The Karakhanid Kingdom
The "Talass" and "Tian Shan" Kyrgyz played an important role in the formation of the Karakhanid Khaganate. The term "Karakhanids" (to denote the dynasty and state) was introduced into science by V. V. Grigoriev, based on the title "Kara-khan" or "Kara-hokan," the first of the rulers of this dynasty — Satuk Bughra Karim. It is unknown from which clan or tribe this dynasty originated. It is known that the people of the Karakhanid state were referred to by the general term "Turk" and consisted of various clans and tribes.
The Karakhanid dynasty may have originated from the "Talass" Kyrgyz. The "Talass" and "Tian Shan" Kyrgyz later evidently formed the right wing of the Kyrgyz ethnicity. According to the earliest reports, the progenitor of the right wing of the Kyrgyz was Guz-khan (i.e., Oghuz-khan). Abul-Ghazi linked the true Kyrgyz to Oghuz-khan by descent. He may have meant the Karakhanid Kyrgyz who became part of the right wing of the Kyrgyz ethnicity.
In Oghuz-khan, the first Kara-khan Satuk Bughra Karim is generally seen. According to the epic "Manas," Manas is depicted as a descendant of Oghuz-Kara-khan.
In our opinion, the epic "Manas" and the image of its main hero reflect historical events and the traits of the biographies of individuals who were among the Kyrgyz or had some relation to them. In the image of Manas, one cannot overlook certain traits inherent to the Karakhanid rulers. Of course, the image of Manas originated in ancient times, during the formation of the ancient Kyrgyz ethnos, based on a historical figure who existed among the Kyrgyz. At the same time, it is evident that the proto-epic form of the epic "Manas" also emerged. However, over time, both the epic and the images of its main heroes evolved and underwent changes. This is natural, as it was related to the development and transformation of both Kyrgyz society and the world around it.
It is known that the totems (supreme animals) of the Karakhanids were — Arslan (Lion) and Bogra (Bactrian camel). Their most honored titles were — "Arslan-khan" and "Bogra-khan." According to the epic "Manas," during Manas's campaigns, images of Arslan (lion) and Bura (Bactrian camel stallion) accompanied him.
Moreover, according to the epic, Manas's army consisted of tribes and clans whose banners depicted Arslan (lion) and Bura (Bactrian camel stallion).
The population of the Karakhanid state was referred to by the general term "Turk," despite consisting of various tribes and clans. According to the epic "Manas," when Manas is asked who he is, the hero replies: "My lineage is Kyrgyz-Turk," i.e., my clan (is) Kyrgyz — (the people) Turk.
The Karakhanid dynasty was the earliest Muslim Turkic dynasty and contributed to the spread of Islam. Their struggle against the "infidels," which was framed as a "holy war" (Ghazavat), is reflected in the epic "Manas," where the struggle of the Kyrgyz against the "infidels" is also colored in religious tones — "Qazat," and was associated with the spread of Islam. The main hero of the epic, Manas, is also depicted as deeply devout. The meeting of Manas with the elder Ai-Kodjo and his acceptance of Islam closely resembles the meeting of Satuk Bughra (Sultan Sanjar) and others. Additionally, in the epic "Manas," the capital city of the Karakhanids — Balasagun, is mentioned in the form of Bulagasyn. It is not accidental that Mahmud Kashgari (11th century) mentions the Kyrgyz among the tribes speaking a purely Turkic language. In another instance, he refers to the Kyrgyz as part of the Turks.
The Karakhanids, having conducted campaigns in the regions of Eastern Turkestan and Semirechye, conquered many lands. They took control of Balasagun, proclaiming it one of their capitals, and fortified themselves in the Chuy Valley. The Karakhanids then began to advance northeast, conquering the areas of Semirechye.
Having established themselves in Central Tian Shan and Semirechye, the Karakhanids turned westward. They conquered Fergana, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shash (Tashkent), and even ventured beyond the Amu Darya. All of this is present in the epic "Manas," where the Kyrgyz, led by Manas, conduct campaigns in Eastern Turkestan and the regions of Western Turkestan (from Issyk-Kul and the Chu River, Almaty and Talas to Namangan and Andijan, Tashkent and the distant Bukhara and Samarkand), and campaigns in Afghanistan.
It should be noted that the Karakhanid Turks could also be referred to as Chigil. It is possible that "Chigil" originated from the common Turkic words — "Chek, Chik, Chig" — border, boundary, frontier, and the words "El, Il" — people, tribe, ethnic community, etc., i.e., Chek (Chik, Chig) — El (Il), Chek'el (Chi-Il, Chik'il), Chigil (Chik'il) — meaning — border (El), El at the border (or perhaps, foreign?).
V. V. Bartold writes that "the name Chigil, long forgotten, was applied in the 11th century to a large number of Turkish ethnicities. From the account of the campaign against Maverranahr by the Seljuk Sultan Melik-shah, we know that the military force of the Karakhanids was referred to as Chigil; ...". According to Mahmud Kashgari, the Guzz (Oghuz) referred to all Turks east of the Jeyhun (possibly the Syr Darya, although according to V. V. Bartold, "this should be seen as the Amu Darya") as Chigil. Mahmud Kashgari himself explains "the significance that the word Chigil acquired among the Oghuz is solely due to the fact that the city of Chigil, where one of the branches of this people lived, was located near Taraz, i.e., modern Auliye-Ata (now Jambyl), and that the Oghuz became acquainted with this city early on as one of the most western Eastern Turkish cities. Two other branches of the Chigil lived in villages near Kashgar and in the valley of the Ili River, in the area around the city of Kuyas; ...
