengrians, with some Buddhist and Christian communities. In the eleventh century Islam made some inroads.
Prehistory
Originally, the Kimaks lived along Irtysh between theAltai and Tarbagatai mountain ranges. During time of the Great Türkic Kaganate (552-743), the Hun nish tribes Chuüe, Chumi, Chumuhun and Chuban, called Üeban, or "Weak Huns", and "Chumuhun " by Chinese historians, played a major role as part of the Shato Türk and Kimak tribal unions. Chinese historians located the Üebans west of the Tarbagatai and Altai. The civilization created by the Great Türkic Kaganate was carried on by many peoples, including Kipchaks , Kimaks, Uyghurs, Bajanaks, Oguz, Karluks , Kyrgyz , Türgeshes, Khazars , Bulgars and others, who inherited it after the destruction of Kaganate. In the middle of the seventh century the Kimaks lived near the Irtysh , north of the Altai , and were members of the Western Türkic Kaganate. After the disintegration in 743 AD of the Western Türkic Kaganate, a part of the Kimaks remained in its successor, the Uyghur Kaganate (740-840), and another part retained their independence. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] During that period a nucleus of the Kimak tribes was consolidated. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.26] The head of the Kimak confederation had the title "Shad Tutuk", "i.e." "Prince Governing, or Ruling”. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] The tribe Imak (Yemak, Kimak) became the head of the union, and later of the Kimak Kaganate. In another transcription the tribal name sounds like "Kai", which in Mongolian means "snake". Possibly during consolidation of seven tribes appeared the expression: "A snake has seven heads", cited by Mahmud Kashgari in his fundamental work "The Genealogy of Türks". [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.26] At the end of the tenth century, not only the Caliphate writers and scientists were knowledgeable about them, but in the Central Asian states the travel to the Kimak country was especially well known and discussed in the markets and "chaihanas" (tea houses). [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.25]
Kimak Kaganate Period
Initial Period
Before the middle of the 8 c., Kimaks bordered decentralizedKarluks and Tokuz-Oguzes on the south, and the Yenisei Kyrgyz state on the east. After the 743 AD splinter of the Western Türkic Kaganate, the main body of the Kimaks remained in the Irtysh area, and a part of Kimak tribes in the 2nd half of the 8th – the beginning of the 9th c. migrated in two directions, northwest to the Urals and southwest to the northern Jety-Su. The migration impact propagated to change the ethnic composition of the Middle Itil and Lower Kama areas in the west. Spreading from the Irtysh area, Kimaks occupied territory between the rivers Yaik and Emba , and the Aral and Caspian steppes, to the Jety-Su area. During the 7-12 cc. Kimak and Kypchak culture was identical. The southern neighbors of Kimaks were decentralized Karluks, who preserved their independence for another 200 years. Kimak Khakan's residence was in the city Imakia on Irtysh. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
Middle Period
After the 840 AD breakup of theUyghur Kaganate , the Central Asian tribes found themselves unattached. Kimaks, of all the numerous tribes, were ready to head a new political tribal union, and they created a new Kimak Kaganate state, a federation of seven tribes, seven Khanlyks. Abu Said Gardizi (d. 1061) wrote that Kimak federation consisted of seven tribes: ‘Kimaks (Imak, Imek, Yemek), Imi, Tatars , Bayandur , Kypchak , Lanikaz’ and ‘Adjlad’. Chinese historians called "Chumuhun" the remaining descendants of those Üeban "Weak Huns" who lived west of Tarbagatai and Altai and remained independent from the Uyghur Kaganate, and in that area had formed the historical Kimaks. Thus, as descendants of the Huns, among all the Hunnish tribes Kimaks continued their history the longest. The Tatars' name is mentioned for a first time in connection with the events in middle of the 6 c. in the Kül-Tegin and Bilge-Kagan inscriptions in Kosho-Tsaydam. Tatar tribes participated not only in the creation of Kimak state, but also in ethnogenesis of the Kimaks. In 821 Arabian Tamim ibn Bahr Al-Mutavai ‘(al-Muttavi )’ traveled to Tokuz-Oguzes through Kimak and Kypchak lands. His description of travel, description of Türks were later used by other authors. The Persian traveler Gardizi made first records about Kimaks, noting their location which previously was on record as the territory of the Huns' descendants, called by the Chinese authors "Chumuhun ". Tamim ibn Bahr in first half of 9th c. also was one of the first authors who mentioned Kimaks. In the 9 c. Kimaks allied with Oguzes. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
The dominating Kimak tribe mostly lived on the banks of Irtysh. The Kipchaks, described by Hudud al-Alam, occupied a separate territory located to the west, approximately in the southeastern part of the SouthernUrals . Chinese chroniclers wrote about the mountains of the Kipchak land, in the chronicle Üan-shi these mountains are named Üyli-Boli, and the Kipchaks are called "Tsyn-cha". North of Kipchaks and Kimaks lay endless taiga forest. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.27]
After the breakup of theUyghur Kaganate in the 840 AD, portions of the Türkic tribes Eymür, Bayandur and Tatar joined the core of the Kimak tribes. The Tatar tribes already were the members of the Kimak confederation, some of them had already participated in the initial formation of the Kimak Kaganate. Kypchaks also had their Khanlyk, but politically they were dependent from Kimaks. In the second half of the 9 c. the reinforced Kimaks began drifting westwards. They occupied lands of Bajanak (‘Besenyo, Badjinak, Patsinak’) nomadic cattle breeders, whose nucleus were the tribes of the Kangar political union. The Bajanak position worsened, their union was defeated by an alliance of Oguzes, Kimaks and Karluks. Kimaks, together with Oguzes, seized Kangar Bajanak lands along Seyhun (Syr-Darya ), and in the Aral area, taking over the pastures in the Southern Urals . Under pressure of Kimaks, the Bajanaks moved from the Aral to the Lower Itil steppes, and from there on to the Don-Dnieper interfluvial, pushing the Magyars westward. At the end of the 9 c. in the south of the Eastern European steppes formed a new nomadic union of Bajanaks, called by the Arabs “Badjnaks”, and by the Byzantines “Patsinaks”. Their neighbors were stronger and better known people: Oguzes, Kypchaks, Magyars and the Khazar Kaganate. Under pressure from joined assaults by Kypchaks and their linguistic Oguz cousins of the Kimak Kaganate, and using the weakness of the Khazar Kaganate, Bajanaks moved through its territory to the west, wringing destruction to the settled populations of Bulgars and Alans in the N.Caucasus. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
In the 10th c. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks. In his 10th century work,Ibn Haukal drew a map showing that Kipchak-Kimak tribes together with Oguzes pastured in the steppes north of the Aral Sea, and al-Masudi at approximately the same time wrote that all of them were coaching along Emba and Yaik. In Middle East, the Kypchak country began to be called Desht-i-Kypchak. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] Biruni noted that Oguzes quite often pastured in the country of Kimaks. Some clans of Kimak tribes quite often coached along the coast of the Caspian Sea: "Shahname " even calls that sea as Kimak Sea". The main western neighbors of Kimak-Kipchaks in the 10th c. were Bashkirs , with whom at that time the westernmost Kipchak clans established very close contacts. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.27]
The economy of the Kimak confederation, with their settlements and pastures stretched for thousands kilometers from Irtysh to the Caspian Sea, and from taiga to the Kazakhstan semi-deserts, was uneven between the eastern areas and the western areas, and between the northern forest-steppe and the southern foothills of theTian-Shan mountains. The Persian Anonym specially emphasized that Kipchaks living in the extreme western areas of the Kaganate lead a more primitive way of life than the Kimaks who live near Irtysh, where the city Imakiya was the center of the Kimak union, and a summer seat of the Kimak Kagan. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.28]
In the 12th century the territory of the khanate included southernUrals , E.Volga area, Mangyshlaq, and the region northwest of the Aral Sea . Their centers included Kimäk and Sangir . Most of the population was semi-nomadic, a minority were sedentary farmers, many of the city dwellers were craftsmen. In the northern parts of Kimek territory were underground towns of tunnel networks and chambers to escape the cold.
The Kimeks were ruled by a "Kagan , alco called "Khakan" in the eastern records, not of the Ashina dynasty. In the 10th and 11th centuries the ruling clan was Tatar Kimek. Later they appear to have been ruled by the Ilbari (Ilburi) clan.
During the tenth centuryKipchaks became independent within the Kaganate, and began migration westward. A part Kipchaks intermixed with Kangars (Kangly , Kangüy) became known as Cumans . The zenith of Kimak power came under the Ilburi rulers near the end of the eleventh century. In 1183, the Kimaks attacked Volga Bulgaria , and they twice sacked Chorasm, in the 1152 and 1197.
Decline
The Kimak federation occupied a huge territory from the riversTobol and Irtysh to the Caspian Sea and Seyhun, from taiga to the Kazakhstan semi-deserts. The northern border of the Kimak federation was the Siberian taiga, the eastern border was the Altai Mountains, the southern border was the lifeless steppe Bet Pak. The borders of the Kimak state were naturally protected from the enemies, Kimaks lived undisturbed. In the expanded borders of their settlement, Kimaks neighbored with Karluks, Oguzes and Kyrgyzes. Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bajanaks, Ugrs and other peoples and ethnic groups of the multi-ethnic Kimak Kaganate lived peacefully, the Kimak Kaganate was prospering.
When in the beginning of the 11th c. AD Kimaks and Kypchaks pushed Oguzes to the south, Bajanaks to the west, Karluks to the southeast, and Ugrs to the north into the Siberian taiga, they became owners of the ancientKangüy . Individual Khanlyks of the Kimak Kaganate grew stronger, separatist forces increased, undermining central authority. Khakan became only a military leader of the militia, there was no central army, each subject Khan had his small army of militia soldiers. Kimaks and then Kidanes pressed Kipchaks to move west. In the beginning of the 11 c. the Kypchak Khanlyk moved west, occupying lands that earlier belonged to Oguzes. After seizing Oguz lands, Kypchaks grew considerably stronger, and the Kimaks became dependents of the Kypchaks. The Kipchak migration was a planned invasion, a capture of richer pastures. A part of the Kimaks remained in the ancient land along Irtysh, and a part left with the Kypchaks to the west. A larger portion of the Kimak Kaganate Türkic tribes, the Kimaks, Kypchaks, Bajanaks, and Oguzes migrated to the west, to beyond Yaik, Itil, Don and Dniepr, changing the ethnic map of the Eastern Europe. Southern Karluks joined the Karakhanid state.
A significant mass of the Kypchaks and Kimaks remained in the Irtysh territories, with the ancient population of the Western Siberia. Subsequently, they formedSiberian Tatars and other Türkic peoples. In the west, Kypchaks followed the path taken previously by the Bajanaks under a pressure of Oguzes, and later taken by Oguzes under a pressure of Kimaks and Kypchaks. Kypchak crossed Itil, crossed Don, Dniestr, Dniepr, reached Danube. On the way Kypchaks were joined by the remains of the Bajanaks and Oguzes. The Rus chronicles under year 1054 record an appearance near Kyiv of the Oguz people, who were pushed by Kipchaks, a branch of middle Irtysh and Ob Kimaks. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
Al-Marvazi (end of the 11th c, a court doctor of the Seljuk Sultans), and Armenian historian Matvey Edessian (middle of the 11th c.) both recorded the same event with semantically identical names. Al-Marvazi tells that Kais (snakes) and Kuns pressed the tribe Shars (Türkic ‘sary = pale, yellow’), and those, in turn, occupied the lands of the Turkmen, Oguzes and Badjanaks. Matvey Edessian tells that the people of snakes pressed the "red-haired" (i.e.yellow), and the "red-haired" moved on the Oguzes, who together with Badjanaks attacked Byzantium. The Kais are Kimaks, and Shars are Kipchaks, with Slavic copy of the word "Kipchak" as "Polovets" (Slav. "polovye") with a meaning light yellow. Besides Sharys, "i.e." the yellow Kipchaks, in the advance to the West participated other Kimak hordes (Kais, Kuns), and other members of the Kaganate. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.34]
In this global migration to the fecund western pastures Kipchaks were most active participants, a number of sources calls them "yellow". Many researchers believe that Kipchaks were blonds and blue-eyed, originally "Dinlins ", who lived in the steppes of Southern Siberia in the end of the 1st millennium BC, and who were, according to the Chinese chroniclers, blonds. Certainly among Kipchaks were some blond individuals, however a great bulk of the Türkic-speaking people had an admixture of Mongoloidness (according to anthropologists), the Kimak-Kipchaks were dark-haired and brown-eyed. Possibly the color characteristic was a symbolical definition of a part of the Kipchaks. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.35]
Kimak Kaganate fall in the middle of the 11th c was caused by external factor, by migration of the Central Asian Mongolian-speaking nomads pushed by the Mongolian-speaking Kidan state Lyao formed in the 916 AD in the Northern China. The Kidan nomads occupied Kimak and Kypchak lands west of Irtysh. The Kaganate thereafter declined, and Kimeks were probably at times subjected toKyrgyz and Kara-Khitai overlordship. In the 11th-12th cc. a Mongol-speaking Naiman tribe in its westward move displaced Kimaks-Kypchaks from the Mongolian Altai and Upper Irtysh. From the middle of the 12th c. the Mongolian tribes predominated almost in all the territory of the modern Mongolia. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
In the 13th century the remnant of the Kimak Khanate was conquered byMongols and its lands were assigned to the Ulus of Jochi . See Golden Horde for the area's subsequent history. A significant part of the population in the Kipchak Khanate state, created by Mongols, was from the Kimak Kaganate lands. [Faizrakhmanov G., "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] The Kimak leader Bachman Khan resisted some years after the Mongols conquered the region.
