Diriliş: Ertuğrul - Part 2: Kayi, Dodurga, Çavdar & Umuroğlu Tribes
“Being the direct ancestors of the Seljuk and the Ottoman Empires, the Turkmens enjoyed a special position among the other Turkic peoples of Central Asia in terms of variety and significance of the works referred to them.”
- A Historical And Semantical Study Of Turkmens And Turkmen Tribes: A Master’s Thesis by F. Esin Ozalp (Page 1)
N.B: As mentioned in Part 1 and Part 3, this may contain spoilers for watchers of both Dirilis Ertugrul & Kurulus Osman.
Craze of Dirilis Ertugrul in Pakistan
As I am writing this article, the Ertugrul craze has reached Pakistan where it has been dubbed in Urdu on the Pakistani state channel, PTV, on the orders of its Prime Minister Imran Khan.
As mentioned in Part 1, the popularity of this show particularly amongst Muslims, is no surprise considering that a TV show is showing Islam and Muslims in a positive light in contrast to the constant negative, false and stereotypical portrayals in Bollywood, Hollywood, etc.
Miscellaneous characters of the Kayi Tribe (Cont’d from Part 1)
Who was Artuk Bey?
Artuk Bey was a real person but his depiction in the series Dirilis Ertugrul like quite a few others (particularly in Season 2 {see below}) is one where historical personalities are being mentioned/being paid homage to rather than an accurate historical representation of the historical personality or the time period in which they lived in.
Not much is known is about Artuk Bey’s personal life with his date of birth being unknown as well as details about his wider family.
We know that he had two sons by the names of Sökmen and Ilghazi I who both - 11 years after Artuk passed away (1102 CE) - later went on to found the Artuqid Dynasty (sometimes also spelled as Artukid, Ortoqid or Ortokid) which they named after him.
The actual Artuk Bey (full name: Zaheer-ul-Daulah Artuk Bey) in history was an 11th century commander of the Great Seljuk Empire (Great Seljuk Sultanate) and participated in the famous Battle of Manzikert against the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire) in the year 1071 CE.
The character Artuk Bey in Dirilis: Ertugrul is without doubt the most prominent of characters who later joins the Kayi Tribe. He initially appears in Season 2 as the head doctor of the tribe of Haymana’s brother: Korkut Bey (see below) of the Dodurga Tribe, and possessed extensive knowledge of medicine and healing.
Who was Samsa Alp/Samsa Çavuş?
Samsa Alp/Samsa Çavuş was one of the most important figures in the establishment of the Ottoman state, and like Turgut Alp and Abdurrahman Gazi, not only was he blessed with a long life Masha’Allah but served the trio of Ertugrul Gazi, Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi.
Before I go any further on Samsa, you would have noticed that I am using Samsa Alp and Samsa Çavuş interchangeably and that is because they are the same person.
The character Samsa Alp is later killed off in Resurrection Ertugrul because the actor apparently wanted to leave the series (similar scenario to the actor playing the role of Halime Sultan), otherwise there was no reason for the character Samsa to die as he plays an extremely important role in early Ottoman history (as mentioned prior).
Hence, the character of Samsa has been reintroduced as “Samsa Cavus” in the new series Kurulus Osman with a totally new actor (unfortunately there seems to be an issue with this actor as well and he has left, and hence another actor has been rumoured for the role).
When it comes to the actual historical person Samsa Alp/Samsa Cavus though, they are no real details in relation to his date of birth, family, personal life, what tribal background he came from, etc but according to Professor Dr. Ahmet Şimşirgil, he become one of Ertuğrul and Osman Gazi's most loyal friends and comrades, and was the first person to assume the title of Çavuş (loosely translated as “Sergeant” in English) in the history of the Ottoman Empire (Osmanlı İmparatorluğu).
Moreover, pictured below is the honorary grave of Samsa Cavus. The honorary grave is in the Ertugrul Gazi Turbesi in Sogut.
Who was Ibn Arabi?
Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn ʿAlī ibn Muḥammad ibn al-ʿArabī al-Ḥātimī al-Ṭāʾī - more simply known as Ibn al Arabi/Ibn Arabi and also called Sheikh al-Akbar (May Allah have mercy on him) - was an Arab Andalusian Muslim scholar, mystic, philosopher, poet, and writer - who came to be acknowledged as an important spiritual teacher particularly in the Ottoman spiritual tradition, and also became known as “Mohi-ud-Din” (“the Reviver of Religion”) or “Shaykh-e-Akbar Mohi-ud-Din Ibn-e-Arabi.”
