Welcome to Distant Travels!
This blog will uncover all the greatest unknown mysteries about the greatest leaders in history. If you are interested in such content, then just simply subscribe to this site, so that you may be able to receive the latest articles as soon as they come out. Furthermore, you may also check out the "Distant Travels" Youtube Channel, as it features high quality HD videos, based on the content you read!
Distant Travels is a neutral site that produces unbiased history content.
In the history of Afghanistan, there have been many mighty rulers and sovereigns, however, one stood out from all of them. He was a pious, patriotic, and merciful man who had all the profound traits of an exceptional leader, and ruled his lands with justice. He not only became the hero of all Afghans but also saved Islam in the subcontinent. In this video, we will go through the chapters of the life of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the Afghan ruler who united the Afghan tribes and became the founder of modern Afghanistan, as well as the father of his nation. Ahmad Shah Durrani Ahmad Khan Abdali was born in Herat, in 1723. He was the son of Zaman Khan, and the grandson of Dawlat Khan. He was from the Pashtun Sadouzai Tribe, a sub tribe of the Abdali Tribe. The story starts in 1732 CE, in Farah, Afghanistan, when Ahmad Khan's older brother, Zulfiqar Khan was defeated by his enemies. Zulfiqar Khan took his younger brother Ahmad Khan with him and fled to Kandahar, where they sought
Upon leaving this world, the ancient ruler & ancestor of the Turks; Oguz Khan, had left behind 6 sons. These 6 children of his would take rulership of 4 tribes each; and in total, there would be 24 branches of Oguz Tribes. And so, the Oguz Turks' kingdoms would spread all throughout Asia, Africa, & even Europe. Their might was heard in all 4 corners of the world, and their valor & bravery was renowned. Many of the greatest empires in history would be from their lineage. In this article, we will learn about their traditions, cultures, laws, social norms, and ancient history that ultimately made them become the famous Oghuz Turks, whom history itself exalted.
The Oghuz Turks
Born to become warriors, the Oghuz Turks were known to have been trained in sword fighting, archery, and horse riding from a very young age. Along with that, they were taught to highly respect & protect their laws, cultures, traditions & flags above everything else; as they were the essentials of the foundations of the Oguz Tribes. And so, when these young Turkmen would grow older and reach the age of maturity, they would become "alps". The word alp itself meant hero and would refer to the male warriors of the Turkish Oghuz Tribes. These alps would in turn, be under the command of the "Alp-Bashi", meaning the Chief Alp. This great title and position would be given to the most highly esteemed, commendable warrior of the tribe; who would train the alps & utmost obediently execute the orders of the bey of the tribe. The word "bey" was an honorific title given to the chieftains of the Oghuz Tribes, whom were chosen through noble lineage & the voting council of the elders. Thus, the elected chieftain would assume command of the entire tribe, & would be considered responsible for the safety and well doing of his people. However, those warriors who fought holy wars solely for the sake of God were called "Ghazis". This was without a doubt, the greatest and most honorable title to be given to the Oghuz Turks. Moreover, anyone from the alps to the beys of the tribes could earn this title, as it was sought through self sacrifice & nobility, as opposed to wealth & glory.
The Ghazis of the Oghuz Turks
Though the men of the Turkish Oghuz Tribes were considered the backbones of leadership & organization, it is notable to say, that women were also said to have been expert horse riders, archers, & athletes. Moreover, they produced some of the world's most famous carpets with magnificent architecture, eloquence & design. These carpets were sewn together by the women of the tribe, whom had mastered the art to the extent that their carpets had reached great popularity & demand in the trade industry.
The Carpet Production of the Oghuz Tribes
Tribal allegiance & ties of kinship were of much significance in Oghuz culture. Marriages were often arranged among territorial groups, so that neighboring groups could increase their ties of kinship & become close relatives. For Oghuz Turks, marriage was a great organizing principle that extended territorial unity & created alliances. Also, ceremonies were a of great importance in Oghuz traditions, as they would minimize social dangers & strengthen the bonds of the tribe folks. Such ceremonies would be done for celebrating marriages, saluting births, mourning the dead, & most notably, congratulating those who reached the age at which they would become alps.
Oghuz Wedding Ceremonies
For many centuries, Oghuz Turks were known to have been fearless, nomadic tribesmen that possessed certain military advantages that other societies did not have; in particular, mobility. On top of that, they lived in "yurts", which were round, portable tent-like shelters, which were erected on wooden poles, and built with hand woven textiles. The Turkish Oghuz Tribes also had herds of cattle, which would in turn, grant them great means of sustenance wherever they travelled (so long as they remained on fertile lands). Furthermore, the Oghuz Turks also consisted of skilled merchants, craftsmen & blacksmiths whom contributed well to the livelihood of the tribe.