Economy
The Kimak economy was classic Central Asian pastoral nomadism, with the Turkic pattern of widely varied local economic specialization and adaptation [Buell 1993] . The key animal was horse and the main subsistence animal was sheep. As a subsistence animal, fatty-tailed sheep provided meat for food, oil for cooking, and tallow for light. Poorest Kimaks, perhaps the ones so poor they had no horses, herded cattle. They wintered in the steppe betweenEmba and Yaik rivers, but summered near Irtysh. The summer home of the Kimak Khakans was in the town of Imak, in the middle Irtysh, the winter capital was Tamim on the southern shore of lake Balkhash . [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, pp.377-385] Archeologically confirmed, Kimaks in the Irtysh area were semi-settled, Al-Idrisi in the 12th century wrote as a well-known fact about Kimak cultivated lands, wheat crops, millet, barley, legumes, and even rice. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.28] Kimaks also raised grapes, were beekeepers. Kimaks left remains of irrigation systems and ruins of castles. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] Al-Idrisi describes in detail the Kimak cities, emphasizing that all of them are well fortified, and in the Kagan’s city, with its concentration of all Kimak aristocracy, were markets and temples. Sedentary life led to construction of more fundamental dwellings, in the settlements and cities clay-walled semi-dugouts were widely used alongside felt yurts . Typically, both type of dwellings had a hearth in the center, like in yurts. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.28]
Kipchaks of both written sources and archeological evidence continued pastoral cattle breeding with some elements of sedentary life. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.29] Desht-i-Kipchak steppes were well organized for prosperous nomadic cattle breeding. The steppe was subdivided into locations with certain pasture routes,yaylag (‘yaylak, yailag, or jailik, djailik’) summer settlements and (‘aul , atar, kishlak ’) winter settlements. Near permanent yaylak and kishlak settlements were kurgan cemeteries. In the settlements and along the steppe shlyakhs ('roads') and coaching routes Kipchaks erected ancestor sanctuaries with stone statues representing the diseased. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] Favorite animal of Kimak populace was horse. Horses were used for riding and draught, in agriculture, and a horse meat was considered the best. Among the crafts the first was leather processing, felt manufacturing, clothing and footwear, horse harnesses of leather and felt. Kimaks and other tribes of the Kaganate produced weapons, implements, and agricultural tools. In the forest-steppe areas was widely spread woodworking. Utensils, yurt parts, etc. were made of wood. Iron, gold, and silver were mined and processed. Kimak cities were mostly located along the trading ways. The trade was mostly barter, farmers exchanged grain and flour for lambs and leather, but the monetary trade was active as well.
Under influence of active trading relations with Muslim Arabs, the Kimak Kaganate was drawn into a slave-trading business. The "objectionable" people, and even relatives were sold into slavery. Slave-trade became a destiny of multitudes, they were sold by Kidanes, who were running endless manhunt attacks and roundups. That tragedy lasted for 200 years, ca 850-1050. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
Culture
The Kimak were literate.Abu Dulaf ca 940, and Ibn al-Fakikh indirectly described writing in the Kimak Kaganate: "They have reeds with which they write" in the Old Turkish ( [Orkhon] ) script. Archeologists found bronze mirrors with inscriptions, dated by the 10th-11th c. AD, near Urdjar in the Tarbagatai mountains, and in the Irtysh region. L. Kimball stipulates that literate Kimak had works of law, religion, history, and epic poetry, none of which had survived. Although the Kimak had copper coins, most trade was done by barter.
A key facet of Kimak life was hunting. Large group hunts served as training for war. Pride, prestige, and leadership were associated with the use of falcons, hawks, golden eagles, and hunting dogs, and with the pursuit of beasts of prey, including tiger and snow-leopard.
Kimak Khans wore golden crowns and clothes sewn with gold. Al Idrisi relayed that Kimaks extract gold with mercury and float it in dung.
Kimak towns arose from a symbiosis of local predominantly Turkic Kimak populations, pre-existing autochthonous culture, and people from elsewhere in Central Asia. A characteristic feature was that all towns were well-fortified, and in each a prince-chieftain headed a garrison. Towns were situated on lake shores, river banks, in border areas, and in impregnable mountain areas. A fortified wall with an iron gate surrounded the largest capital town Tamim of the Khakan, where also lived aristocrats. In the hills stood castle-forts surrounded by moats.
Kimaks on the of the Seihun steppe traded in sheep. Kimak presence on the Itil enabled them to use local major trade routes, and put them in contact with the Byzantine and Viking worlds (Buell 1993).
Kimaks made cheese, beverages from fermented mare's milk, some of which probably were distilled to high potency, and beverages from rice, millet, barley, and honey. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, pp.378-385]
Confessions
The western neighbors of Kyrgyzes, "i.e." Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bajanaks, Karluks, etc., who were located closer to the Muslim countries, in the 9th c. still professed Tengrianism. Kimak religion was the same as majority of Türks, in the steppes from the Baikal to Danube the Türks believed in Tengri. Kimaks had a tradition of reverence ancestors. On the border with Uyghurs, Kimaks adopted Manichean version of Christianity. [Faizrakhmanov G., "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] Kimaks also worshipped rocks with images (apparently, ancient petroglyphs) and images of human foot.Al-Idrisi spoke about belief in various spirits, and also about acceptance by some Kimaks of Manichaeism and Islam. Apparently, the last two religions started penetrating Kimaks in the 10th century, and spread among them much later, and then only in the central areas, in the Irtysh and Balkhash area. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.32]
Kurgan graves and sanctuaries
The most typical and notable feature of the Kimak-Kipchak culture are the obelisks, erected at kurgan sanctuaries with square fencing of rough stone and gravel. In the 6th-9th centuries similar sanctuaries with statues of the diseased soldiers and numerous "balbals" (a line of stone obelisks symbolizing enemies killed by the diseased ancestor) stretching from the fence were built by the Türks and Uyghurs. After destruction of the Türkic and Uyghur Kaganates, Kipchaks were one of the few Türkic-speaking peoples who preserved this tradition. Kipchaks continued kurgan tradition until the loss of their political independence.
From the end of the 9th century a construction of small fenced sanctuaries devoted to ancestors, with a statue (or statues) inside became a distinctive feature of the Kipchaks. The obelisks were simple rough stelae, frequently with figures without details. The faces are indicated by deeply carved lines, frequently in a shape of "hearts". Female statues differed from the men's by round "breasts". [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] The sanctuaries were built only for the rich and noble nomads.
Nizami described Kimak reverence to their ancestors. Kimak erected many statues, they were believed to have special power, and were honored accordingly. "All Kipchak tribes, when they happen to pass there, bow down twice in front of this obelisk. Mounted or on foot, they bow to it as to a Creator. A horseman takes an arrow from his quiver in honor of it, shepherds with flocks leave a sheep behind". [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.381]
Near Irtysh, cremation burials have been found, some Kimaks cremated their dead. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.380]
Burial customs of Kimaks, Kipchaks, and Oguzes in Kimak Kaganate
S.A.Pletneva developed a comparative description of Middle Age N. Pontic burials customs including Kimaks and Kipchaks, and other ethnical kurgan burial traditions. The funerary accompanying objects are those necessary for a nomad during a trip (to the next world): horse harnesses, weapons, less frequently personal decorations and vessels with ritual food. Next to the diseased was laid his true tovarich (Türk., ‘comrade’), a horse. The belief in need to supply the diseased with the things necessary on the road and at least for initial life in the other world is given by Ibn Fadlan, a most inquisitive and truthful Arab traveler in the beginning of the 10th century. He described not a Kimak-Kipchak, but an Oguz funeral ceremony. However, from the excavations of the nomadic kurgans we know that the funeral ceremony of the Türkic-speaking peoples generally was extraordinarily monotonous, and it means that the general provisions, which the nomads held for the construction of the funeral complexes, were actually identical. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] Citing Ibn Fadlan: "And if a person from their number would die, for him is dug a big hole in a shape of a house, he would be dressed in his jacket, his belt, his bow... and would put in his hand a wooden cup with nabiz, would put before him a wooden vessel with nabiz, would bring everything that he has, and would lay it with him in that house... Then would place him in it and cover the house above him with decking, and pile above it something like a dome of clay". This is a description of the sepulchral niche andkurgan above. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] "Then they would take horses, and depending on their number would kill a hundred of them, or two hundred, or one, and would eat their meat, except for the head, legs, hide, and tail. And, truly, they stretch all this on wooden frames and say: "These are his horses on whom he would go to paradise". And if he ever killed men and was brave, they would carve images from wood numbering those whom he killed, would place them on his tomb and would say: "These are his youngsters who would serve him in paradise".
The nomads were always accompanied on the way into another world with slaughtered horses, and sometimes with others animals, and also enemies killed by him, represented by simple stelae or rough human images of stone or wood (balbals). The horses were necessary for speedy crossing, for coaching from one world to another, the more of them were, the better. Between Oguzes, the images of diseased were not installed neither over the tombs, nor in special sanctuaries. That custom was only among the population of the Kimak Kaganate, and mainly among the Kipchaks. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.31]
Khan-Priest
Türkic khans, including Kimak Khan, had a special role as a High Priest and bearer of prophecy. Shabib al-Karani left a probably distorted description of a ritual: The Khakan (Arabic pronunciation of the title "Kagan") of the Turks has a specific day when they light a huge bonfire. Khakan speaks an oracular phrase into the fire. Then he looks intently staring into the fire, and turns away from the fire. If his face becomes yellow, it is a sign of fertility and good, if it becomes white, harvest will fail, if it becomes green means illness and epidemics, and if it becomes black, it indicates a death of the Khakan or a distant journey. When the latter happens, Khakan hastens to go on a journey or a raid. Kimak shamans had "yada", "rain stones", which were used to bring rain when it was needed. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.381 ]
List of known rulers
*Alip Qara Uran
*Alip Derek
*Inalchiq
*Abarkhan
*Bachman Khan
Literature
*Faizrakhmanov G., "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia" Kazan, 'Master Lain', 2000, ISBN 5-93139-069-3
*Gumilev L.N., "Ancient Turks", Moscow, 'Science', 1967
*Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994
*Kumenkov B. E., "Kimak State if the 9-11th centuries according to Arabic sources", Alma-Ata, 'Science', 1972
*Pletneva S.A., "Kipchaks", Moscow, , 1990, ISBN 5-02-009542-7
References
See also
*History of Russia
*History of Kazakhstan
In the beginning, the Kimak state incorporated seven related tribes: Kimaks,
Prehistory
Originally, the Kimaks lived along Irtysh between the
Kimak Kaganate Period
Initial Period
Before the middle of the 8 c., Kimaks bordered decentralized
Middle Period
After the 840 AD breakup of the
The dominating Kimak tribe mostly lived on the banks of Irtysh. The Kipchaks, described by Hudud al-Alam, occupied a separate territory located to the west, approximately in the southeastern part of the Southern
After the breakup of the
In the 10th c. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks. In his 10th century work,
The economy of the Kimak confederation, with their settlements and pastures stretched for thousands kilometers from Irtysh to the Caspian Sea, and from taiga to the Kazakhstan semi-deserts, was uneven between the eastern areas and the western areas, and between the northern forest-steppe and the southern foothills of the
In the 12th century the territory of the khanate included southern
The Kimeks were ruled by a "
During the tenth century
Decline
The Kimak federation occupied a huge territory from the rivers
When in the beginning of the 11th c. AD Kimaks and Kypchaks pushed Oguzes to the south, Bajanaks to the west, Karluks to the southeast, and Ugrs to the north into the Siberian taiga, they became owners of the ancient
A significant mass of the Kypchaks and Kimaks remained in the Irtysh territories, with the ancient population of the Western Siberia. Subsequently, they formed
In this global migration to the fecund western pastures Kipchaks were most active participants, a number of sources calls them "yellow". Many researchers believe that Kipchaks were blonds and blue-eyed, originally "
Kimak Kaganate fall in the middle of the 11th c was caused by external factor, by migration of the Central Asian Mongolian-speaking nomads pushed by the Mongolian-speaking Kidan state Lyao formed in the 916 AD in the Northern China. The Kidan nomads occupied Kimak and Kypchak lands west of Irtysh. The Kaganate thereafter declined, and Kimeks were probably at times subjected to
In the 13th century the remnant of the Kimak Khanate was conquered by
Economy
The Kimak economy was classic Central Asian pastoral nomadism, with the Turkic pattern of widely varied local economic specialization and adaptation [Buell 1993] . The key animal was horse and the main subsistence animal was sheep. As a subsistence animal, fatty-tailed sheep provided meat for food, oil for cooking, and tallow for light. Poorest Kimaks, perhaps the ones so poor they had no horses, herded cattle. They wintered in the steppe between
Kipchaks of both written sources and archeological evidence continued pastoral cattle breeding with some elements of sedentary life. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.29] Desht-i-Kipchak steppes were well organized for prosperous nomadic cattle breeding. The steppe was subdivided into locations with certain pasture routes,
Under influence of active trading relations with Muslim Arabs, the Kimak Kaganate was drawn into a slave-trading business. The "objectionable" people, and even relatives were sold into slavery. Slave-trade became a destiny of multitudes, they were sold by Kidanes, who were running endless manhunt attacks and roundups. That tragedy lasted for 200 years, ca 850-1050. [Faizrakhmanov G. "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"]
Culture
The Kimak were literate.
A key facet of Kimak life was hunting. Large group hunts served as training for war. Pride, prestige, and leadership were associated with the use of falcons, hawks, golden eagles, and hunting dogs, and with the pursuit of beasts of prey, including tiger and snow-leopard.
Kimak Khans wore golden crowns and clothes sewn with gold. Al Idrisi relayed that Kimaks extract gold with mercury and float it in dung.
Kimak towns arose from a symbiosis of local predominantly Turkic Kimak populations, pre-existing autochthonous culture, and people from elsewhere in Central Asia. A characteristic feature was that all towns were well-fortified, and in each a prince-chieftain headed a garrison. Towns were situated on lake shores, river banks, in border areas, and in impregnable mountain areas. A fortified wall with an iron gate surrounded the largest capital town Tamim of the Khakan, where also lived aristocrats. In the hills stood castle-forts surrounded by moats.