In fact, as mentioned prior, the Ottoman spiritual and intellectual tradition has a strong connection to Ibn al Arabi so it’s no surprise his character was in Dirilis Ertugrul.
It should be mentioned though that much of what is shown in Dirilis: Ertugrul like regularly visiting the Kayi Tribe and offering advice & spiritual guidance is very much dramatised and even though he did apparently mention Ertugrul in his works, it is a matter of debate if they ever met.
Ibn Arabi is one of the most prolific writers of the Islamic tradition though unfortunately not all of his works are present with us.
He wrote over 350 works like the Fuṣūṣ al-ḥikam (“The Ringstones of Wisdom”), which was composed in Damascus in 1229 CE, around 11 years before his death, and the Futuhat al-Makkiyya (The Meccan Illuminations/The Meccan Revelations/The Meccan Openings) which he completed in Makkah itself.
He also wrote a work titled “al-Shajara al-Nu’maniyya fi al-Dawla al-‘Uthmaniyya”, which is basically a prediction of sorts concerning the emergence of the Ottomans and its first leader (Osman Gazi/Osman I). It has been suggested, in relation to the title of the book, that it was later labelled as such AFTER the emergence of the Ottomans but the work is indeed that of Ibn al Arabi.
Note: It is advised for laypersons like the majority of us, to read the works of Ibn Arabi with scholarly guidance and/or with the necessary knowledge of Islam & the Islamic sciences. (Personal advice from me is to also be cautious with works on him in English/written by non-Muslim authors à la Orientalism & New Age Spirituality/Perennialism).
Ibn Arabi was buried in Damascus at in the year 1240 CE during the reign of the Ayyubid Dynasty (dynasty from the family of Salahuddin).
His resting place is actually under the green dome (pictured below) and was constructed by Ottoman Sultan Selim I/Yavuz Sultan Selim (the first ever Ottoman Sultan to be Caliph) in 1517/18 CE (923/24 AH) after he conquered modern Syria and Egypt from the Mamluk Sultanate.
Who was Kaya Alp?
Kaya Alp (meaning “Brave Rock”) historically speaking was said to be the father of Süleyman Şah/Gündüz Alp and the grandfather of Ertuğrul Bey.
He was said to be the Bey of the Kayi Tribe from 1200 CE until 1214 CE when he died. Apart from that, not much is actually known about him.
In Resurrection: Ertugrul, Kaya Alp first appears in Season 2 as one of the Alps of the main tent of the Dodurga Tribe and serves firstly Korkut Bey and thereafter his son Tugtekin Bey (see below).
I postulate that this character may have been a sort of tribute to the real Kaya Alp who ends up being the eventual great-grandfather of the founder of the Ottoman state: Osman Gazi.
Who was Banu Çiçek?
Banu Çiçek, like Bamsi Beyrek, is a character from the stories of Dede Korkut (Book of Dede Korkut) and she actually and eventually marries Bamsi Beyrek.
Though Bamsi Beyrek was said to be a real person, it’s not entirely certain if the same thing can be said about Banu Çiçek.
In the stories of Dede Korkut, Banu Cicek is shown to be a brave woman skilled in combat, and this is similar with her depiction in Resurrection Ertugrul where she is shown to be the female Alp of the Dodurga Tribe; she is also referred to as Çiçek Hatun.
Banu Cicek
Moroever, the term “Banu” means '“Lady” and the term “Çiçek” has a deep rooted history in Mongolian and Turkic languages and is linked to beauty, with one possible meaning being “flower.”
Fictional Characters:
Who was Ilyas Fakih?
Ilyas Fakih is a fictional character and only appeared in Season 1 of Dirilis Ertugrul. He was a scholarly & spiritual individual as well as the Imam of the Kayi Tribe. His last name “Fakih” denoted that he was an Islamic scholar as the term “faqih” in Arabic means an expert in Islamic law.
Ilyas Fakih
Who was Günküt Alp?
Gunkut was one of the main and senior Alps of Ertugrul. Along with many Kayi Tribe Alps, he wasn’t permitted to leave to join Ertugrul Bey in his journey westward, though they later did along with Hayme Hatun and Abdurrahman Alp.
