Ogurs ( Bulgars )
Name of Bulgars
The origin of Bulgars was looked for for a period more than 150 years, and it was claimed that they were of Ural, Finnish, Slav, Tatar etc. origin. At last, the opinion alleged first by Vambery that they were of Turkish origin was finalized with the archeological studies of G. Feher and linguistic investigations of Gy. Nemeth. The word "Bulgar", as a nation's name, was not present before the 2nd half of 5th century, it first revealed as the name of a community to the north of Black Sea to whom Byzantine emperor Zenon applied for military assistance to fight against Eastern-Gots in 482.
The name Bulgar arose from a historical event: The Hun masses who left Middle Europe under the command of Irnek, after the death of 2nd son of European Hun emperor Attila, Dengizik because of the struggles emerged between the dependent nations and sons pursuant to Attila's death, mingled with other Turkish communities they met at Black Sea coast. The new community given birth by this mingling was called "Bulgar" in Turkish.
Origin of Bulgars
In the "list of Bulgarian khans" which shows the names of the Bulgarian rulers and their durations of reign from the beginning to 765 although its remaining from a later time and which we now have a Slavic translation in a Russian Chronicle, Irnek is indicated to be the ancestor of Bulgarian ruler dynasty. The real name of those Turks who mingled with Hun masses was Ogur, and they inhabited in the steppes from Danube mouth to Volga to the north of Black Sea as distinct clan unions like Pachenegs and Kumans: Saragur (Sa-rı/Ak/Ogur), Bittigur (Beş-Ogur), Ultingur~Altziagir (Altı-Ogur), Kutri-gur-Kuturgur ("Tukurgur" = Dokuz-Ogur) Ungur ~ Hunugur ~ Onugur (On-Ogur), Utigur ~ Uturgur (Otuz-Ogur).
Ogur Turks, whom Byzantine historian Priskos (5th century) told they were driven away from their countries in eastern part of Ural mountains by Sabars and went to the plains of Black Sea (about 461-465), were in three groups as to the same historian: Saragur, Urog (Ogur) and On-Ogur. These peoples had sent envoys to Byzantium to keep their position against Sabars being driven by Huns to the west. Recent investigations revealed that Ogurs were in three groups in their original land before the big migration: Eastern group (in the vicinity of Seyhun-Cu rivers and Calkar Lake: On-Ogurs); medium group (near today's Kazak-Kirghiz steppe and Emba river, probably, Otuz-Ogurs) and western group (near Yayik river-supposedly-Dokuz-Ogurs). It is also probable that against Saragur (Ak-Ogur) mass, the others may have formed "Kara Ogur" group.
The issue of Ogur-Oghuz
Ogurs are brothers of Oghuzes. Probably because they separated from each other in very early periods (before 3rd Century B.C.), there occurred some phonetical differences in their languages. The most definite difference is that the "Z" sound in main Turkish was turned into "R" in Ogur dialect. In fact, since "Oghuz" term meant "Turkish clans" directly, the following difference in the names of Oghuzes, the main mass who remained in the east and continued to use Z sound and Ogurs (western Turks) attracts attention: Oguz-Ogur. The Ogur clan unions above meant successively: 5 Oghuz, 6 Oghuz, 9 Oghuz, 10 Oghuz and 30 Oghuz.
As a matter of fact there are some unions named with the number of clans in Eastern Turks. Another difference in Ogur dialect is that y is replaced with d (for example: yilan-dilom etc.) Ancient Greek Geographer Ptolemaios (160 -170) stated the name of Yayik river discharged to Caspian Sea (Today's Ural river, the real Turkish name was changed by Russians in the 2nd half of 18th century) as Daih (aix), which documents that the ancestors of Bulgarians lived in Western Siberia in 2nd century in steppes as far as Itıl (Volga).