Kimaks on the of the Seihun steppe traded in sheep. Kimak presence on the Itil enabled them to use local major trade routes, and put them in contact with the Byzantine and Viking worlds (Buell 1993).
Kimaks made cheese, beverages from fermented mare's milk, some of which probably were distilled to high potency, and beverages from rice, millet, barley, and honey. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, pp.378-385]
Confessions
The western neighbors of Kyrgyzes, "i.e." Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bajanaks, Karluks, etc., who were located closer to the Muslim countries, in the 9th c. still professed Tengrianism. Kimak religion was the same as majority of Türks, in the steppes from the Baikal to Danube the Türks believed in Tengri. Kimaks had a tradition of reverence ancestors. On the border with Uyghurs, Kimaks adopted Manichean version of Christianity. [Faizrakhmanov G., "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia"] Kimaks also worshipped rocks with images (apparently, ancient petroglyphs) and images of human foot.
Kurgan graves and sanctuaries
The most typical and notable feature of the Kimak-Kipchak culture are the obelisks, erected at kurgan sanctuaries with square fencing of rough stone and gravel. In the 6th-9th centuries similar sanctuaries with statues of the diseased soldiers and numerous "balbals" (a line of stone obelisks symbolizing enemies killed by the diseased ancestor) stretching from the fence were built by the Türks and Uyghurs. After destruction of the Türkic and Uyghur Kaganates, Kipchaks were one of the few Türkic-speaking peoples who preserved this tradition. Kipchaks continued kurgan tradition until the loss of their political independence.
From the end of the 9th century a construction of small fenced sanctuaries devoted to ancestors, with a statue (or statues) inside became a distinctive feature of the Kipchaks. The obelisks were simple rough stelae, frequently with figures without details. The faces are indicated by deeply carved lines, frequently in a shape of "hearts". Female statues differed from the men's by round "breasts". [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] The sanctuaries were built only for the rich and noble nomads.
Near Irtysh, cremation burials have been found, some Kimaks cremated their dead. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.380]
Burial customs of Kimaks, Kipchaks, and Oguzes in Kimak Kaganate
S.A.Pletneva developed a comparative description of Middle Age N. Pontic burials customs including Kimaks and Kipchaks, and other ethnical kurgan burial traditions. The funerary accompanying objects are those necessary for a nomad during a trip (to the next world): horse harnesses, weapons, less frequently personal decorations and vessels with ritual food. Next to the diseased was laid his true tovarich (Türk., ‘comrade’), a horse. The belief in need to supply the diseased with the things necessary on the road and at least for initial life in the other world is given by Ibn Fadlan, a most inquisitive and truthful Arab traveler in the beginning of the 10th century. He described not a Kimak-Kipchak, but an Oguz funeral ceremony. However, from the excavations of the nomadic kurgans we know that the funeral ceremony of the Türkic-speaking peoples generally was extraordinarily monotonous, and it means that the general provisions, which the nomads held for the construction of the funeral complexes, were actually identical. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.30] Citing Ibn Fadlan: "And if a person from their number would die, for him is dug a big hole in a shape of a house, he would be dressed in his jacket, his belt, his bow... and would put in his hand a wooden cup with nabiz, would put before him a wooden vessel with nabiz, would bring everything that he has, and would lay it with him in that house... Then would place him in it and cover the house above him with decking, and pile above it something like a dome of clay". This is a description of the sepulchral niche and
The nomads were always accompanied on the way into another world with slaughtered horses, and sometimes with others animals, and also enemies killed by him, represented by simple stelae or rough human images of stone or wood (balbals). The horses were necessary for speedy crossing, for coaching from one world to another, the more of them were, the better. Between Oguzes, the images of diseased were not installed neither over the tombs, nor in special sanctuaries. That custom was only among the population of the Kimak Kaganate, and mainly among the Kipchaks. [S.A.Pletneva, "Kipchaks", p.31]
Khan-Priest
Türkic khans, including Kimak Khan, had a special role as a High Priest and bearer of prophecy. Shabib al-Karani left a probably distorted description of a ritual: The Khakan (Arabic pronunciation of the title "Kagan") of the Turks has a specific day when they light a huge bonfire. Khakan speaks an oracular phrase into the fire. Then he looks intently staring into the fire, and turns away from the fire. If his face becomes yellow, it is a sign of fertility and good, if it becomes white, harvest will fail, if it becomes green means illness and epidemics, and if it becomes black, it indicates a death of the Khakan or a distant journey. When the latter happens, Khakan hastens to go on a journey or a raid. Kimak shamans had "yada", "rain stones", which were used to bring rain when it was needed. [Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994, p.381 ]
List of known rulers
*
*
*
*
*
Literature
*Faizrakhmanov G., "Ancient Turks in Sibiria and Central Asia" Kazan, 'Master Lain', 2000, ISBN 5-93139-069-3
*Gumilev L.N., "Ancient Turks", Moscow, 'Science', 1967
*Kimball L., "The Vanished Kimak Empire", Western Washington U., 1994
*Kumenkov B. E., "Kimak State if the 9-11th centuries according to Arabic sources", Alma-Ata, 'Science', 1972
*Pletneva S.A., "Kipchaks", Moscow, , 1990, ISBN 5-02-009542-7
References
See also
*
*
kımaks
KIMAKS
Kimek, Yimek, Imek, and other variations
Subdivisions and ethnic affiliates
1800 BC-1070 AD
W Huns 5c AD Kushan 6c AD Kushan 6c AD Avaria 6c AD Kyrgyz Kaganate
ca 600 AD Uigur Kaganate
ca 740 AD Kimak Kaganate
ca 750 AD
Links
http://www.tataroved.ru/publicat/turky.pdf
Mini-Glossary
Teles - eastern Tegin - Prince
Tardush - western Khanlyk - Khandom
Yabgy - Western Ruler
Shad - Eastern Ruler
Forword
Unfortunately, most of the dates are approximate, lined up to indicate a relative order of the news or events, and their accuracy varies from half of a decade to quarter of a century to a century, indicated by trailing zeroes in the date. Thus, 1800 BC could conservatively be 1850 to 1750, but could easily be 1900 to 1700, and even worse. Similarly, 650 could conservatively be 630 to 670, but could easily be 620 to 680, and 670 could conservatively be 665 to 675, but could easily be 660 to 680. The exact dates are shown exactly, as given in the sources, ending in zero only in 10% of the cases.
Records of Rus annals, which do not discriminate between Kumans and Kipchaks but call either one "Polovets", are rendered here as Kipchaks, unless a complimentary record allows discernment between these two groups.
DATELINE
Time Events
-1800 In 18-17 centuries BC there was a displacement of Dinlins from China. Eastern group of Dinlins migrated to territory from Baikal to Ob. It led to mixture of populations. Anthropologist G.F.Debets noted distinction between Karasuk and Andronov skulls. Heads of Karasuks are higher above and narrower. Short-headed wide faces also exist. Andronov skulls are short-headed wide faces. Arrival of dolichocephalics Debets explains by infiltration of Mongoloid Dinlin elements of N.Chinese type and preservation of old Afanasiev types..
-1300 At end of bronze age in Southern Siberia almost synchronously existed Andronov Culture and Karasuk culture. (13-8 cc. BC) who left monuments of mixed populations which came from West and South. Their anthropological type is Europoids with admixture of Mongoloids. People lived in permanent settlements, in frame type houses. Economy was complex, they bred large horned livestock, horses and sheep. In Karasuk period developed high level of bronze metallurgy. Characteristic for Karasuk Culture are extensive cemeteries, tombs are fenced with stone slabs laid on crest. Karasuk Culture is result of migration of eastern part of Dinlins
-1000 1000 BC - 300 AD During an epoch of bronze Kypchaks (Kyu Chaks, i.e White Sakas) derogatorylived in Minusinsk depression
-700 Scythians in the West, Savromats in Itil region and S Ural, Massageto-Saka world of Central Asia, Dinlins, Tagar and Mayemir tribes of Sayano-Altai, population of Mongolia, Baikal and Ordos used identical weaponry and horse harness, used the same images and fantasy in art. Local distinctions did not weaken affinity of their cultures.
-400 Chinese historical annals of 4-3 c. BC recorded "Dinlin state" (Ch. Dinlin Go) in Minusinsk depression. Dinlin state soon became dependency of Hunnu
-400 Dinlins living in antiquity Minusinsk depression, are considered to be ancestors of Kypchaks. Minusinsk and Altay burials testify of rich culture achieved during epoch of bronze
-300 Chinese sources know Kipchaks from 3 c. BC under name "Tsüyshe" (Ch. for ?)
-200 Kypchaks were members of Hunnish Kaganate
93 AD Üebans (aka Yueban, Yuehban, a Chinese generic collective name for Huns) are thought to descend from "Weak Huns", who after tragical events of 93 fled to Tarbagatai and Saura mountains
100 Üebans left from Tarbagatai and Saura mountains to Jety-Su and Djungaria
100 Üebans Huns lived in 2nd-8th cc. West of mountain ridges separating Inner Asia from Outer, and created state Üeban
300 Originally, in 4-9 cc. Mongolian tribes were sedentary, lived in cold forests, in hefty dwellings, mainly occupied with hunting and fishery, horse-breeding and hog-breeding. At the end of 9th - beginning of 10th cc. began a process of gradual Mongol-speaking tribes migration toward west, with consequent replacement of Türks
490 Üeban independence was destroyed by Teleuts at the end of 80es in 5th century
495 In 495-496 Teleuts (and Üebans) were subjugated by Abdaly (Ephtalites)
500 In 6-8 cc. Üebans were called "Chuy Tribes"
500 In 6 c. in E Asia Huns are already not known as ethnos, they lived as Türkic tribes known under different ethnonyms
547 In 547 Türkuts subdued Teleuts (and Üebans). This fast change of ruling tribes helped survive Üeban Huns, later they developed into four Türkic tribes: Chuüe, Chumi, Chumuhun (Chumugun) and Chuban
550 Tatars' name is mentioned for a first time in connection with events of middle of 6 c. in inscriptions in Kosho-Tsaydam Kül-Tegin and Bilge-Kagan monuments. Tatar tribes participated not only in creation of Kimak state, but also in ethnogenesis of Kimaks.
550 KYRGYZ KAGANATE
ca 550 - 1293 AD
Founder-
Area - borders: W - Abakan Ridge and Alatau, S - W. Sayan Ridge, E - probably E.Sayan Ridge, N - to taiga and estuary of r. Angara
552 Üeban Huns Chuüe, Chumi, Chumuhun and Chuban played huge role during existence of Great Türkic Kaganate, they were part of Shato Türks and Kimaks
552 Kypchaks lived in Altai and were part of Great Türkic Kaganate (552-743)
600 Originally Kimaks lived along Irtysh between Altai and Tarbagatai
630 In 630 a part of Kypchaks was exterminated by Türküts and Chinese. Grumm-Grjimailo tells that remaining Kypchaks split, one part mixed with Kangls (i.e. Kangals, Kangly, Kungurs, Kangars, Kangüys, Kanjüys etc.) and formed people known under name Komans (i.e. Kumans, Cumans, Kubans, Cubans, Comans, Qumans, Comani, Kumandy, Kun-ok, Kun, Kangli, Kengeres, Qangli, Falven, Falones, Val(e)we(n,) Phalagi, Sakaliba, Khartesh, Рlаvсi, Рlаwсу, Рlаuсi, Рlаwci, Раlусz(оk), Polovetsy etc.). Because of great turbulence in Türkic world, Kypchaks forgot most of rich cultural heritage of their ancestors. Though Kypchaks were close relatives of Kimaks, they were settling separately
646 Tokuz-Oguzes seriously defeated Sirs. Türkologist S.G.Klyashtorny in Russian service expressed an illuminating opinion that at that particular time Sirs accepted a second, derogatory name "Kybchak", i.e. " unfortunate, doomed". Kypchak people in S.G.Klyashtorny's opinion are history pioneers in accepting a derogatory title as their ethnonym
650 Kimaks, these Üeban "Weak Huns", named by Chinese historians "Chumuhun"(Chumugun), lived west of Tarbagatai and Altai
650 By middle of 7 c. Kimaks lived by Irtysh, north of Altai, and were members of Western Türkic Kaganate
650 Kypchak kurgans were piled from rocks or tiled with rocks, diseased was laid head toward east. Hext to diseased also was buried horse or its effigy complete with legs
657 In 657 Karluks were subjects of empire Tan. In empire it was easier for them, because they preserved their relative independence, and could fight against Second Eastern Türkic Kaganate
700 In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
700 In 8 c. Tatars lived in northeastern part of Mongolia
723 "Tokuz-Tatars" for first time were recorded in Bilge-Kagan inscription as allies of Tokuz-Oguzes who rose against Bilge-Kagan in 723-724
740 In 740-840 Tatars were members of Uigur Kaganate
743 740-840 After disintegration of Western Türkic Kaganate a part of Kimaks remained in Uigur Kaganate, and another part was independent. During that period evolved a nucleus of Kimak tribes. Head of tribe had a title "Shad Tutuk", i.e. "Prince Governing or Holding (power)". Shad was eastern governor and Yabgu western governor in Göktürk Kaganate
743 Civilization created by Great Türkic Kaganate was carried on by, many peoples: Kypchaks, Kimaks, Uigurs, Bechens, Oguzes, Karluks, Kyrgyzes, Türgeshes, Khazars, Bulgars and others who inherited it after destruction of Kaganate
743 KIMAK KAGANATE
743-1050 A.D
Founder - title Shad Tutuk ("Ruling Prince")
Area -
743 Abu Said Gardizi (d. 1061) wrote that Kimak federation consisted of seven tribes: Kimaks (Imak, Imek, Yemek), Imi, Tatars, Bayandur, Kypchak, Lanikaz and Adjlad
743 After splinter of Western Türkic Kaganate southern neighbors of Kimaks, Karluks, preserved their independence for 200 years
745 Early in life of Kimak Kaganate the arrival of Huns and their other Türkic tribes unknown to us changed ethnic layout of Middle Itil and Lower Kama areas, leaving behind Imenkov Archeological Culture with ceramics identical to ancient Bulgarian
747 Uigur Kagan Muün-chur (747-759) inscription named Tokuz-Tatars again as allies of Oguz tribes insurgent against Kagan
750 In 2nd half of 8th - beginning of 9th c. Kimak tribes moved in two directions: northwest to Urals and southwest to northern Jety-Su. Their main body remained in Irtysh area