He seemingly likes to joke a lot, particularly with Bamsi Alp, from whom he can be on the receiving end of a lot of friendly banter.
Abdurrahman Alp & Gunkut Alp
Who was Dumrul Alp?
Dumrul Alp was initially just a regular Alp of the Kayi Tribe, and even served Kurdoglu at point bu later became one of Ertugrul’s senior and close Alps. In Season 3, we see him tasked along with Haçaturyan Usta (an Armenian gold miner who became a slave and was freed by Ertugrul) to be disguised as merchants but operating as spies in Tekfur Vasilius’ Karacahisar Kalesi; we also see him dressed as Sultan Alaeddin in order to fool Vasilius and his troops after they had heard that the Sultan was residing in the Hanli Pazaar.
He was killed in Season 5 by the men of Arikbuka/Ariq Böke (a Mongol spy and actual grandson of Genghis Khan).
Who was Meliksah Alp?
Melikshah Alp/Meliksah Alp was another of Ertugrul’s close Alps though ironically he had no designated name until Season 5, only being referred to as “Alp”. The name “Meliksah” is in fact the real name of the actor himself.
Who was Ogüz Alp?
Oguz Alp/Ogüz Alp became an integral Kayi Alp later on in the series and was good friends with Turgut Alp. He was killed in Season 5 by Byzantine commander Dragos (who disguised himself as the bell ringer of Sogut), after Dragos escaped from prison.
Melikshah Alp. Dumrul Alp and Oguz Alp
Who was Hamza Alp?
Hamza Alp was one of Gundogdu Bey’s close Alps. In Season 2, both him and Abdurrahman Alp were accused by Tughtekin Bey of serving the Mongols after they fell into a trap, to which they they were beaten up - as punishment - by Tughtekin and his Alps; Gundogdu also treated him unjustly leaving him to betray the tribe and actually join up with Noyan along with other Alps who he convinced (Noyan said that he would make Hamza the new Bey of the Kayis).
He later repented after Noyan’s lair was raided and he was caught; Gundogdu used him to bait Noyan and he actually helped Gundogdu rescue his wife Selcan Hatun from Noyan.
Hamza Alp
Who was Hafsa Hatun?
Hafsa Hatun was a Christian Byzantine princess who converted to Islam, and previously was known as Princess Helena. She was the daughter of the Tekfur of the Karacahisar Kalesi and eventually married Bamsi Alp, and from whom, she gave birth to two children: Aslihan (named after Aslihan Hatun) and Aybars.
Who was Sügay Hatun?
Sügay Hatun was from a distant Turkmen tribe (though the name of the tribe is not mentioned) and we see her only at the end of Season 4. Ertuğrul found her whilst in mourning for Halime Sultan; she too was mourning and was burying her child.
She became Osman Gazi's milk mother since Halime Hatun passed away, and thereafter lived in the Kayi tribe. She’s not mentioned or seen in Season 5.
The Dodurga Tribe & Its Origins
The Dodurga Tribe is a Turkic tribe that was seen in Season 2 of Dirilis Ertugrul. The Dodurga Tribe (Dodurga boyu/Dodurga Obasi) is considered to be one of the 24 Oghuz Turkic Tribes that descend from the legendary and almost mythical figure Oghuz Khan/Oghuz Khagan.
As per the 14th century historian in Mongol Ilkhanate ruled Iran - Rashid al-Din Tabib (Rashīd al-Dīn Faḍlullāh Hamadānī/Reşîdüddîn Fazlullah-ı Hemedânî) - in his extensive history work Jāmiʿal-tawārīkh (Collection of Chronicles), the symbol of the Dodurga Tribe is said to mean "managing a khanate/principality.”
Though fictional (their interactions & relations with the Kayis), in Dirilis Ertugrul, they are said to be related to the Kayi Tribe via Korkut Bey of the Dodurga Tribe (see below) and his (supposed) younger sibling: Hayme Hatun of the Kayi Tribe (see previous blog post).
Moreover, the name “Dodurga” may refer to several places in Turkey including a town not far from Söğüt in the Bozüyük district of the Bilecik Province.
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Who was Korkut Bey?
