The Tansky Chronicles on the States of Central Asia

A. G. Malyavkin. Tang Chronicles of the States of Central Asia. Novosibirsk. 1989

Ouyan Xiu. Xin Tang Shu (New Chronicle of the Tang Dynasty). Beijing. 1958.

Text: Administration of Dudu, Jianggun. Created on (the territory of settlement) of the tribe of Jegu (Kyrgyz).

The aforementioned (districts and Dudu administrations) were subordinate to the governorship of Anbei.

(The territory of the country) in the north reaches the sea. Although they breed horses, they do not ride, using kumis as food. They often fight with the Kyrgyz; in appearance, most resemble the Kyrgyz, but they do not understand each other's language. Everyone shaves their head and wears hats made of birch bark. They bind poles similar to a well's head (the top), covering them with birch bark, which serves as housing. All (clan subdivisions) have elders who do not submit to one another.

Du Yu. Tong Dian (Collection of General Provisions of State Administration). Shanghai. 1935. The state of Basimi (Basmyls), another name is Bila, was first known during the existence of the Sui state (581–618 AD). “They live) south of Beiting and the Northern Sea (2), southeast of Jegu (Kyrgyz). They live scattered in the mountains. It is more than 9000 li to Dunhuang. There are leaders, but no princes, with more than 2,000 families. The people of this tribe are brave and strong, all are good hunters. (Boma) and the Kyrgyz often attack each other. They resemble each other in appearance, but do not understand each other's language. During the reign of Yonghui (650–656 AD), the Great Tang sent envoys with tribute to the court.

Yue Shi Tai-ping huangyu ji (Description... Year and place of publication not specified). (The state) Boma is located to the north of (the state) of the Kyrgyz. Their lands are near the Northern Sea, 14,000 li to Chang'an; (travelers) reach (Boma) after passing the pastures of five large Tujue tribes. The selected army consists of 30,000 people, with 300,000 horses. The state of (Boma) is governed by an erkin (4), and the Boma from the Turks of Tujue do not differ in anything special. They use bows, arrows, swords, spears, and shields; they do not keep night watch, and there is no personal guard; there are no rewards. The color of the horses is piebald (bo), hence the state is called (Boma). They do not use horses for riding, only milk them, make kumis, and consume it as food. (Boma) and the Kyrgyz often attack each other. In appearance, the Boma resemble the Kyrgyz, but do not understand the language. During the reign of Yonghui (650–656 AD), (the state) Tang sent envoys to the court with tribute. The Turks of Tujue call Boma — "hela"; they also call the state — Hela.

Comments and Notes

1 Dudu — a commissioner in charge of military affairs in the district.
2 The Northern Sea refers to Baikal, in sources it is called Beihai.
3 Boma in Chinese means "piebald horse, horse of impure color." Usually, the area of settlement of the Boma people is referred to as near Baikal.
4 Turkic title.
5 The character he'la is a transcription of the Turkic word "ala" ("piebald").