750 Kimaks, moving from Irtysh, occupied huge territory between rivers Yaik and Emba, and also Aral and Caspian steppes.
Before middle of 8 c. Kimaks southern neighbors were Karluks, eastern were Yenisei Kyrgyzes. Tokuz-Oguzes country was south of Kimaks. Khakan's residence was in Imakia on Irtysh. Kimaks also gradually took over other areas of federation, many were in Jety-Su
750 After split of Second Eastern Türkic Kaganate, Karluks for 200 years lived in territory of Jety-Su along caravan roads from Central Asia to China, their only rival was Türgesh Khanlyk
757 In 757-766 Karluks took over entire territory of Türgesh state. Karluk capital from 766 to 940 were. Suyab on r. Chu, then sarai of Yabgu was relocated to Koinakly on r. Ili. Karluks preserved their independence for 200 years
756 In 756 in Türgesh Khanlyk flashed conflict between clans
759 When in 759 Türgeshes subordinated to Karluks, a part of them migrated east to Uigurs
759 Name "Kypchak" is recorded in Moün-chur (747-759) monument
800 Ethnonym "Kimak" appeared suddenly in Arabic sources in 9 c. and disappeared suddenly in second half of 11th c., no sources tell where Kimaks left or why their name disappeared from historical documents
800 Name "Tatars" was used in 9-10 cc. Khotano-Saka documents (in what language?)
800 In 9 c. Tatars were neighbors of Tanguts. In Tangut state Tatars lived in steppes Gansu and in Alashan (Tian Shan) mountains
800 In 9 c. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks
800 Kimak religion was the same as majority of Türks, they believed in Tengri. Among Kimak was spread tradition of reverence to ancestors. Kimaks on border with Uigurs adopted Manichean version of Christianity. Characteristic for steppes from Baikal to Danube before arrival of Mongols were stone balbals (memorial sculptured icons) revered by Kimaks and Kypchaks
808 Chinese historians called "Chumuhun" descendants of those "Weak Huns" Üebans who remained, pointing that they lived west of Tarbagatai and Altai and were independent. That is area where coincidently formed Kimaks. Thus, Kimaks, as descendants of Huns, continued their history the longest
808 Part of Üeban Huns, Shato Türks, in 808 made their way to China and there supported dynasty Tan before its demise
810 In beginning of 9 c. Tatar tribes, whom Chinese authors called Shiwey ("border guards") during that period, migrated to Inypan mountains and spread west reaching r. Kerulen
820 In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
821 In 821 Arabian Tamim ibn Bahr Al-Mutavai (al-Muttavi) traveled to Tokuz-Oguzes through Kimak and Kypchak lands. His description of travel, description of Türks were later used by others authors
830 Persian traveler Gardizi made first records about Kimaks, noting them where previously lived Huns' descendants, called by Chinese authors "Chumuhun" (Chumugun). Tamim ibn Bahr in first half of 9th c. also first mentioned Kimaks
840 Tatars probably joined Kimak federation after 840
840 After breakup of Uigur Kaganate in 840 portions of Eymür, Bayandur and Tatar Türkic tribes joined to core of Kimak tribes. Kimaks occupied western part of Kaganate along Irtysh coast. Tatar tribes also participated initially in creation of Kimak Kaganate
842 In Chinese sources Tatars (Da-Da, Da-Dan, Tatan, Shiwey) are first mentioned in connection with events of 842, as allies of last Uigur Kagan. After demise of Uigur Kaganate, Tatar tribes, together with Uigurs, emigrated to Eastern Turkestan
842 Each large tribe entering in Kimak Kaganat, had its Khanlyk (Khanate). Kypchaks also had their Khanlyk, but politically they were dependent from Kimaks. Khans of individual tribes were nominated or confirmed by Kagans (traditionally, Khan is elective position)
842 After breakup of Uigur Kaganate, Central Asian tribes found themselves unattached. Kimaks, of all the numerous tribes, were ready to head new political union of tribes, and they created new Kimak Kaganate state, a federation of seven tribes, seven Khanlyks
842 Significant part of Uigurs, led by minister Pan-Tegin moved to Eastern Turkestan and created new Turfan Uigur (Karakhoja) Princedom (911-1368). Part of Uigurs went to China.
So ended history of one more ancient Türkic state. But other Türkic states formed in Central Asia, most significant among them was Kimak Kaganate
map of 1872
850 Under influence of active trading relations with Muslim Arabs, Kimak Kaganate was drawn into slave-trading business. "Objectionable" people, and even relatives were sold into slavery. Slave-trade became destiny of multitudes, they were sold by Kidanes, who were running endless manhunt attacks and roundups. That tragedy lasted for 200 years (ca 850-1050)
850 From second half of 9 c. Kypchaks lived in steppes from Irtysh to borders of Khoresm
870 In second half of 9 c. Kimaks began drifting westwards. They occupied lands of Bechens (Besenyo, Badjinak, Patsinak), whose. nucleus were tribes of Kangar (i.e. Kangals, Kangly, Kungurs, Kangars, Kangüys, Kanjüys etc.) political union, in formation of Bechen tribal union participated, in addition to purely Türkic tribes, Sarmatian and Finno-Ugrian tribes. Bechens lived by cattle breeding in a tribal society
870 In second half of 9 c. Bechens' position worsened, their union was defeated by alliance of Oguzes, Kimaks and Karluks. Kimaks, together with Oguzes, seized Bechen lands along Seyhun (Jaxartes, Yaxartes, Syr-Darya, Syrdarya etc), and in Aral area, began pasturing in Southern Urals. Under pressure of Kimaks, Bechens from Aral moved to Lower Itil steppes, and from there to Don-Dnieper interfluvial, pushing Majars (Magyars, later Hungarians) westward
880 In 880es Abu-l-Kasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdallah ibn Hordadbeh, head of mail and intelligence service in Baghdad Caliphate, wrote "Kitab Al-malik Al-masalik" ("Book of ways and states") describing caravan road routes and distances between locations, which contained information about Türks, including Kypchaks and Kimaks
890 Originally Kypchaks lived together with Kimaks, but for some reasons at the end of 9 c. Kypchaks separated from Kimaks and stayed in western lands of Kaganate. In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
890 At the end of 9 c. in the south of Eastern European steppes formed new nomadic union of Bechens. Byzantines called them Patsinaks, Arabs - Badjnaks. Began formation of new political union of Bechen ethnos. Their neighbors were stronger and better known people: Oguzes, Kypchaks, Magyars and Khazar Kaganate. Using weakness of Khazar Kaganate, they moved through its territory to the west
890 Allied with Khazars Oguzes harassed Bechens, who at the end of 9-10 cc hurriedly proceeded to the west. Bechens' migration was accompanied by plundering and fires. Bechens stopped in Dnepro-Don interfluvial. Second branch of Bechens stopped in foothills of N.Caucasus
890 To pass from N.Aral steppes to Dnepro-Don interfluvial, Bechens had to cross lands in multiple and fairly autonomous jurisdictions. Ibn Fadlan, who made in 922 a similar trip during that period, gives a good picture of local conditions and tiered allegiances. Bechens had to cross lands of their linguistic Oguz cousins, Alans speaking mix Bechen (Badjanak in Al-Biruni) language with Horezmian, Khazars speaking a dialect of Oguzo-Kipchak language, again Alans, and Kara Bulgars in N. Caucasus steppes, and Majars (Magyars) in N. Azov Lebedia. Leaving behind a branch that joined N.Caucasian Alans, Bechens wedged into Kara Bulgaria that just split into autonomous Kara Bulgaria and incipient Rus.
890 At the end of 9 c. in Aral and Caspian area formed Oguz state with center in Yangikent. Part of Oguz tribes came there after defeat by Yenisei Kyrgyzes of Uigur Kaganate Tokuz-Oguzes. In 9-10 cc. Oguzes were in alliance with Kimaks. Apparently, they occupied small part near Caspian Sea, because Arab sources tell that Kimak state covered from Irtysh to Caspian sea. In Firdousi's "Shah-name" Caspian Sea is called Kimak Sea
890 In Arabian sources of the end of 9th - beginnings of 10th centuries, specifically in work of Al-Yakub, arrived a first mentioning of Kimak state. Unlike rulers of Türkic Kaganates, Arabian sources call ruler of Kimak Kaganate "Khakan". Khakan had 11 deputies. Power of Khakan and tribal Khans was hereditary (maybe Arabs meant "hereditary within a clan"?)
890 Kimaks were organized as military democracy. Military commanders doubled as provincial rulers. Provincial rulers had to furnish military contingents for armies Khakan. 11 Khakan deputies indicate number of provinces in the state. The excess of provincial rulers over the number of Khanlyks (there were seven Khanlyks) shows that some Khanlyks had more than one provincial ruler
890 Organization of Kimak Kaganate shows direct connection between state system of previous Türkic states and Kimak Kaganate, indicating continuity between them
890 In Kimak state were 16 cities, 11 of them located on r. Irtysh, Khakan's residence was in Imakia on Irtysh. Its exact location is not known. Provincial governors with their courts and army lived in other cities, fortified and surrounded with walls. Sources report about part of taxes going to Khakan. Khakan had a state apparatus. Biggest constituent of Kimak Kaganate was Kypchak Khanlyk
890 By the end of 10 c. Kimak central authority weakened, and Kypchaks gained independence. They pushed aside all their neighbors and became owners of ancient Kangüy. In Middle East Kypchak country began to be called Desht-i-Kypchak (Deshtikypchak)
900 Arabian and Persian geographers, travelers and historians provide plenty information about Kimaks, but mostly starting only from 10 c. Despite of remoteness of Caliphate and Persia, these authors preserved historical data about tribes, languages, economy of Kimak Kaganate tribes. Most information is about Kypchaks, who were most numerous after Kimaks. Muslim authors write much about Kypchaks
900 Kimak federation occupied huge territory from Tobol and Irtysh to Caspian Sea and Seyhun, from taiga to Kazakhstan semi-deserts. Borders of Kimak state were naturally protected from enemies. Muslim authors draw northern border of Kimak Kaganate near mythical country of Gog and Magog (Yadjuj-Madjuj). Northern border of Kimak federation was Siberian taiga, eastern was Altai mountains, southern was lifeless steppe Bet Pak. Therefore Kimaks lived peacefully
900 Expanding geography of their settlement, Kimaks touched Karluks, Oguzes and Kyrgyzes
900 In 10 cc. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks
900 Written and archeological sources show that in 10 c. Kimak economy was semi-sedentary. Permanent settlements also existed. Kimaks left remains of irrigation systems and ruins of castles
900 Kimak farmers cultivated millet, barley, wheat, legumes, and even such labor extensive culture as rice. Kimaks also raised grapes, were beekeepers. Favorite animal of Kimak Kaganate population was horse. They were used for riding and draught, in agriculture, horse meat was considered best
900 Kimak cities were mostly located along trading ways. Trade was mostly exchange, farmers exchanged grain and flour for lambs and leather. Monetary trade was also active
900 Among crafts first was leather processing, felt manufacturing, clothing and footwear, horse harnesses of leather and felt. Kimaks and other tribes of Kaganate themselves produced weapons, implements, agricultural tools. In forest-steppe areas was widely spread woodwork. Utensils, yurt details, etc. were made of wood. Was mined and processed iron. Were mined gold and silver
900 In the end of 9th - beginning of 10th cc. began process of gradual migration of Mongol-speaking tribes toward west, accompanied by replacement of Türks. In 200 years Mongols from walkers, mainly forest hunters and horse-breeders became nomads and cattlemen. They borrowed from Türks all types of steppe cattle, skills and experience of nomads, and also mobile houses and other forms of material culture steppe-dwellers, and retaining much of their previous settled life
900 In Kimak Kaganate formed and lead active economic life many Türkic tribes: Kimaks, Kypchaks, Bechens, Oguzes, a bigger portion of whose population migrated to the west, beyond Yaik, beyond Itil, Don and Dnepr, changing the ethnic map of Eastern Europe
924 First intrusion of Kidans into Central Asian steppes began in 924, it turned into a real catastrophe for Türks, and led to change of ethnic map of Central Asia. Kidan's pressure of 10-11 cc. caused flight of many Türkic-speaking tribal associations and ethnic groups from borders of China to the west, and signal advancement of ancient Mongol-speaking tribes from basin of r. Amur and Manchuria to steppe spaces of Central Asia
940 ca 940 Kimak Kaganate writing is indirectly described by Abu Dulaf: "They have reeds with which they write". Were found bronze mirrors with inscriptions, dated 10th-11th c.