The character Korkut Bey in Dirilis: Ertugrul seems to pay homage to two possible historical principalities; the Ottoman Prince, Shehzade Korkut or the historical Turkic figure Dede Korkut, from whose work “The Book of Dede Korkut” we see the mentioning of Bamsi Beyrek and Banu Cicek (even if similarities to the two historical personalities seem extremely minimal)
In Resurrection: Ertugrul, Korkut Bey is presented as the Bey of the Dodurga Tribe as well as being the older brother of Hayme Ana, and hence the maternal uncle of Gundogdu, Sungurtekin, Ertugrul and Dundar. In addition, it is said that he went to battles with their father and his brother-in-law: Suleyman Shah.
The one possible historical personality possibly behind the character of Korkut Bey - Ottoman Şehzade Korkut - was the son of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II and his wife Nigar Hatun, the brother of the first Ottoman Caliph Yavuz Sultan Selim, and the grandson of Fatih Sultan Mehmet (Mehmed II) - conqueror of Constantinople (Istanbul) - and his wife Emine Gülbahar Hatun.
He is buried in Bursa in the Muradiye Complex or Complex of Sultan Murad II (Muradiye Külliyesi).
Who was Tugtekin Bey?
The character Tugtekin Bey (Tughtekin Bey) in Dirilis: Ertugrul is based on the Seljuk military commander of the 11th and 12th century CE: Toghtekin (Tuğtekin/Tughtigin/Zahir ad-Din Toghtekin).
Tugtekin Bey in Resurrection Ertugrul was the son of Korkut Bey, the Bey of the Dodurga Tribe, and the first cousin of Gundodgu Bey, Sungur Tekin Bey, Ertugrul Gazi and Dundar Bey.
The actual Toghtekin was a Turkic military leader who was also Atabeg/Atabey of Damascus from 1104 CE till February 1128 CE.
He is described by historians as an able and just ruler and one of the most dreaded enemies to the Crusaders/Christians.
Not much is known about him though including his personal life, date of birth, etc; he was said to be the founder of the Burid dynasty which ruled over the Emirate of Damascus in the early 12th century CE, and which was named after his son and successor: Taj-ul-Mulk Buri.
Toghtekin passed away in February 1128 CE though it is not certain how he died.
Who was Gümüştekin Bey?
The character Gümüştekin Bey in Dirilis Ertugrul is based on one or more historical personalities from the Danishmendid dynasty:
(1) Dānishmand Aḥmad Ghāzī or Danişmend Gümüştegin Ahmed ibn Ali Taylu et-Türkmanī (Danishmend Gazi), and/or
(2) Danishmend Gazi’s son Gümüshtigin Gazi/Gazi Gümüshtigin (Melikgazi Gümüshtigin)
Both Danishmend Gazi and Gumushtigin Gazi were members of the Anatolian Turkish Beylik: The Danishmend dynasty.
In fact, Danishmend Gazi is the founder of the Beylik of Danishmendids with his son Gumushtigin Gazi being his successor and second ruler of the Danishmendids; the Beylik was established in the aftermath of the famous Battle of Manzikert (between the years 1071 and 1075 CE).
Not much is known about Danishmend Gazi himself but his name is supposed to mean “wise man” and “one who searches for knowledge” in Persian.
His tomb is said to lie in the Melik Gazi Turbesi in the city of Niksar, modern Turkey.
On the other hand, Gümüshtigin Gazi, also known as Melikgazi Gümüshtigin was the son and successor of Danishmend Gazi, and second ruler of the Danishmendids after his father Danishmend died in 1084/85 CE.
Not much is known about him but during the First Crusade, he was directly on the path of the advancing crusaders.
We contrast all of this that has been mentioned to the series Dirilis Ertugrul, and Gumustekin Bey is depicted as one of the Beys of the Dodurga Tribe and an assistant of sorts to the Anatolian Seljuk Emir, Sadettin Kopek/Sa’ad al Din Kopek (See Part 3).
Resurrection Ertugrul depcits that Emir Sadettin attempts to help Gumustekin to establish a Principality (Uç Beylik) and become the Principality Bey (Uç Bey/Uch Bey) for that region under the Seljuk Empire of Rum, but Ertugrul Bey in particular spoils Gumustekin’s hopes, exposed his plans and had him executed in the camp in spite of Sadettin Kopek’s insistence not to do so.
Fictional Characters:
Who was Duru Hatun?