Political History of Ogurs
Ogur history goes far back. It is probable that they are related to U-suns (Wu-suns) living in the slopes of Tanri mountain toward late 3rd century B.C. However, such relation seems to pertain mostly to the region U-suns lived (maybe their ex-country). This is because there are evidences that Ogurs lived in far north in Kobdo, Tarbagatay region in the same period. Chinese sources talk about a nation called "Ho-chieh" or "Wu-chieh" there. F. Birth said the Chinese formation of the name may have derived from a word which was originally pronounced like "Ugır" (not Uygur). This name is nothing but "Ogur" for Gy. Nemeth who confirmed him. One of the most important branches of Ogurs in Middle Asia in early 3rd Century B.C. was Tinglings who were told to live in Middle and Southern Irtis and took marten, white and blue fox ("Kun-tsun" = Kırsa ~ Karsak-steppe fox) and in particular red squirrel skins to China. The names of these famous red squirrel merchants are also in Turkish: Tingli=Teyin'li=Sincap'lı. Indeed, all Ogurs were known for fur trade. Red squirrel skin was the leading one among precious furs.
Besides this intense hunting and fur trade skills of Ogur Turks which distinguished them from their animal breeding brothers, another of their skills was that they were good farmers in accordance with the conditions of the geographical region they lived in thewest. They conducted all kinds of agriculture and fruit growing with the highest level of their times. The Ogur words included in Hungarian language in that period proves that.
It is certain especially from their roles in Attila period that Ogurs, who were understood to be the neighbors of people remaining from Huns who withdrew to the same region after collapse of Çi-çi Tanhu state in Middle Asia (36 B.C.) were linked to European Huns who turned to be a world empire in the west quickly afterwards. Upon the collapse of Hun empire and losing of the central authority (between 460-470), we see that they gathered around Irnek, who was known to come from the west, together with the Hun mass, and established a Bulgarian State. Ogurs subsisted their unity in times of Irmek's successor Mundo (Muncuk?) and 4 subsequent rulers until 550's. They are found out to spread as follows in this period: On-ogurs in the north Caucasus (to the east of Azak), Otuz-ogurs in Don-Volga turn region, Dokuz-ogurs in steppes toward Dnieper. The ones to the east entered Sabar and Gok-Turk dominance respectively when they reached azak Sea (in 576). For Menandros, a woman leader called Ak-kagan appointed by Otuz-ogur Ruler Anagaios (Turkish a-lı: ana-aga?) was one of those who entered Gok-Turk rule.
Dokuz-ogur (Kara-Bulgars?) in the west continued their relations with Byzantium from whom they collected annual taxes sometimes as friends and sometimes as enemies. Their constant pressure on Byzantium claiming the Slav masses forced Emperor Anastasios (491-518) to construct the "long rampart" to protect capital city Istanbul.
They took part in Italian wars under Byzantium general Belizarios command in 530 and helped Gepids fighting Longobards with 10 thousand horsemen. However, Byzantium-just like China-applied the same trick to Ogurs. She incited disagreements between Dokuz-ogur and otuz-ogur brothers and made them attack on each other. She made some of the defeated Dokuz-ogurs inhabit in Thrace (2 thousand families). There was no use in Otuz-ogurs' appearing near Istanbul with a sudden march to Balkans (550) now. Weakening of Ogur dominance in north Black Sea facilitated Avars' rapid advance toward the west taking some masses of Ogur-Bulgar Turks together with them (in years after 558). Bulgars, who fought in Dalmatia under Bayan Khan's command formed supplementary forces for Avars in 626 Istanbul siege. They spread to Balkans, North Italy and Hungary. About 9 thousand Bulgarian families disliking Avars were first moved to Baviera and then Italy (2nd half of 7th century.)