950 By the middle of 10th c. Bechens occupied large territory from Itil to Danube. Bechens played significant role in life of neighboring peoples. Bechens helped in demise of Khazar Kaganate. Byzantium maneuvered to collide Bechens with Rus. Bechens attacked Rus in 915, 920 and 968
950 Speculations (S.V.Kiselev) of possible penetration of Islam to Kyrgyzes is improbable, since western neighbors of Kyrgyzes, i.e. Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bechens, Karluks, etc., who were located closer to Muslim countries, during that period still professed Tengrianism
960 Karluks preserved their independence for 200 years, for long time resisted Islam, but in 960 voluntary accepted Islamic religion, after which Karluks did not have any relations with China
966 Tatar tribes allied with empire Sun to fight against Kidans
982 Written about 982 in Persian language, anonymous geographical treatise "Hudud Al-alam min mashrik ila-l-magrib" ("Borders of world from east to west ") is a crucial source about ancient Türks, containing many descriptions of Türks, and a whole chapter dedicated to Kimak Kaganate and social system of Kimaks. V.V.Bartold was first who studied in detail that work
982 In Kimak Kaganate Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bechens, Ugrs and other peoples and ethnic groups lived peacefully. Kimak Kaganate was prospering
982 "Hudud it Al-ala" related Tatars directly with Tokuz-Oguzes
984 Chinese had a habit to change monikers for peoples and tribes. Chinese began to call Tatars "Tszübu". Tatars' exoetnonim "Tatars" was also their endoetnonim
984 Tatar tribes alliance with empire Sun to fight against Kidans did not help Tatars, and in 984-985 they sufferred defeat from Kidans
985 In 985 Oguzes concluded alliance with Vladimir (Budimir) Svyatoslavich, pra-pra-grandson of Lachyn (Rürik)
990 At the end of 10 c. Karluks joined Karakhanid state.China lost its positions in western lands, retaining only four fortresses: Kucha, Karashar, Hotan and Kashgar. Almost nothing is in sources about relations between Karluks and Kimaks, because their lands were separated by lifeless desert Bet-Pak
990 By end of 10 c. in Kimak Kaganate separate Khanlyks grew stronger, grew centrifugal forces, weakened central authority
990 When started intensive migration of Kypchaks to the west, Kypchaks crushed Oguz state. Northern branch of Oguzes left to Don-Dniepr steppes, occupying lands where lived Bechens. Oguzes entered into relations with Rus princedoms, where Oguz Türks were called "Torks"
995 In 990es Oguzes set off with Kiev Rus Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich to campaign against Itil Bulgaria, which at that time was still a strong state and Vladimir alone, without help of Türks, did not dare to attack her
1000 Kimaks and Kypchaks pushed Oguzes to the south, Bechens to the west, Karluks to the southeast, Ugrs to the north into Siberian taiga, and by that they weakened also themselves
1000 In 11th c. central authority in Kimak Kaganate degraded. Khakan became only military leader of militia. There was no central army. Each Khan also had small number of militia soldiers
1000 From 11 c. Kypchaks and their descendants, Kypchaks and Kumans, occupied huge open spaces of southern part of Eastern Europe. Arabian and Persian authors call these territories " Desht-i-Kypchak"
1010 From beginning of 11 c. Kypchak Khanlyk moved as a Horde to the west, whole Khanlyk, occupying lands belonging earlier to Oguzes. After seizing Oguz lands Kypchaks grew considerably stronger, Kimaks became dependents of Kypchaks
1010 Migration was not an ordinary pastoral coaching, but resolute invasion: capture of richer pastures. Part of Kimaks remained in ancient land, in Irtysh, another part left with Kypchaks to the west
1010 Significant mass of Kypchaks remained in Irtysh. Together with Kimaks they joined ancient population of Western Siberia. Subsequently, they participated in forming of Siberian Tatars and other Türkic peoples
1010 Exist a myth that name Kypchak comes from color of their hair, as though their hair was blond. Perhaps, some of their groups were blond-haired, but mostly they were dark-haired (On one hand we have exoethnonyms coming from blond: Kipchaks, Kukiji, Cumans, Falven, Falones, Val(e)we(n,) Phalagi, Sakaliba, Khartesh, Рlаvсi, Рlаwсу, Рlаuсi, Рlаwci, Раlусz(оk), Polovetsy, Polovtsy, see Zakiev M. Z. Sakaliba, on the other hand we have black-haired physical anthropology)
1010 Kumans subdivision of Western Kypchak had endoethnonym "Sorochin" (i.e. Sary Hun = Yellow Hun). (A fascinating fact should be noted that presence of Yellow Hun Sorochins/Saracens/Sarochinetses in E.Europe is evidenced in Late Antique times, i.e. before the time of Antique authors Scriptores Historiae Augustaen (ca 337), Eusebius "Evangelical Preparation" (ca. 340), Sidonius Apollinaris (ca. 482), and continued later in Middle Ages by authors Berengaudus "An Expositio Apocalypsis" (ca 9th c.), Theophanes Confessor "Chronicle" (ca 815), Friar C. de Bridia1 "Historia Tartarorum" ( finished on July 30th, 1247), Friar John of Pian di Carpine (Johannes de Plqno Carpini, ca. 1190-1252) "Historia Mongalorum quos nos Tartaros appellamus" (History of Mongols whom we call Tartars), Friar William of Rubruck (Wilhelm van Ruysbroeck) "Itinerarium ad panes orientales" (ca 1255), John III of Soltamye "Libellus de Notitia Orbis" (ca 1404). Also are known toponymic names traceable to Sary Huns: Saragan, Sarakhan, Saraqan, Sarkan etc.)
1010 In 11th-12th cc. archeology are some clear differences between Kuman's and Kypchak's funeral traditions
1010 In 1010 Kidan army invaded Northwest Jety-Su, but was defeated
1010 Kipchaks are pressed by Kumosi- Kimaks and then by Kidanes and move west
1017 In 1017 Kidan army invaded Northwest Jety-Su, but was defeated
1020 Kypchak Hordes followed path taken by Bechens under pressure of Oguzes, and later under pressure of Kimaks and Kypchaks taken by Oguzes. Kypchak crossed Itil, crossed Don, Dnestr, Dniepr, reached Danube. On the way Kypchaks were joined by remains of Bechens and Oguzes
1020 Kidan nomads occupied lands west of Irtysh. These tribes in mass came to Kimak and Kypchak lands and played leading role in demise of their state
1030 Approximately in 30es of 11 c. Persian author Baihani found Kypchaks on border of Khoresm, in the middle of 11 c. eastern authors call Aral steppes not Oguzian, as wrote their predecessors, but Kypchak's
1030 In 30es of 11 c., because of coming of Kidans, Türkic-speaking Kais, who lived near Great Chinese wall, seized lands of Türkic-speaking Kuns. Kuns moved over to the lands of Shars (Sary Kypchaks, i.e. Yellow Kipchaks), and Shars moved over to the lands of Turkmens. Turkmens occupied the eastern lands of Oguzes, and Oguzes displaced Bechens, who during that period already lived near Black Sea, and settled on Bechens' lands
1050 In middle of 11 c. of Kipchaks collided with Rus princes and inflicted on them a few heavy defeats
1050 Kypchak kurgans were built from stone or dirt tiled with rocks, diseased was laid head to the east. Near the diseased was also buried a horse or its effigy complete with legs.
Burials of Kumans acquired many funeral features of Bechens and Oguzes. Became widespread ancient Kypchak tradition of building sanctuaries dedicated to male and female ancestors
1050 Mahmud Kashgari (1072 - 1074) notes linguistic affinity of Kimaks, Oguzes and other Türkic tribes
1050 Mahmud Kashgari noted that Kimaks and Kypchaks spoke same language. Kypchaks did not identify themselves with Kimaks, but held Kimaks as separate branch. Kypchak tribal structure was complex, it had 9 tribes
1050 Mahmud Kashgari (1072 - 1074) lists Tatars among tribes speaking in Türkic
1050 Kimak Kaganate lasted to the middle of 11 c. Formation in 916 in Northern China of Mongol-speaking Kidan state Lyao pushed Central Asian Mongol-speaking nomadic tribes to migrate. Kimak Kaganate fall was caused by external factor: migration of Central Asian Mongol-speaking nomads
1050 End of KIMAK KAGANATE
743 - 1050 A.D
Founder -
Area -
1050 Following Kidans the Mongol-speaking Naimans in 11-12 cc. displaced from Altai and Upper Irtysh remains of Türkic-speaking Kimaks and Kypchaks. Part of Kimaks and Kypchaks migrated to Western Siberia. Naimans destroyed Yenisei Kyrgyz State
1050 In 11th-12th cc. Mongol-speaking Naiman tribe in its move to the west displaced Kimaks-Kypchaks from Mongolian Altai and Upper Irtysh, from middle of 12th c. almost in all territory of modern Mongolia predominated Mongolian tribes
1054 Russian chronicles record appearance of Guz people, pushed by Kipchaks - a branch of Kimaks of middle Irtysh and of Ob
1060 One of signs of common past in culture of Kyrgyzes, Orhon Türks and Kimaks is Türkic (aka Türkic runic) alphabet that differ a little in different regions
1060 Ancient religion of Türks, Tengrianism, was common religion, and it was closer to monotheistic religions
1065 Grousset: "Steppes N. of Lake Balkhash inhabited by three Turkic peoples: Oguz (Oghuz, Ghuz, Torks, Ouzoi, Uzes, Turkmen), Kimaks/Kipchak of middle Enisey of Ob, and Kirgiz group distinguished from other Turkic people that they had Y mutated to J (DJ)."
1070 From 2nd half of 11th c. from historical sources ethnonym Kimak disappears. It appeared suddenly in 9th c. and suddenly disappeared, sources are silent about where Kimaks left to, and why their name was dropped off historical documents
1100 In 12th c. Tatars for some time seized hegemony in steppes, and all population from Great Chinese wall to taiga began to be called by term "Tatars"
1100 Chinese historians brought big mess in ethnonym "Tatars". Unil 12th c. Chinese historians viewed Mongols as part of Tatars, contrariwise, in 13 c. Chinese historiography viewed Tatars as part of Mongols. In 13 c. names Tatars and Mongols became synonyms
1100 Miriad of sculptures stood in 12th - beginning of 13th cc. in Lower Dniepr, on right bank of Northern Donets and Don. Besides, they are found in N. Caucasus, between Don and Itil. They were set facing east, passersby revered them, made offerings
1100 Tribes that come from Kimak Kaganate lands constituted significant part of Türkic state Kipchak Khanate population created by Mongols
1100 After demise of their states and some regress of traditional culture, elements of shamanism began penetrating Türks
1115 In 1115 defenseless Kuman settlements S. of Kuman-Rus border between Dnieper and Don were ravaged by Vladimir Monomakh, and Kumans ceased to be big threat for Rus princedoms, though the clashes did not stop
1200 Chinese historians divided Tatars into three groups: white Tatars, black Tatars and wild Tatars.
White Tatars included Tatars proper, and Onguts (descendants of Shato), who lived south of Gobi desert. They were civilized, wore silk clothes, ate from porcelain with silver utensils, their leaders were literate and Confucius teaching
Black Tatars, including Keraits, were nomadic cattlemen, they lived far from cultural centers. They most valued independence. At nights they fenced off from attacks by other tribes with a ring of coaches, with posted guards around their stan. They despised and felt bad for white Tatars, because those sold their freedom for silk cloth and alien fruits of civilization.
Chinese held as wild Tatars hunters and fishers of Southern Siberia, who did not recognize any authority, except for authority of their elders to whom they submitted voluntary. Famine and need constantly waited for them, but wild Tatars despised work. They sympathized with black Tatars, who had to watch after their cattle
1220 Multitude of Kypchak hordes joined Mongolian army in 20es-30es of 13th c.. In Itil, Dniepr steppes they met their relatives, Kipchaks and Kumans
1293 End of KYRGYZ KAGANATE
ca 550 - 1293 A.D
Founder -
Area - borders: W - Abakan Ridge and Alatau, S - W. Sayan Ridge, E - probably E.Sayan Ridge, N - to taiga and estuary of r. Angara
1312 From 1312 trade in Türkic slaves stopped, since Kipchak Khanate Khan Uzbek made Islam state religion, slavery was forbidden, and it was forbidden to sell Moslems from Kipchak Khanate in markets of Muslim countries
Kimek, Yimek, Imek, and other variations
Subdivisions and ethnic affiliates
1800 BC-1070 AD
W Huns 5c AD Kushan 6c AD Kushan 6c AD Avaria 6c AD Kyrgyz Kaganate
ca 600 AD Uigur Kaganate
ca 740 AD Kimak Kaganate
ca 750 AD
Links
http://www.tataroved.ru/publicat/turky.pdf
Mini-Glossary
Teles - eastern Tegin - Prince
Tardush - western Khanlyk - Khandom
Yabgy - Western Ruler
Shad - Eastern Ruler
Forword
Unfortunately, most of the dates are approximate, lined up to indicate a relative order of the news or events, and their accuracy varies from half of a decade to quarter of a century to a century, indicated by trailing zeroes in the date. Thus, 1800 BC could conservatively be 1850 to 1750, but could easily be 1900 to 1700, and even worse. Similarly, 650 could conservatively be 630 to 670, but could easily be 620 to 680, and 670 could conservatively be 665 to 675, but could easily be 660 to 680. The exact dates are shown exactly, as given in the sources, ending in zero only in 10% of the cases.
Records of Rus annals, which do not discriminate between Kumans and Kipchaks but call either one "Polovets", are rendered here as Kipchaks, unless a complimentary record allows discernment between these two groups.
DATELINE
Time Events
-1800 In 18-17 centuries BC there was a displacement of Dinlins from China. Eastern group of Dinlins migrated to territory from Baikal to Ob. It led to mixture of populations. Anthropologist G.F.Debets noted distinction between Karasuk and Andronov skulls. Heads of Karasuks are higher above and narrower. Short-headed wide faces also exist. Andronov skulls are short-headed wide faces. Arrival of dolichocephalics Debets explains by infiltration of Mongoloid Dinlin elements of N.Chinese type and preservation of old Afanasiev types..