A fictional character in Season 2 of Dirilis Ertugrul with very sporadic appearances in the form of Korkut Bey’s visions or dreams. She was the (first) wife of Korkut Bey and mother of Tugtekin Bey.
As shown in Resurrection Ertugrul, she was poisoned and killed by Gumustekin Bey’s sister Aytolun Hatun who later becomes the wife of Korkut Bey.
Who was Aytolun Hatun and who was Goncagul Hatun?
- Aytolun Hatun:
Aytolun Hatun, as mentioned above, was the sister of Gumustekin Bey. She is also a fictional character; through her aforementioned devious plans, she later becomes Korkut Bey’s wife and Hatun (Woman) of the Dodurga Tribe.
She was killed by Abdurrahman Alp via a bow and arrow after her devious plans were exposed and she and her niece Goncagul Hatun had attempted to kill Halime Sultan and Selcan Hatun respectively.
- Goncagul Hatun:
The aforementioned Goncagul Hatun was the daughter of Gumustekin Bey and was also part of his devious plans to “capture” the Kayi Tribe alongside the Dodurga Tribe.
Gumustekin and Aytolun both mentioned to her that she needs to marry Gundogdu Bey as part of her father’s plans but their plan ultimately fails.
She survives the longest out of the 3 of them and ends up allying with Noyan with Emir Sadettin’s help but after Gokce Hatun (wife of Tugtekin) attempts to escape from Noyan’s clutches, she is killed in the process.
Who was Bogaç Alp & who was Kocabaş Alp?
- Bogaç Alp:
Bogaç Alp is initially shown to be one of the main Alps of Tugtekin Bey but later betrays Tugtekin after the death of Gumustekin by the hands of Ertugrul Bey, and allies himself with Emir Sadettin Köpek.
He then complies with the Seljuk Emir’s orders and lures both Tugtekin and Gokce Hatun into the hands of Baycu Noyan who eventually kills them both.
Bogac Alp was later killed by Turgut Alp at the end of Season 2 with his head sent on a spike to Emir Sa'd al-Din Köpek.
- Kocabaş Alp:
When it comes to Kocabaş Alp, he was also presented as one of the main Alps of Tugtekin Bey.
Unfortunately for Tugtekin, he was also a traitor as he was actually a Mongol spy for Noyan within the Dodurga Tribe.
He met his fate at the hands of Ertugrul where he was exposed for being a traitor to the camp.
Cavdar Tribe & Its Origins
Different sources (sometimes even depending on location) historically have referred to the Çavdar Tribe (Çavdar boyu/Çavdar obasi) with different names including Çavuldur, Çavundur, Çavdur, Çavdır, Çavındır, Çavdar, etc. It is said to mean “famous and honourable” and they also descend from Oghuz Khan.
In Dirilis Ertugrul they are seen in both Seasons 3 & 4 (though the type of interactions depicted with the Kayi Tribe are fictional) and are often referred to as being of Tatar descent. (The Tatars/Tartars are a Turkic ethnic group living mainly today in post-Soviet countries, primarily in Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan).
In addition, it appears that the vast majority of those associated with the Cavdar Tribe did not migrate to Anatolia but in fact stayed on the Mangyshlak Peninsula located in western Kazakhstan and which borders the Caspian Sea.
The Cavdar Tribe’s existence has also been mentioned as late as the nineteenth century with a report being compiled in the year 1819 CE by the Russians. (Source: A Historical And Semantical Study Of Turkmens And Turkmen Tribes: A Master’s Thesis by F. Esin Ozalp (Pg. 120)).
#/media/File:Cavuldur.svg)
Who was Candar Bey?
Candar Bey in Dirilis Ertugrul appears to be based on the historical personality going by the name of Şemseddin Yaman Candar (also known as Temür Yaman Jandar) who was the founder of the Isfendiyarids or Isfendiyarid dynasty (İsfendiyaroğulları/İsfendiyaroğulları Beyliği), also known as the Beylik of Sinop, Beylik of Isfendiyar, Jandarids/Candarids or Beylik of Jandar/Beylik of Candar (Candaroğulları/Candaroğulları Beyliği).
This actual historical figure - Semseddin Yaman Candar Bey - has been depicted in Kurulus Osman as seen below.
Depiction of Semseddin Yaman Candar Bey in Kurulus Osman
This Beylik was an Anatolian Turkmen Beylik that controlled the Black Sea region of modern-day Turkey between Kastamonu and Sinop (northern Anatolia) between 1292 and 1461 CE. The region is also known in Western literature as Paphlagonia (which was the name of this region during the Roman period).