Kama (Çulman)
History
The oldest people of Culman (Kama) river basin consisted of various Finnish tribes (Cirmis, Moksi, Ar-mar), however, Turkish tribes started to occupy Kaba river mouth and Ak-idil basin very early. It is found out that a Turkish group named Suvar used to live in the southern zone of Kama river mouth in 1st century. We could not find out clear information about the nature and history of that tribe. It is alleged that "Suvar" city in this region was constructed by them; it is also probable that some of the names of other places and rivers may have relations with this Turkish tribe.
We have seen that the region between Yayık-İdil and Kama rivers was occupied by Huns between 100 and 374. Therefore, Idil-Ural zone remained under a strong Turkish-Hun influence for more than two and a half century. In 375, while the main mass of Huns were advancing toward the west, it is strongly possible that some of them remained in Middle Idil and Kama region (river mouth). Sabirs appeared in Ural-İdil basin after some time and probably did not stay there for a long time and started out for Caucasus. The name of the Simbir (Simbirsik, now Ulyanowsk) must be related with Sabir Turks just like Siberia name is referred to with this tribe. Therefore, that this region was a complete Turkish country turned to be a historical reality with Kama Bulgars settling down there.
Pursuant to the collapse of Attila-Hun Empire (after 453), Bulgars, forming some of the Huns were in Don-Kuban area. This Turkish group was divided into three groups toward the end of Vth century due to the pressure of other tribes from East who were also Turks (Avar, Sabir, Hazar). Some of them went to the west and took Danube Bulgars name, and going to Dobruca in late 7th century, took the Slavs there under their domination and established Bulgarian State, but since they were very few in number, were represented by the local people until 9th century. Some of the Bulgars went toward Caucasus and mingled with other nations there; the Balkans in Caucasus must have had relations to them. The third group is the one we are mostly concerned about: They climbed along Idil and occupied the area in Kama's river mouth. Bulgars must have gone there coincidentally. It is also a probable that those Bulgars were living in the vicinity of Kama even before Great Hun movement; they must also have remained there after the great migration.
We cannot determine the exact date of Bulgars' going to Kama river mouth area for the first time, but it is probable that this movement occurred in late 5th century or early 6th century. The area is very available in terms of geographical and natural conditions.As the deep black soil is appropriate for agriculture, since it had many rivers, streams and rivulets, it also had rich pastures, forests covering a vast zone containing many species of trees. This country where two big rivers (Idil and Culman) joined and flew along, had the possibilities of easy relations with far away countries too. It was not only possible to reach bulgar country with Çulman (Kaman) and its branches, Perm and Vjatka-Middle Ural the forests of which were full of precious fur animals, and rivers in Middle and South Ural region with various and several mines, but also Skandinavian merchants from upper Idil (Vareg Russians) and Slav-Russians from Oka clan could easily come there.
The relations of Idil city with the suoth countries passed from Bulgarian country along Idil river. These are the natural and economical conditions which gathered to determine the main occupations and lifestyles of Kama Bulgarians: Bulgarians settled down in a short time and began to plant crops and started large-scale trading by establishing cities in particular. They raised some centers in a short time. Among them is Bulgar (great Bulgar city) about 6 km inside of left coast of Idil in about 100 km to the south of the point where Kama and Volga joined. Bulgarian city was the most important center of trade of Eastern Europe in 9th and 12th centuries. Among other cities were: Büler (Biler), Suvar, Bulımer, Cüke-Tav, Oşal, Titiş, Layış, Züye, perhaps Kazan (Old Kazan) cities and many other cities, towns and villages.
As to the political end of Bulgarian State, Bulgars attacked and defeated the Mongol-Tatar army which was turning back from Caucasus-Don expedition in 1224. The first target of Batu Khan in western expedtion was to take revenge from Bulgars. In 1236, Mongol-Tatar army attacked on Bulgars having many Turkish tribes with them.They were engaged in driving Kumans out of Deşt-i Kipchak in years of 1238 and 39. The majority of Kumans mingled with Kama Bulgars meeting them while they went to Hungary.