-1300 At end of bronze age in Southern Siberia almost synchronously existed Andronov Culture and Karasuk culture. (13-8 cc. BC) who left monuments of mixed populations which came from West and South. Their anthropological type is Europoids with admixture of Mongoloids. People lived in permanent settlements, in frame type houses. Economy was complex, they bred large horned livestock, horses and sheep. In Karasuk period developed high level of bronze metallurgy. Characteristic for Karasuk Culture are extensive cemeteries, tombs are fenced with stone slabs laid on crest. Karasuk Culture is result of migration of eastern part of Dinlins
-1000 1000 BC - 300 AD During an epoch of bronze Kypchaks (Kyu Chaks, i.e White Sakas) derogatorylived in Minusinsk depression
-700 Scythians in the West, Savromats in Itil region and S Ural, Massageto-Saka world of Central Asia, Dinlins, Tagar and Mayemir tribes of Sayano-Altai, population of Mongolia, Baikal and Ordos used identical weaponry and horse harness, used the same images and fantasy in art. Local distinctions did not weaken affinity of their cultures.
-400 Chinese historical annals of 4-3 c. BC recorded "Dinlin state" (Ch. Dinlin Go) in Minusinsk depression. Dinlin state soon became dependency of Hunnu
-400 Dinlins living in antiquity Minusinsk depression, are considered to be ancestors of Kypchaks. Minusinsk and Altay burials testify of rich culture achieved during epoch of bronze
-300 Chinese sources know Kipchaks from 3 c. BC under name "Tsüyshe" (Ch. for ?)
-200 Kypchaks were members of Hunnish Kaganate
93 AD Üebans (aka Yueban, Yuehban, a Chinese generic collective name for Huns) are thought to descend from "Weak Huns", who after tragical events of 93 fled to Tarbagatai and Saura mountains
100 Üebans left from Tarbagatai and Saura mountains to Jety-Su and Djungaria
100 Üebans Huns lived in 2nd-8th cc. West of mountain ridges separating Inner Asia from Outer, and created state Üeban
300 Originally, in 4-9 cc. Mongolian tribes were sedentary, lived in cold forests, in hefty dwellings, mainly occupied with hunting and fishery, horse-breeding and hog-breeding. At the end of 9th - beginning of 10th cc. began a process of gradual Mongol-speaking tribes migration toward west, with consequent replacement of Türks
490 Üeban independence was destroyed by Teleuts at the end of 80es in 5th century
495 In 495-496 Teleuts (and Üebans) were subjugated by Abdaly (Ephtalites)
500 In 6-8 cc. Üebans were called "Chuy Tribes"
500 In 6 c. in E Asia Huns are already not known as ethnos, they lived as Türkic tribes known under different ethnonyms
547 In 547 Türkuts subdued Teleuts (and Üebans). This fast change of ruling tribes helped survive Üeban Huns, later they developed into four Türkic tribes: Chuüe, Chumi, Chumuhun (Chumugun) and Chuban
550 Tatars' name is mentioned for a first time in connection with events of middle of 6 c. in inscriptions in Kosho-Tsaydam Kül-Tegin and Bilge-Kagan monuments. Tatar tribes participated not only in creation of Kimak state, but also in ethnogenesis of Kimaks.
550 KYRGYZ KAGANATE
ca 550 - 1293 AD
Founder-
Area - borders: W - Abakan Ridge and Alatau, S - W. Sayan Ridge, E - probably E.Sayan Ridge, N - to taiga and estuary of r. Angara
552 Üeban Huns Chuüe, Chumi, Chumuhun and Chuban played huge role during existence of Great Türkic Kaganate, they were part of Shato Türks and Kimaks
552 Kypchaks lived in Altai and were part of Great Türkic Kaganate (552-743)
600 Originally Kimaks lived along Irtysh between Altai and Tarbagatai
630 In 630 a part of Kypchaks was exterminated by Türküts and Chinese. Grumm-Grjimailo tells that remaining Kypchaks split, one part mixed with Kangls (i.e. Kangals, Kangly, Kungurs, Kangars, Kangüys, Kanjüys etc.) and formed people known under name Komans (i.e. Kumans, Cumans, Kubans, Cubans, Comans, Qumans, Comani, Kumandy, Kun-ok, Kun, Kangli, Kengeres, Qangli, Falven, Falones, Val(e)we(n,) Phalagi, Sakaliba, Khartesh, Рlаvсi, Рlаwсу, Рlаuсi, Рlаwci, Раlусz(оk), Polovetsy etc.). Because of great turbulence in Türkic world, Kypchaks forgot most of rich cultural heritage of their ancestors. Though Kypchaks were close relatives of Kimaks, they were settling separately
646 Tokuz-Oguzes seriously defeated Sirs. Türkologist S.G.Klyashtorny in Russian service expressed an illuminating opinion that at that particular time Sirs accepted a second, derogatory name "Kybchak", i.e. " unfortunate, doomed". Kypchak people in S.G.Klyashtorny's opinion are history pioneers in accepting a derogatory title as their ethnonym
650 Kimaks, these Üeban "Weak Huns", named by Chinese historians "Chumuhun"(Chumugun), lived west of Tarbagatai and Altai
650 By middle of 7 c. Kimaks lived by Irtysh, north of Altai, and were members of Western Türkic Kaganate
650 Kypchak kurgans were piled from rocks or tiled with rocks, diseased was laid head toward east. Hext to diseased also was buried horse or its effigy complete with legs
657 In 657 Karluks were subjects of empire Tan. In empire it was easier for them, because they preserved their relative independence, and could fight against Second Eastern Türkic Kaganate
700 In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
700 In 8 c. Tatars lived in northeastern part of Mongolia
723 "Tokuz-Tatars" for first time were recorded in Bilge-Kagan inscription as allies of Tokuz-Oguzes who rose against Bilge-Kagan in 723-724
740 In 740-840 Tatars were members of Uigur Kaganate
743 740-840 After disintegration of Western Türkic Kaganate a part of Kimaks remained in Uigur Kaganate, and another part was independent. During that period evolved a nucleus of Kimak tribes. Head of tribe had a title "Shad Tutuk", i.e. "Prince Governing or Holding (power)". Shad was eastern governor and Yabgu western governor in Göktürk Kaganate
743 Civilization created by Great Türkic Kaganate was carried on by, many peoples: Kypchaks, Kimaks, Uigurs, Bechens, Oguzes, Karluks, Kyrgyzes, Türgeshes, Khazars, Bulgars and others who inherited it after destruction of Kaganate
743 KIMAK KAGANATE
743-1050 A.D
Founder - title Shad Tutuk ("Ruling Prince")
Area -
743 Abu Said Gardizi (d. 1061) wrote that Kimak federation consisted of seven tribes: Kimaks (Imak, Imek, Yemek), Imi, Tatars, Bayandur, Kypchak, Lanikaz and Adjlad
743 After splinter of Western Türkic Kaganate southern neighbors of Kimaks, Karluks, preserved their independence for 200 years
745 Early in life of Kimak Kaganate the arrival of Huns and their other Türkic tribes unknown to us changed ethnic layout of Middle Itil and Lower Kama areas, leaving behind Imenkov Archeological Culture with ceramics identical to ancient Bulgarian
747 Uigur Kagan Muün-chur (747-759) inscription named Tokuz-Tatars again as allies of Oguz tribes insurgent against Kagan
750 In 2nd half of 8th - beginning of 9th c. Kimak tribes moved in two directions: northwest to Urals and southwest to northern Jety-Su. Their main body remained in Irtysh area
750 Kimaks, moving from Irtysh, occupied huge territory between rivers Yaik and Emba, and also Aral and Caspian steppes.
Before middle of 8 c. Kimaks southern neighbors were Karluks, eastern were Yenisei Kyrgyzes. Tokuz-Oguzes country was south of Kimaks. Khakan's residence was in Imakia on Irtysh. Kimaks also gradually took over other areas of federation, many were in Jety-Su
750 After split of Second Eastern Türkic Kaganate, Karluks for 200 years lived in territory of Jety-Su along caravan roads from Central Asia to China, their only rival was Türgesh Khanlyk
757 In 757-766 Karluks took over entire territory of Türgesh state. Karluk capital from 766 to 940 were. Suyab on r. Chu, then sarai of Yabgu was relocated to Koinakly on r. Ili. Karluks preserved their independence for 200 years
756 In 756 in Türgesh Khanlyk flashed conflict between clans
759 When in 759 Türgeshes subordinated to Karluks, a part of them migrated east to Uigurs
759 Name "Kypchak" is recorded in Moün-chur (747-759) monument
800 Ethnonym "Kimak" appeared suddenly in Arabic sources in 9 c. and disappeared suddenly in second half of 11th c., no sources tell where Kimaks left or why their name disappeared from historical documents
800 Name "Tatars" was used in 9-10 cc. Khotano-Saka documents (in what language?)
800 In 9 c. Tatars were neighbors of Tanguts. In Tangut state Tatars lived in steppes Gansu and in Alashan (Tian Shan) mountains
800 In 9 c. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks
800 Kimak religion was the same as majority of Türks, they believed in Tengri. Among Kimak was spread tradition of reverence to ancestors. Kimaks on border with Uigurs adopted Manichean version of Christianity. Characteristic for steppes from Baikal to Danube before arrival of Mongols were stone balbals (memorial sculptured icons) revered by Kimaks and Kypchaks
808 Chinese historians called "Chumuhun" descendants of those "Weak Huns" Üebans who remained, pointing that they lived west of Tarbagatai and Altai and were independent. That is area where coincidently formed Kimaks. Thus, Kimaks, as descendants of Huns, continued their history the longest
808 Part of Üeban Huns, Shato Türks, in 808 made their way to China and there supported dynasty Tan before its demise
810 In beginning of 9 c. Tatar tribes, whom Chinese authors called Shiwey ("border guards") during that period, migrated to Inypan mountains and spread west reaching r. Kerulen
820 In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
821 In 821 Arabian Tamim ibn Bahr Al-Mutavai (al-Muttavi) traveled to Tokuz-Oguzes through Kimak and Kypchak lands. His description of travel, description of Türks were later used by others authors
830 Persian traveler Gardizi made first records about Kimaks, noting them where previously lived Huns' descendants, called by Chinese authors "Chumuhun" (Chumugun). Tamim ibn Bahr in first half of 9th c. also first mentioned Kimaks
840 Tatars probably joined Kimak federation after 840
840 After breakup of Uigur Kaganate in 840 portions of Eymür, Bayandur and Tatar Türkic tribes joined to core of Kimak tribes. Kimaks occupied western part of Kaganate along Irtysh coast. Tatar tribes also participated initially in creation of Kimak Kaganate
842 In Chinese sources Tatars (Da-Da, Da-Dan, Tatan, Shiwey) are first mentioned in connection with events of 842, as allies of last Uigur Kagan. After demise of Uigur Kaganate, Tatar tribes, together with Uigurs, emigrated to Eastern Turkestan
842 Each large tribe entering in Kimak Kaganat, had its Khanlyk (Khanate). Kypchaks also had their Khanlyk, but politically they were dependent from Kimaks. Khans of individual tribes were nominated or confirmed by Kagans (traditionally, Khan is elective position)
842 After breakup of Uigur Kaganate, Central Asian tribes found themselves unattached. Kimaks, of all the numerous tribes, were ready to head new political union of tribes, and they created new Kimak Kaganate state, a federation of seven tribes, seven Khanlyks
842 Significant part of Uigurs, led by minister Pan-Tegin moved to Eastern Turkestan and created new Turfan Uigur (Karakhoja) Princedom (911-1368). Part of Uigurs went to China.
So ended history of one more ancient Türkic state. But other Türkic states formed in Central Asia, most significant among them was Kimak Kaganate
map of 1872
850 Under influence of active trading relations with Muslim Arabs, Kimak Kaganate was drawn into slave-trading business. "Objectionable" people, and even relatives were sold into slavery. Slave-trade became destiny of multitudes, they were sold by Kidanes, who were running endless manhunt attacks and roundups. That tragedy lasted for 200 years (ca 850-1050)
850 From second half of 9 c. Kypchaks lived in steppes from Irtysh to borders of Khoresm
870 In second half of 9 c. Kimaks began drifting westwards. They occupied lands of Bechens (Besenyo, Badjinak, Patsinak), whose. nucleus were tribes of Kangar (i.e. Kangals, Kangly, Kungurs, Kangars, Kangüys, Kanjüys etc.) political union, in formation of Bechen tribal union participated, in addition to purely Türkic tribes, Sarmatian and Finno-Ugrian tribes. Bechens lived by cattle breeding in a tribal society
870 In second half of 9 c. Bechens' position worsened, their union was defeated by alliance of Oguzes, Kimaks and Karluks. Kimaks, together with Oguzes, seized Bechen lands along Seyhun (Jaxartes, Yaxartes, Syr-Darya, Syrdarya etc), and in Aral area, began pasturing in Southern Urals. Under pressure of Kimaks, Bechens from Aral moved to Lower Itil steppes, and from there to Don-Dnieper interfluvial, pushing Majars (Magyars, later Hungarians) westward
880 In 880es Abu-l-Kasim Ubaidullah ibn Abdallah ibn Hordadbeh, head of mail and intelligence service in Baghdad Caliphate, wrote "Kitab Al-malik Al-masalik" ("Book of ways and states") describing caravan road routes and distances between locations, which contained information about Türks, including Kypchaks and Kimaks
890 Originally Kypchaks lived together with Kimaks, but for some reasons at the end of 9 c. Kypchaks separated from Kimaks and stayed in western lands of Kaganate. In the south Kypchaks bordered Bechens, who in 8th - beginning of 9th c. lived in basin of Seyhun and Aral area. Later Kypchaks drifted toward Urals.. In 7-12 cc. Kypchak and Kimak culture was identical
890 At the end of 9 c. in the south of Eastern European steppes formed new nomadic union of Bechens. Byzantines called them Patsinaks, Arabs - Badjnaks. Began formation of new political union of Bechen ethnos. Their neighbors were stronger and better known people: Oguzes, Kypchaks, Magyars and Khazar Kaganate. Using weakness of Khazar Kaganate, they moved through its territory to the west
890 Allied with Khazars Oguzes harassed Bechens, who at the end of 9-10 cc hurriedly proceeded to the west. Bechens' migration was accompanied by plundering and fires. Bechens stopped in Dnepro-Don interfluvial. Second branch of Bechens stopped in foothills of N.Caucasus
890 To pass from N.Aral steppes to Dnepro-Don interfluvial, Bechens had to cross lands in multiple and fairly autonomous jurisdictions. Ibn Fadlan, who made in 922 a similar trip during that period, gives a good picture of local conditions and tiered allegiances. Bechens had to cross lands of their linguistic Oguz cousins, Alans speaking mix Bechen (Badjanak in Al-Biruni) language with Horezmian, Khazars speaking a dialect of Oguzo-Kipchak language, again Alans, and Kara Bulgars in N. Caucasus steppes, and Majars (Magyars) in N. Azov Lebedia. Leaving behind a branch that joined N.Caucasian Alans, Bechens wedged into Kara Bulgaria that just split into autonomous Kara Bulgaria and incipient Rus.