Craftsmen of the Tribes
What was the religion of the Oghuz Turks? Well, Oguz Khan was born at a time when majority of the people had lost their monotheistic faith. However, he would grow up & become the protector of the monotheistic faith, spreading it to many far away lands, preaching the people to worship one God. Though, not all of the Oghuz Turks remained monotheistic, as Shamanism & Tengrism remained somewhat popular. But after the arrival of lslam, during the 7th century, the Oghuz Turks' had rapidly been converting to Islam. And so, by the 10th century, the Oguz Turks were referred as Muslim Turkmen. In fact, Oguz warriors would serve in almost all the Islamic Armies in the Middle East, Rum, and even Spain & Morocco. And so, they would remain steadfast on their religion, to the extent that they would later be known as the protecters of the Islamic world, Caliphs of the Muslims.
As time passed by, the Oghuz Turks became masters of statecraft, and would emerge as some of the greatest empire builders history has ever seen. Among the great states they would establish were the Khwarazm State, from the Begdili Oguz Tribe; the Seljuq Sultanate, from the Kinik Oguz Tribe, the Kara Koyunlu Beylic, from the Yiva Oghuz Tribe; the Aq Quyunlu Confederation from the Bayundur Oghuz Tribe; the Afsharid Principality, from the Afshar Oghuz Tribe; and of course, the Great Ottoman Empire, from the Kayi Tribe. All of the above mentioned dynasties would expand over the course of several countries, & even present day continents! The last of the existing Turkish Oguz dynasties were the Ottomans, from the lineage of Osman Ghazi. Their more modernized state dissolved in 1922, marking the end of the legendary Oghuz Turks. However, it did not mark the end of their legacy...
Centuries Old: The Book of Dede Korkut
This was the history of the children of Oghuz Khan, fathers of conquerors: the valiants of the Turks. Many of their legends, traditions, & social norms have been recorded in the famous Book of Dede Korkut, which is said to have been preserved for countless centuries! And today, many of the descendants of the Oghuz Turks reside in Turkey, Azerbaijan & Turkmenistan. The epics & folktales of their forefathers have never been forgotten.
Konur Alp was a prominent commander who was known for his very commendable military skills during the early stages of the Ottoman Empire. He played a very important role in the conquest of the regions between Akyazi and Anadolu Kavagi. Konur Alp was among Osman Ghazi's closest companions, as well as Orhan Ghazi's greatest comrades. Nevertheless, what do we know about the life of of Konur Alp? Prior to becoming the head of the Kayi Tribe, Osman Ghazi took part in many campaigns and expeditions. During this time, he had a couple of close friends who would accompany him to every place he would go. These close friends of his would be with him in every hardship that he was to face. And so, after decades in accompanying Osman Ghazi in all the raids and battles he would fight in; together, they would establish the Ottoman Empire. These close comrades of his were Turgut Alp, Samsa Cavus, Abdurrahman Ghazi, Aykut Alp, Saltuk Alp, Hasan Alp, Akca Koca, and of course, Konur Alp.
Grandson of Sulayman Shah, eldest son of Ertugrul Ghazi, loyal brother & supporter of Osman Ghazi, who was Gunduz Alp? Gunduz Alp was among the early Ghazis of the Ottoman Empire, whom had devoted their lives to the establishment of a great state. Moreover, the feats & exploits of Gunduz Alp proved him to be one the fiercest warriors of the Ottomans. Nevertheless, what has history said about the Ottoman hero, Gunduz Alp? Gunduz Alp was born in Sogut, in the year 1229. He grew up in the household of Ertugrul Ghazi, as his eldest son; and had the honor & privilege of accompanying him on many campaigns and expeditions. Gunduz proved to be a real branch of support to his father, becoming his close confidant & companion. This sense of responsibly & ambition truly gave Gunduz Alp experience & intellect at a young age. Gunduz Bey was said to have been in his mid-twenties in the year 1258, when his youngest brother, Osman I was born. Due to the old ag
One of the most debated topics of early Ottoman History: Dundar Bey's death. Many great historians believe that Dundar Bey was not killed by his nephew, Osman I, while other notable sources claim he was. Some say he was killed by Osman's bow, while others argue he died of a natural cause. As a result, a question is frequently asked: how did Dundar Bey die in actual history? In order to come to a conclusion as to how Dundar died, we must look at his situation & the circumstances surrounding him. Dundar was among the 300 families to accompany Ertugrul Ghazi to the Byzantine border, despite the fact that roughly 1,000 families remained with Gundogdu & Sungurtekin. Though he had made several errors & mistakes, Dundar had remained loyal to his brother, Ertugrul Ghazi, and only dreamt of serving his nation. However, after the death of Ertugrul Ghazi, Dundar found a sense of ambition. He had been with Ertugrul Ghazi, ever since the beginning, yet, he was not dee
Comments
Post a Comment