The number of Kuman-Kipchaks who lived there for a long time and then afterwards met Bulgars must be high because Kipchak language is dominant in the language of Kazan Turks who emerged as a result of mingling of the Turkish and local people. It is understood that after Mongol-Tatar invasion, in times of rule of Altinordu, the capital city of which was Saray city on the left coast of lower Idil, Bulgars kept their political independence up to a limit. Even in a period, their country was subject to destruction again. When the power of palace government decreased, it seems as if the "independence" of the local khans in Bulgarian country increased; the Bulgarian country and city was destroyed also by Bulat-Timur (1361). It is told that on this situation, some of the people went toward north near Kazan waters and even established a city named Kazan where a khan was inhabited. The crowd used to a state organization and civilized life had already found a people emerged by mingling of Bulgar-Kipchaks in 1437 when Palace Khan Uluğ-Muhammet Han came from Crimea to Kazan.
Geography
Although the exact borders of the area occupied by Bulgars in Kirmencik, Mamadış, Idil-Kama zone, the following borders may be determined based on archeological studies and names of places: Cirmişen, şuşma and Zey river sources in the East, river mouth of Ik river, Vjatka river and Kazan river to the north, Zuye waters in the West as far as Sura (Suru) stream; as far as Çirmişen and Samar waters in the south. Çirmişes, Mokşı (Mordva) and Ars, the previous peoples of this area of Finnish origin were in a lower step compared to Bulgarians with regard to Bulgars, therefore they began to be represented by Turks gradually. It is also possible that such "being Turk" trend may have started by other Turkish tribes (Suvar, Hun, Sabir), which came there before. In a short time (within 8th century) Middle Idil region became a Bulgarian-Turkish country. It is understood that Başkırt (Başkurt)s living in Ak-Idil and South Ural zone comprised Bulgars' eastern neighbors in the same years. Burtases, who lived in between Idil and Middle Don and who were either Turk or Finnish in origin were the southwestern neighbors of Bulgars. In the south there were Hazars and towards the west, there were Eastern Slavs (Russians).
Economical and Social Structure
We understand that Kama Bulgars consisted of a few groups (clans); however, seemingly, principally four or five groups existed each of which had a khan in power, it is thought that all of them were under command of first Buler and then Bulgar Khan who made Bulgar city capital city. It is obvious that they paid taxes for a period of thime to Hazar Khan; however, we see that Bulgar Khans gained their independence as much as Hazar state weakened. As from mid-9th century, it is strongly probable that Kama Bulgars became totally independent. It is undoubtless that Bulgar Turks who had an organized state in Middle Idil and Kama river mouth and a very strong economical organization based on agriculture and commerce kept their former Turkish military and social institutions and traditions.
Most of this group consisted of peasants who were totally dependent on soil and ploughed. It is obvious from their producing much provisions that Bulgars were perfect farmers, they also sent to their neigbors the excess barley, millet, rye, and wheat they planted. It is certain that there were horses, cattles, goats and sheep in the Bulgarian country which was much appropriate for cattle breeding; therefore, Bulgars were far advanced in leather dealing; Bulgarian processed leather was one of the commodities which was much demanded in the market of this period. That Bulgarian people carried "citik", that is "boot" contrary to their neighbors who carried "rawhide sandal" confirms that. The high number of various animals with valuable furs in the forests near Ural and Vjatka caused much increasing of this type of fur trade. The skins of sables, foxes, red squirrels and other animals were sent to Turkistan, Iran, Arab and Byzantium countries at hands of Bulgars.
Even red squirrel skin was used as "money" in a period when "money" was little. The word "tiyin" meaning red squirrel means "money" in Hazar Turks, which is probable to have remained from Bulgars. In addition, we know that hunting had an important role. Most of the rivers caused development of fishing. Therefore, Bulgarian country was established on fundamentals each of which were multidimensional and contributed increasing "national wealth" by supplementing each other. There we see that agriculture, trade, hunting, animal husbandry, fishing, commissioning and industry came together which made Bulgars superior to all Turk and several non-Turk nations of their period.