890 At the end of 9 c. in Aral and Caspian area formed Oguz state with center in Yangikent. Part of Oguz tribes came there after defeat by Yenisei Kyrgyzes of Uigur Kaganate Tokuz-Oguzes. In 9-10 cc. Oguzes were in alliance with Kimaks. Apparently, they occupied small part near Caspian Sea, because Arab sources tell that Kimak state covered from Irtysh to Caspian sea. In Firdousi's "Shah-name" Caspian Sea is called Kimak Sea
890 In Arabian sources of the end of 9th - beginnings of 10th centuries, specifically in work of Al-Yakub, arrived a first mentioning of Kimak state. Unlike rulers of Türkic Kaganates, Arabian sources call ruler of Kimak Kaganate "Khakan". Khakan had 11 deputies. Power of Khakan and tribal Khans was hereditary (maybe Arabs meant "hereditary within a clan"?)
890 Kimaks were organized as military democracy. Military commanders doubled as provincial rulers. Provincial rulers had to furnish military contingents for armies Khakan. 11 Khakan deputies indicate number of provinces in the state. The excess of provincial rulers over the number of Khanlyks (there were seven Khanlyks) shows that some Khanlyks had more than one provincial ruler
890 Organization of Kimak Kaganate shows direct connection between state system of previous Türkic states and Kimak Kaganate, indicating continuity between them
890 In Kimak state were 16 cities, 11 of them located on r. Irtysh, Khakan's residence was in Imakia on Irtysh. Its exact location is not known. Provincial governors with their courts and army lived in other cities, fortified and surrounded with walls. Sources report about part of taxes going to Khakan. Khakan had a state apparatus. Biggest constituent of Kimak Kaganate was Kypchak Khanlyk
890 By the end of 10 c. Kimak central authority weakened, and Kypchaks gained independence. They pushed aside all their neighbors and became owners of ancient Kangüy. In Middle East Kypchak country began to be called Desht-i-Kypchak (Deshtikypchak)
900 Arabian and Persian geographers, travelers and historians provide plenty information about Kimaks, but mostly starting only from 10 c. Despite of remoteness of Caliphate and Persia, these authors preserved historical data about tribes, languages, economy of Kimak Kaganate tribes. Most information is about Kypchaks, who were most numerous after Kimaks. Muslim authors write much about Kypchaks
900 Kimak federation occupied huge territory from Tobol and Irtysh to Caspian Sea and Seyhun, from taiga to Kazakhstan semi-deserts. Borders of Kimak state were naturally protected from enemies. Muslim authors draw northern border of Kimak Kaganate near mythical country of Gog and Magog (Yadjuj-Madjuj). Northern border of Kimak federation was Siberian taiga, eastern was Altai mountains, southern was lifeless steppe Bet Pak. Therefore Kimaks lived peacefully
900 Expanding geography of their settlement, Kimaks touched Karluks, Oguzes and Kyrgyzes
900 In 10 cc. Oguzes were allied with Kimaks
900 Written and archeological sources show that in 10 c. Kimak economy was semi-sedentary. Permanent settlements also existed. Kimaks left remains of irrigation systems and ruins of castles
900 Kimak farmers cultivated millet, barley, wheat, legumes, and even such labor extensive culture as rice. Kimaks also raised grapes, were beekeepers. Favorite animal of Kimak Kaganate population was horse. They were used for riding and draught, in agriculture, horse meat was considered best
900 Kimak cities were mostly located along trading ways. Trade was mostly exchange, farmers exchanged grain and flour for lambs and leather. Monetary trade was also active
900 Among crafts first was leather processing, felt manufacturing, clothing and footwear, horse harnesses of leather and felt. Kimaks and other tribes of Kaganate themselves produced weapons, implements, agricultural tools. In forest-steppe areas was widely spread woodwork. Utensils, yurt details, etc. were made of wood. Was mined and processed iron. Were mined gold and silver
900 In the end of 9th - beginning of 10th cc. began process of gradual migration of Mongol-speaking tribes toward west, accompanied by replacement of Türks. In 200 years Mongols from walkers, mainly forest hunters and horse-breeders became nomads and cattlemen. They borrowed from Türks all types of steppe cattle, skills and experience of nomads, and also mobile houses and other forms of material culture steppe-dwellers, and retaining much of their previous settled life
900 In Kimak Kaganate formed and lead active economic life many Türkic tribes: Kimaks, Kypchaks, Bechens, Oguzes, a bigger portion of whose population migrated to the west, beyond Yaik, beyond Itil, Don and Dnepr, changing the ethnic map of Eastern Europe
924 First intrusion of Kidans into Central Asian steppes began in 924, it turned into a real catastrophe for Türks, and led to change of ethnic map of Central Asia. Kidan's pressure of 10-11 cc. caused flight of many Türkic-speaking tribal associations and ethnic groups from borders of China to the west, and signal advancement of ancient Mongol-speaking tribes from basin of r. Amur and Manchuria to steppe spaces of Central Asia
940 ca 940 Kimak Kaganate writing is indirectly described by Abu Dulaf: "They have reeds with which they write". Were found bronze mirrors with inscriptions, dated 10th-11th c.
950 By the middle of 10th c. Bechens occupied large territory from Itil to Danube. Bechens played significant role in life of neighboring peoples. Bechens helped in demise of Khazar Kaganate. Byzantium maneuvered to collide Bechens with Rus. Bechens attacked Rus in 915, 920 and 968
950 Speculations (S.V.Kiselev) of possible penetration of Islam to Kyrgyzes is improbable, since western neighbors of Kyrgyzes, i.e. Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bechens, Karluks, etc., who were located closer to Muslim countries, during that period still professed Tengrianism
960 Karluks preserved their independence for 200 years, for long time resisted Islam, but in 960 voluntary accepted Islamic religion, after which Karluks did not have any relations with China
966 Tatar tribes allied with empire Sun to fight against Kidans
982 Written about 982 in Persian language, anonymous geographical treatise "Hudud Al-alam min mashrik ila-l-magrib" ("Borders of world from east to west ") is a crucial source about ancient Türks, containing many descriptions of Türks, and a whole chapter dedicated to Kimak Kaganate and social system of Kimaks. V.V.Bartold was first who studied in detail that work
982 In Kimak Kaganate Kimaks, Kypchaks, Oguzes, Bechens, Ugrs and other peoples and ethnic groups lived peacefully. Kimak Kaganate was prospering
982 "Hudud it Al-ala" related Tatars directly with Tokuz-Oguzes
984 Chinese had a habit to change monikers for peoples and tribes. Chinese began to call Tatars "Tszübu". Tatars' exoetnonim "Tatars" was also their endoetnonim
984 Tatar tribes alliance with empire Sun to fight against Kidans did not help Tatars, and in 984-985 they sufferred defeat from Kidans
985 In 985 Oguzes concluded alliance with Vladimir (Budimir) Svyatoslavich, pra-pra-grandson of Lachyn (Rürik)
990 At the end of 10 c. Karluks joined Karakhanid state.China lost its positions in western lands, retaining only four fortresses: Kucha, Karashar, Hotan and Kashgar. Almost nothing is in sources about relations between Karluks and Kimaks, because their lands were separated by lifeless desert Bet-Pak
990 By end of 10 c. in Kimak Kaganate separate Khanlyks grew stronger, grew centrifugal forces, weakened central authority
990 When started intensive migration of Kypchaks to the west, Kypchaks crushed Oguz state. Northern branch of Oguzes left to Don-Dniepr steppes, occupying lands where lived Bechens. Oguzes entered into relations with Rus princedoms, where Oguz Türks were called "Torks"
995 In 990es Oguzes set off with Kiev Rus Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich to campaign against Itil Bulgaria, which at that time was still a strong state and Vladimir alone, without help of Türks, did not dare to attack her
1000 Kimaks and Kypchaks pushed Oguzes to the south, Bechens to the west, Karluks to the southeast, Ugrs to the north into Siberian taiga, and by that they weakened also themselves
1000 In 11th c. central authority in Kimak Kaganate degraded. Khakan became only military leader of militia. There was no central army. Each Khan also had small number of militia soldiers
1000 From 11 c. Kypchaks and their descendants, Kypchaks and Kumans, occupied huge open spaces of southern part of Eastern Europe. Arabian and Persian authors call these territories " Desht-i-Kypchak"
1010 From beginning of 11 c. Kypchak Khanlyk moved as a Horde to the west, whole Khanlyk, occupying lands belonging earlier to Oguzes. After seizing Oguz lands Kypchaks grew considerably stronger, Kimaks became dependents of Kypchaks
1010 Migration was not an ordinary pastoral coaching, but resolute invasion: capture of richer pastures. Part of Kimaks remained in ancient land, in Irtysh, another part left with Kypchaks to the west
1010 Significant mass of Kypchaks remained in Irtysh. Together with Kimaks they joined ancient population of Western Siberia. Subsequently, they participated in forming of Siberian Tatars and other Türkic peoples
1010 Exist a myth that name Kypchak comes from color of their hair, as though their hair was blond. Perhaps, some of their groups were blond-haired, but mostly they were dark-haired (On one hand we have exoethnonyms coming from blond: Kipchaks, Kukiji, Cumans, Falven, Falones, Val(e)we(n,) Phalagi, Sakaliba, Khartesh, Рlаvсi, Рlаwсу, Рlаuсi, Рlаwci, Раlусz(оk), Polovetsy, Polovtsy, see Zakiev M. Z. Sakaliba, on the other hand we have black-haired physical anthropology)
1010 Kumans subdivision of Western Kypchak had endoethnonym "Sorochin" (i.e. Sary Hun = Yellow Hun). (A fascinating fact should be noted that presence of Yellow Hun Sorochins/Saracens/Sarochinetses in E.Europe is evidenced in Late Antique times, i.e. before the time of Antique authors Scriptores Historiae Augustaen (ca 337), Eusebius "Evangelical Preparation" (ca. 340), Sidonius Apollinaris (ca. 482), and continued later in Middle Ages by authors Berengaudus "An Expositio Apocalypsis" (ca 9th c.), Theophanes Confessor "Chronicle" (ca 815), Friar C. de Bridia1 "Historia Tartarorum" ( finished on July 30th, 1247), Friar John of Pian di Carpine (Johannes de Plqno Carpini, ca. 1190-1252) "Historia Mongalorum quos nos Tartaros appellamus" (History of Mongols whom we call Tartars), Friar William of Rubruck (Wilhelm van Ruysbroeck) "Itinerarium ad panes orientales" (ca 1255), John III of Soltamye "Libellus de Notitia Orbis" (ca 1404). Also are known toponymic names traceable to Sary Huns: Saragan, Sarakhan, Saraqan, Sarkan etc.)
1010 In 11th-12th cc. archeology are some clear differences between Kuman's and Kypchak's funeral traditions
1010 In 1010 Kidan army invaded Northwest Jety-Su, but was defeated
1010 Kipchaks are pressed by Kumosi- Kimaks and then by Kidanes and move west
1017 In 1017 Kidan army invaded Northwest Jety-Su, but was defeated
1020 Kypchak Hordes followed path taken by Bechens under pressure of Oguzes, and later under pressure of Kimaks and Kypchaks taken by Oguzes. Kypchak crossed Itil, crossed Don, Dnestr, Dniepr, reached Danube. On the way Kypchaks were joined by remains of Bechens and Oguzes
1020 Kidan nomads occupied lands west of Irtysh. These tribes in mass came to Kimak and Kypchak lands and played leading role in demise of their state
1030 Approximately in 30es of 11 c. Persian author Baihani found Kypchaks on border of Khoresm, in the middle of 11 c. eastern authors call Aral steppes not Oguzian, as wrote their predecessors, but Kypchak's
1030 In 30es of 11 c., because of coming of Kidans, Türkic-speaking Kais, who lived near Great Chinese wall, seized lands of Türkic-speaking Kuns. Kuns moved over to the lands of Shars (Sary Kypchaks, i.e. Yellow Kipchaks), and Shars moved over to the lands of Turkmens. Turkmens occupied the eastern lands of Oguzes, and Oguzes displaced Bechens, who during that period already lived near Black Sea, and settled on Bechens' lands
1050 In middle of 11 c. of Kipchaks collided with Rus princes and inflicted on them a few heavy defeats
1050 Kypchak kurgans were built from stone or dirt tiled with rocks, diseased was laid head to the east. Near the diseased was also buried a horse or its effigy complete with legs.