In Resurrection Ertugrul, Candar Bey is presented as the Bey of the Cavdar Tribe which is the largest tribe at that time in that vicinity, and had three (3) children: Ural Bey, Aliyar Bey and Aslihan Hatun (see below).
There is not much information on the actual personality Candar or his family except that they were of Oghuz Turkic origin.
The name “Candar” is said to refer to the title given to palace guards in the Seljuk palaces and it has been mentioned that Yaman Candar himself was probably in the past a candar in a Seljuq palace.
We know nothing of Yaman Candar's later life but he was said to have probably died in the early 14th century.
Who was Toktamış Bey?
Toktamis Bey in Dirilis Ertugrul was portrayed as the right-hand man and blood-brother of Candar Bey.
He only lasted one episode (Season 3) as he was poisoned by the Simon-Ural alliance whereby the secret Knights Templar Simon and his sister Maria produced a poison, and Ural Bey through his wife Colpan Hatun (see below) and her servant Aybüke, served Toktamis the poison by placing it in his sherbet. The poison caused him to act out in a crazy manner and Candar Bey (unaware of him being poisoned) had to ultimately kill him; Aliyar Bey later uncovered that Toktamis was poisoned.
The actual historical personality behind the character Toktamis in Resurrection Ertugrul, Tokhtamysh/Tuqtamış/Toktamış Han, was said to be a prominent Khan of the Blue Horde who was from the progeny of Genghis Khan/Chingiz Khan (1st Great Khan & founder of the Mongol Empire).
Toktamis was said to be the last Khan who minted coins with the Mongolian script.
Who was Aliyar Bey?
Aliyar Bey in Dirilis Ertugul is presented as the son of Candar Bey but unlike his brother Ural, he was a supporter and ally of Ertugrul Bey. He also later becomes Bey of the Cavdar Tribe after the death of his father.
He returns to the tribe after being in places like Damascus since he was a seeker of knowledge. He was a pious individual, a leader, a warrior and personally, my favourite character in the series after Ertugrul.
When he returned to the tribe, he investigated the death of Toktamis Bey and with the help of Artuk Bey, he realised that Toktamis was poisoned. He is later killed by wounds suffered at the hands of the the Byzantine Governor/Tekfur Vasilius.
My initial research suggested that he was fictional but with the help of others online, etc, I have come across an individual with multiple variations to their name: Sheikh Auliyar, Qasim Khan Sheikh Auliyar or Shaykh Allahyar ibn Bakhtiyar Sultan ibn Küchük Muhammad.
Qasim Khan refers to the Qasim Khanate (or Kasimov Khanate in Russian) that reigned between 1452-1681 CE from five different dynasties:
(1) Kazan Dynasty; (2) Crimean dynasty; (3) Astrakhan Dynasty; (4) Kazakh Dynasty and (5) Sibir dynasty.
The Khanate of Astrakhan (Astrakhan Dynasty) was a Tatar state that arose during the break-up of the Golden Horde. Shaykh Allahyar (or Auliyar in Russian sources) was from the Astrakhan Dynasty, a Tatar prince and was one of its future Khans/rulers.
He was also said to be a descendant of Genghis Khan through Genghis’ eldest son Jochi (going back around 15 generations). The Khanate existed in the 15th and 16th centuries in the area adjacent to the mouth of the Volga river, around the modern city of Astrakhan in modern-day Russia.
Actor playing the role of Aliyar Bey
Who was Colpan Hatun/Ekaterina?
Colpan Hatun was the wife of Ural Bey and was said to be the daughter of a previous Byzantine tekfur (governor) from the Karacahisar Kalesi.
She is openly a Muslim but secretly still a Christian; after Ural’s death, she (permanently) resettled in the Karacahisar Kalesi where she grew up and becomes a Christian again (openly). She later dies and is talked about in the show, though this is neither shown nor vividly descripted.
The closest historical personality to her name is probably Catherine the Great (also known as Yekaterina or Ekaterina): the Empress/Tsarina of “All the Russias” (the Russian Empire).
Colpan Hatun (Ekaterina)
Who was Batuhan Alp?
Batuhan was the main Alp of Ural Bey and was extremely loyal.