As to the villages and cities of Bulgars, they used to construct houses of tree-stumps put onto each other as a requirement of the climate; the roofs were made of either timber or straw and was steep for protection from rain; houses were made of a few rooms according to the wealth of their owners. As to cities, they were totally different from villages with their population and wealth and fields of occupation. The cities and villages were mostly near forests and rivers.
Bulgars did not neglect military art apart from being a farmer and merchant nation. However, their military forces were not used for assault but defense mostly. Bulgars' military history is not much known, but they were under attack of Russians to the end of 10th century; those attacks were mostly repulsed, and it is known that Bulgars sometimes advanced as far as Oka region. The number and names of Bulgar Khans cannot be determined. We have only little information about their language and culture. Some scientists think that Bulgar language is the old form of Chuvash language of today; although Chuvashes are considered to be the successors of non-Muslim Bulgar peasants, we need several evidences to put forth a definite opinion on this issue. Ibn-i Fadlan, who was one of the envoys of the Baghdad caliph as a clerk left interesting information about Bulgar state and people in 922. Although it is reported that Bulgarian Kadi Yakup-İbni-Numan wrote a Bulgar History in the second half of 12th century, the book could not be found. The remaining material traces of Bulgar city are ruins, some gravestones and epitaphs, city and village places, jewels, weapons (arrow, sword, helmet, armor, knife), agricultural devices, house goods, animal equipment and coins.
Bulgars got stronger as the Hazar State weakened. Bulgar city became center of trade more important than Idil. Merchants from Arabia, Iran, Turkistan, Caspian area, Scandanivia, Russia, and Baltic countries used to go there; in time, that are turned to be the greatest and oldest festival place in the history where Eastern European and Asian commodities were exchanged. The tradition passed generations; afterwards, Kazan city became the festival place instead of Bulgar city. Makar'es and at last Nijniy-Novgorod (Gorki) festivals are nothing but the continuance of this tradition.
Religion
It is certain that Bulgars were members of shaman religion in the beginning and worshipped "earth and water", had many historical things for which they gave sacrifices, and they considered horse as the most appropriate sacrifice in particular. However, Islam religion and culture began to spread by the influence of merchants from Turkistan and other Islam countries toward late 9th century; so much that, the number of converted Bulgarians increased about 900 and Bulgarian Khan Almış applied to and requested Baghdad Caliph to send him religious scholars and architects. A crowded envoy delegation sent by Caliph Muktedir-Billah arrived in Bulgarian country in 922 May.
Seykeyoğlu Almiş Khan and his retinues welcomed the envoys and as from that date, Bulgar country became a Muslim country linked to Abbasi Caliphs; they printed coins in the name of Abbasi caliph and Bulgar Khan, and constructed stone mosques, palaces, castles and other buildings. The Bulgars, having accepted Islam, gained great importance by being the farthest "end" of Turkish-Islam civilization in the north. Since Bulgar people consisted of clean, honest and hardworking people, it is understood that they kept several of their national wisdoms because they were far away from the assuaging effects of the east. We have to admit that their such qualification played a role in economical elevation of Bulgar country.
Magna Bulgaria
It is understood that On-ogurs constituted the majority in the first Bulgarian unit in state organization order. Those were indicated to be in Northern Caucasus in all sources as from 6th century. This place was called "Patria Onoguria" (On-Ogur Country). In the first half of 8th century, they began to spread toward Azov sea.
In 630, on Gok-Turk state's entering a period of chaos, Bulgars took their rule into their own use like Hazars did, and established the "Magna Bulgar State". The founder of the state was from a ruler dynasty called "Kourt-Kurt" Doulo. The Bulgar ruler dynasty is derived from Asian Hun tanhus.