Burials of Kumans acquired many funeral features of Bechens and Oguzes. Became widespread ancient Kypchak tradition of building sanctuaries dedicated to male and female ancestors
1050 Mahmud Kashgari (1072 - 1074) notes linguistic affinity of Kimaks, Oguzes and other Türkic tribes
1050 Mahmud Kashgari noted that Kimaks and Kypchaks spoke same language. Kypchaks did not identify themselves with Kimaks, but held Kimaks as separate branch. Kypchak tribal structure was complex, it had 9 tribes
1050 Mahmud Kashgari (1072 - 1074) lists Tatars among tribes speaking in Türkic
1050 Kimak Kaganate lasted to the middle of 11 c. Formation in 916 in Northern China of Mongol-speaking Kidan state Lyao pushed Central Asian Mongol-speaking nomadic tribes to migrate. Kimak Kaganate fall was caused by external factor: migration of Central Asian Mongol-speaking nomads
1050 End of KIMAK KAGANATE
743 - 1050 A.D
Founder -
Area -
1050 Following Kidans the Mongol-speaking Naimans in 11-12 cc. displaced from Altai and Upper Irtysh remains of Türkic-speaking Kimaks and Kypchaks. Part of Kimaks and Kypchaks migrated to Western Siberia. Naimans destroyed Yenisei Kyrgyz State
1050 In 11th-12th cc. Mongol-speaking Naiman tribe in its move to the west displaced Kimaks-Kypchaks from Mongolian Altai and Upper Irtysh, from middle of 12th c. almost in all territory of modern Mongolia predominated Mongolian tribes
1054 Russian chronicles record appearance of Guz people, pushed by Kipchaks - a branch of Kimaks of middle Irtysh and of Ob
1060 One of signs of common past in culture of Kyrgyzes, Orhon Türks and Kimaks is Türkic (aka Türkic runic) alphabet that differ a little in different regions
1060 Ancient religion of Türks, Tengrianism, was common religion, and it was closer to monotheistic religions
1065 Grousset: "Steppes N. of Lake Balkhash inhabited by three Turkic peoples: Oguz (Oghuz, Ghuz, Torks, Ouzoi, Uzes, Turkmen), Kimaks/Kipchak of middle Enisey of Ob, and Kirgiz group distinguished from other Turkic people that they had Y mutated to J (DJ)."
1070 From 2nd half of 11th c. from historical sources ethnonym Kimak disappears. It appeared suddenly in 9th c. and suddenly disappeared, sources are silent about where Kimaks left to, and why their name was dropped off historical documents
1100 In 12th c. Tatars for some time seized hegemony in steppes, and all population from Great Chinese wall to taiga began to be called by term "Tatars"
1100 Chinese historians brought big mess in ethnonym "Tatars". Unil 12th c. Chinese historians viewed Mongols as part of Tatars, contrariwise, in 13 c. Chinese historiography viewed Tatars as part of Mongols. In 13 c. names Tatars and Mongols became synonyms
1100 Miriad of sculptures stood in 12th - beginning of 13th cc. in Lower Dniepr, on right bank of Northern Donets and Don. Besides, they are found in N. Caucasus, between Don and Itil. They were set facing east, passersby revered them, made offerings
1100 Tribes that come from Kimak Kaganate lands constituted significant part of Türkic state Kipchak Khanate population created by Mongols
1100 After demise of their states and some regress of traditional culture, elements of shamanism began penetrating Türks
1115 In 1115 defenseless Kuman settlements S. of Kuman-Rus border between Dnieper and Don were ravaged by Vladimir Monomakh, and Kumans ceased to be big threat for Rus princedoms, though the clashes did not stop
1200 Chinese historians divided Tatars into three groups: white Tatars, black Tatars and wild Tatars.
White Tatars included Tatars proper, and Onguts (descendants of Shato), who lived south of Gobi desert. They were civilized, wore silk clothes, ate from porcelain with silver utensils, their leaders were literate and Confucius teaching
Black Tatars, including Keraits, were nomadic cattlemen, they lived far from cultural centers. They most valued independence. At nights they fenced off from attacks by other tribes with a ring of coaches, with posted guards around their stan. They despised and felt bad for white Tatars, because those sold their freedom for silk cloth and alien fruits of civilization.
Chinese held as wild Tatars hunters and fishers of Southern Siberia, who did not recognize any authority, except for authority of their elders to whom they submitted voluntary. Famine and need constantly waited for them, but wild Tatars despised work. They sympathized with black Tatars, who had to watch after their cattle
1220 Multitude of Kypchak hordes joined Mongolian army in 20es-30es of 13th c.. In Itil, Dniepr steppes they met their relatives, Kipchaks and Kumans
1293 End of KYRGYZ KAGANATE
ca 550 - 1293 A.D
Founder -
Area - borders: W - Abakan Ridge and Alatau, S - W. Sayan Ridge, E - probably E.Sayan Ridge, N - to taiga and estuary of r. Angara
1312 From 1312 trade in Türkic slaves stopped, since Kipchak Khanate Khan Uzbek made Islam state religion, slavery was forbidden, and it was forbidden to sell Moslems from Kipchak Khanate in markets of Muslim countries
24 Kasım 2015 Salı
Arap Kaynaklarına Göre IX-XI. Asırlarda Kimek Devleti
Bolat E. KUMEKOV,
Arap Kaynaklarına Göre IX-XI. Asırlarda Kimek Devleti
, Çev. Mehmet Kıldıroğlu
Türk Dünyasının tarih alanında yetiştirdiği en seçkin bilim adamlarından birisi olan ve Orta Asya’daki göçebelerin devlet teşkilatı ve Kazakistan milli tarihi gibi az çalışılmış dönemler üzerinde çalışan Bolat E. KUMEKOV’un 1972 yılında tamamlamış olduğu “IX-XI. Asırlarda Kimek Devleti” adlı doktora tezi, bu ay içerisinde ülkemizin en seçkin bilim kurumlarından olan Türk Tarih Kurumu tarafından “Arap Kaynaklarına Göre IX-XI. Asırlarda Kimek Devleti” adıyla yayınlanmıştır. Dünya tarih biliminin ilk monografisi olarak gösterilen Kumekov’un bu çalışması, temelinde Arap kaynaklarına dayanan ciddi bir mukayesenin ürünüdür. Bu çalışma ile Kumekov’un IX-XI. yüzyıl erken Orta Çağ Kazakistan etno- politik tarihini yeniden oluşturduğu düşünülmekle birlikte IX-XI. yüzyıllarda Orta Asya’nın merkezinde hüküm süren bir Türk Devleti olan Kimeklerin, varlığı ve yönetim problemleri ilk defa onun tarafından formüle edildi. Yine bu Türk Devleti’nin kökeni, kuruluşu, tarihi ve etnik oluşumu ilk defa onun bu çalışması sonucunda ortaya konuldu. Biz bu çalışmamızda Bolat E. KUMEKOV’un Orta Asya Türk tarihinin bir problemini kısmen ortadan kaldıran “Arap Kaynaklarına Göre IX-XI. Asırlarda Kimek Devleti” adlı eserini tanıtıp değerlendirmeye çalışacağız. Bolat E. Kumekov, “Arap Kaynaklarına Göre IX-XI. Asırlarda
Kimek Devleti”, adlı eserinde Kimekleri her yönüyle ele almıştır. Eser içindekiler, önsöz, Bulat, E. KUMEKOV ve eseri hakkında, giriş, beş ana bölüm, son söz, bibliyografya, kısaltmalar ve dizinden oluşmaktadır. Eserin birinci bölümünde
kaynaklar (s. 11-3
1), ikinci bölümünde Kimeklerin Etnik Tarihinin Meseleleri
(s. 33-
49), üçüncü bölümünde Kimekler Ülkesinin Coğrafyası (51
-91),
dördüncü bölümünde Kimeklerin Ekonomisi (93
-
103) ve beşinci bölümünde ise Kimek Devleti ve Şehirleri (105
-
135) incelenmiştir. Eserin önsözünün ardından, çevirmenlerden birisi olan Mehmet KILDIROĞLU, Bolat E. KUMEKOV’un hayatından, çalışma alanlarından, eserinden ve Orta Çağ Türk Tarihine katkılarından bahsetmiştir. Yaşına rağmen KUMEKOV, günümüzde Almatı’da bulunan Kıpçak Bilimi Enstitüsü’nün başkanı olup bu enstitüde Kimekler, Kıpçaklar ve Kumanlar hakkında önemli çalışmalar yapmakta ve bir dizi çalışmaya danışmanlık etmektedir. Eserin giriş bölümünde, Kiev Rusya’sı kurulduğundan beri güney sınır komşusu olan Türk boylarının, Rus ta
rihinde en az Bizans İmparatorluğu kadar önemli olduğu vurgulanmıştır. Bu önemden dolayı günümüzde Ruslar ve Türk boyları arasındaki münasebetler üzerine çalışan birçok bilim adamı yetişmiş ve Kumekov bunların en önemlilerini bu bölümde belirtmiştir. Arap ve Fars kaynakların, özellikle Kimek ve Kıpçaklar hakkında vermiş olduğu bilgilerin değerli olduğunu ve bu boylar hakkındaki Arap kaynaklarına dayalı araştırmaların ise XIX. yüzyılda başladığını belirtmiştir. Giriş bölümünün sonucunda Kumekov, bu çalışmasının IX-XII. yüzyıl Kazakistan tarihini araştırmak için bir başlangıç olacağını ve özellikle arkeolojik verilerde dâhil olmak üzere bütün kaynaklara ulaşarak daha geniş bir Orta Çağ Kazakistan tarihinin yazılabileceğini belirtmiştir. Bu girişten sonra eserin tanıtımına geçecek olursak Kumekov, birinci bölümde geniş bir kaynak taraması yapmış olup ulaştığı bütün kaynakların hepsini titiz bir şekilde incelemiş ve karşılaştırma metoduyla çok iyi bir kaynak analizi yapmıştır. Bu kaynaklar arasında başta Arap ve Fars kaynakları olmak üzere Çin ve Rus kaynakları, eski Türk Kitabeleri, Kaşgarlı Mahmud’un Divânü Lûgat-it-Türk adlı eseri, dilbilimsel sözlükler, Orta Asya’ya gelen ilk Avrupalı seyyahların seyahatnâmeleri ve özellikle de son yıllara kadar Kazakistan’da yapılan arkeolojik kazılarda ortaya çıkartılan veriler tanıtılmış ve bu çalışma için önemleri vurgulanmıştır. Ayrıca bu çalışmasında Kumekov, Kimek Devleti hakkında bilgi veren Arap kaynaklarını ilk defa bu denli ayrıntılı bir eleştiriye tabî tutmuş ve yanlış bilgi veren Arap kaynaklarını, bu zamana kadar yapmış olduğu arkeolojik araştırmalar ve yazılı eser karşılaştırmaları sonucunda bilimsel doğrularıyla tespit etmiştir. İkinci bölümde Kimeklerin etnik tarihinin problemleri ele alınmış, Kimek etnik adı ve Kimek boyları üzerinde durulmuştur. Bilindiği üzere Kimeklerin Türk olup olmadıkları bilim adamları tarafından uzun süre tartışılmıştır. Nitekim bu tartışmaları da çalışmasında paylaşan ve Kimek kelimesinin etimolojisini araştırıp değerlendiren Kumekov, tartışmalara son noktayı koymuş ve Kimeklerin boy birleşiminden yola çıkarak onların Türk olduklarını ispat etmiştir. Kumekov, bu bölümde Gerdizi’nin Zeyn el-Ahbar adlı eserinde geçen Kimek boylarının ortaya çıkış efsanesini ve yedi Kimek boyunu (İmi, İmak,Tatar, Kıpçak, Bayandur, Lanikaz ve Adjlad) tek tek ele almıştır. Bu boyların adlarının etimolojik incelemelerini yaparak ciddi ilmî sonuçlar elde etmiştir. Bu boy incelemesi sonucunda, Kimek Devleti’ni oluşturan boyların yedi olmadığını aslında bunların on iki boy olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Bunun yanı sıra Kimek ve Kıpçakların aynı kökten olduğu sonucuna ulaşan Kumekov, Kimek boylarının göçleri hakkında da önemli bilgiler vermiş hatta kaynaklarda geçen belirsiz yer ve nehir-göl adlarının yerlerini tespit etmiştir. Eserin en kapsamlı bölümünü oluşturan üçüncü bölümde, Kimek ülkesinin coğrafyası, Arap kaynaklarındaki bilgiler dikkate alınarak tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Özellikle Kimekler ülkesine giden yollar hakkında bilgi veren Arap kaynakları üzerinde ciddi anlamda durmuştur. Nitekim Kimek ülkesine giden yollar, Kazakistan’da günümüzde yapılan arkeolojik çalışmalarda elde edilen veriler ışığında Arap kaynakları ile karşılaştırılarak ortaya konulmuştur. Bu mukayese sonucunda yanlış bilgi veren Arap kaynakları ortaya çıkarılmış ve Kumekov tarafından bilimsel doğrular tespit edilmiştir. Dikkat çekicidir ki, Kumekov’un tespit ettiği Kimek ülkesine giden yollar, Orta Asya’da XX. yüzyıla kadar çeşitli amaçlar için kullanılan yollardır. Tarihin coğrafya ile sıkı ilişki içerisinde olduğunu bilen Kumekov, Kazakistan’daki arazi çalışmaları sonucunda, yine bu bölümde, IX-XI. yüzyıllarda Kimeklerin yaşadığı coğrafya’yı ve sınır komşularını, Arap coğrafyacıların vermiş olduğu bilgileri de dikkate alarak ortaya koymuştur. Özellikle el-İdrisî’nin vermiş olduğu değerli bilgileri, diğer Arap kaynaklarıyla mukayese ederek Kimeklerin coğrafyasını ortaya koymaya çalışmıştır. Ayrıca Kumekov, el-İdrisî’nin Kimekler coğrafyasını çizdiği iki haritayı da bu bölümde daha net anlaşılması için okuyucular ile paylaşmıştır. Bu bölümün sonucunda Kumekov, IX. yüzyılda coğrafî sınırları tespit edilen genel de Türk boylarının özelde Kimeklerin, XI. yüzyılın ortalarından itibaren bulundukları coğrafyalarda büyük bir göçe maruz kaldığını ve bu göçlerin Doğu Avrupa’ya kadar ulaştığını belirlemiştir. Bu büyük göç sonucunda Kimekler, daha önceden kendilerine boyun eğen boyların siyasî hâkimiyetini kaybetmiştir. Bunun en belirgin örneği
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