He was promised by Ural that he will be given Ural’s sister Aslihan in marriage but then when he finds out that Ural is giving Aslihan to Emir Sadettin, he realises that Ural broke his promise and later betrays him. He was later killed by Ertugrul
The closest historical indication to his name was that of Batu Khan, also known as Sain Khan or Tsar Batu, who was a Mongol ruler and founder of the Golden Horde (of the Mongol Empire). Batu was a grandson of Genghis Khan and son of Jochi (eldest son of Genghis Khan).
Batuhan is essentially just the Turkish way of saying Batu Khan, so from that perspective the character isn’t fictional though obviously his depiction in the series is.
Fictional Characters:
Who was Ural Bey?
Ural Bey is the eldest son and child of Candar Bey who allies himself with Emir Sadettin Kopek and consequently also was an opponent of Ertugrul Bey; He is extremely ambitious and tries everything to get what he wants.
In terms of his name “Ural”, in modern Russia the name “Ural” is quite visible with there being an Ural Mountain, Ural River as well as the Ural Economic Region (one of the 12 economic regions of modern Russia).
Who was Aslihan Hatun?
Aslihan Hatun/Aslıhan Hatun was the youngest child and only daughter of Candar Bey. She initially sought to marry Ertugrul but he rejects the proposal.
Later, Emir Sadettin looks to marry her but she rejects him. After some time of being the deputy head of the Cavdar Tribe due to the death of her father and both brothers, she ends up marrying Turgut Alp and hence he became Turgut Bey: Bey of the Cavdar Tribe.
She then decided to exact revenge on Emir Sadettin for the things he did, and secretly leaves her tribe and makes her way to Konya; after a bout with Sadettin Kopek in the Seljuk palace, he got the better hand of her and she was killed.
Who was Kutluca Alp?
Kutluca: Main Alp of Candar Bey and then Aliyar Bey. He is later killed by Ural Bey when he tries to take over the Cavdar Tribe.
The name Kutluca can be found as the name of villages in different parts of modern-day Turkiye (Turkey).
Who was Bahadir Bey?
Bahadir Bey: Uncle of Ural, Aliyar and Aslihan. He is the Bey of the other half of the Cavdar Tribe and is invited by Emir Sadettin Kopek (in Season 4) to resettle with the other half of the Cavdar Tribe, so as to make it one whole tribe.
Like his nephew Ural, he is also an opponent of Ertugrul and meets his fate at the hands of Ertugrul after constant disobedience, plotting against Ertugrul & his Alps, and also after he attempted to seize the Cavdar Tribe and become Bey.
Bahadir is a common Turkish male name meaning “brave” or “valiant”. •From a historical perspective, Bahadır is said to be the modern version of "Baghatur".The Turkish male name “Batur” is also said to be a shortened version of Baghatur.
Baghatur is said to be the appropriate Turkish reading of the personal name of Modu Chanyu who was the founder of Xiongnu Empire situated in modern-day Mongolia in 209 BCE. Modu Chanyu was also known as Modun, Maodun, Modu or Mete Khan in Turkic languages.
Umuroğlu Tribe & Its Origins
Out of all the tribes in Diriliş Ertuğrul, the Umuroğlu Tribe is the only tribe that appears to not be a real tribe (there appears to be some historical mentions of an Umuroğulları Principality which is what I feel is the basis for the Umuroglu Tribe in Season 5).
And in all honesty, I'm not entirely surprised about this because the creator of the show, Mehmet Bozdag only intended for 4 seasons of Resurrection Ertugrul but was apparently asked by the Turkish State TV provider TRT to do one more season.
Based on the works of Byzantine historians George Pachymeres and Nicephorus Gregoras, while coming across the activities of an Amourios and his sons, they deemed it appropriate to give the name of this principality as the Umur Principality or Umuroğulları Principality, since Amourios could have been Turkish for Umur or Emir.
The history of this Principality is relatively unknown and there are no explicit mentions of it, and this is because the actual historical personality Umur Bey was said to be part of the Aydinids or Aydinid dynasty (Aydınoğulları, Aydınoğulları Beyliği), also known as the Principality of Aydin and Beylik of Aydin (Aydın Beyliği).
This was a principality named after its founder Aydın Mehmed Bey, the father of Umur Bey.