The country of Kurt constituted by gathering separate Ogur tribes into a political organization was called "Magna Bulgaria". However, the state did not last for a long time. After the death of its founder in 665, she dissolved due to the pressure of her neighbor Hazar Khan country.
A mass consisting mostly of Otuz-Ogurs withdrew to the north (Itil Bulgars). Bat Bayan, one of the sons of Kurt, remained in Caucasus being dependent on Hazars, still leading On-Ogur Bulgars. The ancestors of today's Balkans consisted of this tribe. Bat-Bayan's brother, Asparuh headed toward Danube with crowded Bulgar masses. He crossed the Balkans in 668 and seizing suitable territories, established the new Bulgarian state in 679. The state was recognized by Byzantium in 681.
Danube Bulgarian State
The state which developed in military and political aspects being established in south Dobruca breaking the resistance of Emperor Konstantinos the 4th by Asparuh, is most long-lasting the political organization established by Ogur Turks. We can understand that the state was founded on sound foundations because it could survive between two major powers such as Byzantium and Avar empires. Bulgar Turks from abroad came out successful in taking Slavic masses in the region under their control. The Bulgars, being unfamiliar with state idea, armed Slavs who used to live in tribe order and ensured their protecting themselves from Byzantium.
The strictest political relations of Danube Bulgars were with Byzantium. Emperor Justinianus the 2nd, who married to Hazar princess, was ascended the throne for the second time in 705 with assistance of Bulgarian Khan Tervel (702-718). Emperor Philippikos' being overthrown in 713 is also considered as a result of Bulgarian advance in Byzantium territories. The force Bulgarian state gained in a short time can be understood from this event too. The Bulgarian helped Byzantium during Istanbul siege of Arabs in 717-718. Such cooperation brought about many financial interests to the Bulgarian state.
However, Byzantium, taking advantage of the chaos in Bulgarian country in 8th century, organized various expeditions on Bulgarian territories. "Krum Khan" (803-814), who acceded to Bulgar throne in early 9th century, seized Hungary and Transylvania. Byzantine Emperor Nikepheros the 1st, being afraid of the "skillful warrior and intellectual organizer" personality of Krum, acted to get rid of him (811). He destroyed the capital city of the country Pereyaslav, now to the southwest of Şumnu (Shumen). However, in the end, Nikephoros was defeated, his army was routed, and he was killed at the battlefield. It was the first time a Byzantine emperor was killed by an enemy for 450 years.
Krum Khan then defeated Mikhael the 2nd, who marched against the Bulgars commanding his army strengthened with units from eastern states of the empire, took an oath to hang his golden sparrow on the gilded Gate (the ceremony gate in Yedikule), by eliminating Byzantium. He occupied Sofia, Nis, and Belgrade city castles and thus took the greatest commercial and military transportation way between Europe and Middle East under control. He reached Edirne in 813 and leaving there under siege, went on proceeding. He besieged Istanbul in 814 Spring. However, he died instantly on 13 April 814 in the most impetuous moment of the attacks.
His son Omurtag Khan (814-831) signed a commercial agreement of 30 years with Byzantium. Omurtag Khan, who wanted to agree also with Frankish Empire, could not be successful in that, and thus used his weapons and opened the saltpans for management again which were all closed after Roman Period, and thus earned for his state a great wealth. His period was the brightest period of Danube Bulgars. Constructed cities, palaces, constructions and improvements on a wide scale, aqueducts, monuments, developed cities and the epitaph and relief of Krum Han on horse on a high rock covering an area of 40 m2 are all the memories of that period.
However, Bulgar Turks who were less in population compared to the Slavs, began to be influenced by Slavic culture under Byzantine effect in time. The number of Slavs commissioned in civil service increased, the two societies mixed by means of marriages more and more, the influence of Slavic language grew and Turks began to get Slav rapidly. On Boris Khan's accepting Orthodox sect officially, the process of Bulgar's getting Slav came to an end.