In Resurrection Ertugrul, on the orders of the Mongol-controlled Seljuk Emir, Emir Bahaddin, the Umuroglu Tribe under Umur Bey are sent to become the new tax collectors for Sogut whilst also looking to take the Uc Beylik (Principality Beylik) away from Ertugrul and the Kayi Tribe.
Who was Umur Bey?
Umur Bey/Gazi Umur Bey/Umur Ghazi/Ghazi Umur/Umur The Lion/Umur Pasha (also known as Aydınoğlu Umur Bey) was said to be the second son of Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey, the founder of Aydınoğlu Beylik/Aydinoğullari, as well as the second Bey/Emir of the Aydinoğullari.
In Dirilis Ertugrul, Umur Bey is shown to be the Bey of the Umuroğlu Tribe, and is tasked by the Seljuks and its Emir, Emir Bahattin, to collect taxes in Sogut thereby replacing Ertugrul Bey; Umur Bey (in Resurrection Ertugrul) also had an ambition to become the new Bey of Principality.
He was later killed by Dragos, who then framed Gunduz Alp (son of Ertugrul) for the murder thereby instigating a huge rift between the Kayıs and the Umuroğlus.
Moreover, the Aydin Principality was said to have reached its golden period under Umur Bey.
In the travel notes by the Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi titled Seyahatnâme, the famous explorer and traveller Ibn Battuta was said to have seen Umur Bey in Izmir in the summer of 1333 CE.
Who was Ilbilge Hatun?
My initial research led me to believe that she was entirely fictional but there definitely existed a person by this name; in fact I have come across a few names.
Firstly, El Bilga Khatun, Elbilge qatun or Ilbilga Katun[ was the wife of the 8th century Göktürk Turkic Qaghan/Khaghan: Ilterish Qagha/Ilterish Khagan, the founder of the Second Turkic Khaganate, as well as the mother of Bilgä Qaghan/Khagan: the fourth Qaghan/Khaghan of the same Khaganate.
She is mentioned in Orkhon inscriptions* erected in honor of Bilgä Qaghan and his brother.
*Orkhon inscriptions are inscriptions, in both Chinese and Old Turkic, that relate the legendary origins of the Turks, the ‘golden age’ of their history, their subjugation by the Chinese, and their liberation by the aforementioned Ilterish Qaghan, the husband of El Bilga Khatun.
Moroever, the second possible individual was in relation to Bayanchur Qaghan (713-759 CE), the second Qaghan/Khagan of the Uyghur Khaganate who was said to be married to a fellow Uyghur known as Elbilge Khatun.
We contrast this to the series and Ilbilge Hatun was the daughter and oldest child of Umur Bey. She initially came to the Kayi Tribe to spy for her father but after her father was killed by the Byzantine warrior Dragos, she thought & blamed it on Gunduz (son of Ertugrul).
After Gunduz’s innocence was proven in court, she allies with Ertugrul and later assisted him in killing her brother Beybolat; she also killed her sister Sirma Hatun in self-defence (both of her siblings had attempted to kill her and both allied with the Mongols). At the end of Season 5, she married Ertugrul (this is completely fictional).
Ilbilge Hatun - Dirilis Ertugrul
Fictional Characters:
Who was Beybolat Bey (Albaşti)?
Beybolat Bey was the only son of Umur Bey and his second oldest child.
He was an ally of the Mongols as well as having a undercover and terrifying personality (he was an assassin) called “Albasti” whereby he would kill members of Turkmen tribes if they refused to submit to the Mongols.
He is later killed by Ertugrul after being exposed as Albasti.
In Turkic folklore, Albasti is a tormenting feminine night demon, or nightmare, hence the inspiration for the character.
N.B. It’s possible that Beybolat is not entirely fictional; will update accordingly Insha’Allah.
Who was Sirma Hatun?
Sirma Hatun was the second daughter and youngest child of Umur Bey. She also allied with the Mongols after her brother Beybolat was killed by Ertugrul, and is then later killed herself in the Umuroglu tribe by her sister Ilbilge Hatun.
Other Fictional Characters:
Mengu: Helper and confidant of Ilbilge Hatun.
Ataç Bey: One of the main Beys of the Umuroglu Tribe. Killed by Beybolat Bey for failing to protect his father Umur Bey.
Yinal: Main Alp of Beybolat Bey. Killed by Bamsi.
And Allah knows best.
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Jazak’Allah Khayr.
