Did the Kayı Tribe Engage in Conflict with the Templars?

The Middle Ages were a time of epic struggles, where legendary warriors and mysterious orders clashed on the battlefields of history. Among these stories, the Kayı tribe, famous for its role in the founding of the Ottoman Empire, emerges as a fascinating subject. This article explores the question: Did the Kayı tribe, led by the iconic figure of Ertuğrul Bey, come into conflict with the enigmatic Knights Templar? Join us as we unravel the historical record and separate fact from fiction.

The Kayı tribe

The Kayı tribe played a crucial role in the establishment of the Ottoman Empire, an empire that would leave an indelible mark on world history. Led by Ertuğrul Bey, the father of Osman I, the tribe migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia (present-day Turkey) in the 13th century. The Kayı tribe became a dominant force in the region, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most powerful empires in the world.

The Templars

The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were a medieval Christian military order. Founded in the early 12th century, the Templars quickly rose to prominence and amassed considerable wealth and influence. They were known for their military prowess, financial acumen, and mysterious rituals, which have fueled various legends and conspiracy theories throughout history.

Historical Context

To understand the possible interactions between the Kayı tribe and the Knights Templar, we must examine the historical context of the Crusades. During the Crusades, European Christian forces embarked on military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. These conflicts brought together various groups, including the Knights Templar, who fought alongside the Crusaders. It is important to note, however, that the primary focus of the Crusades was the Levant, not Anatolia.

Lack of historical evidence

While the Kayı tribe and the Knights Templar were contemporaries, there is a lack of credible historical evidence to support the claim of a direct conflict between them. The historical accounts and records do not substantiate any significant encounters or battles between the Kayı tribe, led by Ertuğrul Bey, and the Knights Templar. It is important to approach the subject with caution and to separate real historical events from the realm of legends and fictional narratives.

Geographical distance

The Kayı tribe’s sphere of influence was primarily centered in Anatolia, while the Templars were primarily active in the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem. The geographical distance between these regions made direct conflicts between the Kayı tribe and the Templars less likely. The Templars focused their efforts on defending and expanding Christian territories in the Levant, while the Kayı tribe was busy consolidating its power in Anatolia.

Historical Interactions

Although there is no substantial evidence of direct conflict, it is worth noting that both the Kayı tribe and the Templars existed at the same time and were part of the larger medieval world. It is possible that they may have interacted indirectly through trade or diplomatic channels. However, any such interactions would have been sporadic and incidental rather than indicative of sustained military engagement.

Cultural and Religious Differences

The Kayı tribe was a Turkic, predominantly Muslim group, while the Templars were a Christian military order. Their cultural and religious differences would have further reduced the likelihood of direct confrontation. The Templars’ main adversaries were Muslim forces in the Levant, while the Kayı tribe was involved in conflicts with other Turkic tribes and neighboring Byzantine territories.

Influence of Popular Culture

It is important to acknowledge the influence of popular culture and fictional narratives on the perception of historical events. The portrayal of the Kayı tribe and the Templars in various television series, films and books, such as “Diriliş: Ertuğrul” and “Assassin’s Creed”, has helped popularize the idea of their direct conflict. However, these depictions often mix historical facts with creative storytelling for entertainment purposes.

Historical research continues

Historical research is an ongoing process, and new discoveries or interpretations may emerge over time. While current evidence suggests limited direct interactions between the Kayı tribe and the Knights Templar, future research may shed more light on their possible encounters or indirect connections. It is imperative that historians continue to explore primary sources, archaeological findings, and contemporary accounts to further our understanding of these historical periods.

Conclusion

While the Kayı tribe, under the leadership of Ertuğrul Bey, played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the Ottoman Empire, there is little historical evidence to support the claim of a direct conflict between the Kayı tribe and the Knights Templar. The activities of the Knights Templar were mainly concentrated in the Holy Land during the Crusades, while the Kayı tribe established its power in Anatolia. Although both groups existed in the same era, their paths do not seem to have crossed in the context of direct military engagements.

As history enthusiasts, it is important to critically analyze the available evidence and separate historical fact from the realm of legend and popular fiction. The stories of the Kayı tribe and the Knights Templar continue to capture our imagination, but it is crucial to distinguish between historical reality and the narratives that have emerged over time. By delving deeper into the historical record and examining the context of their respective activities, we gain a richer understanding of these fascinating periods of history.

FAQ

Did the Kayı tribe fight the Templars at any point?

The Templars hardly existed so close to the territory of modern Turkey (in ancient times it was the Byzantine Empire). The modern serials are one of the latest neo-Ottoman propaganda works that are becoming increasingly popular under Erdogan, so take everything with a substantial grain of salt.

As for northeastern Turkey near the Black Sea – note that medieval Georgians had symbols similar to those of the Crusaders – look at the current Georgian flag, it comes from medieval times. Perhaps these are just errors of designations, flags, shields, etc.

Is Ertuğrul historically accurate?

Nothing is known with certainty about Ertuğrul’s life, other than that he was the father of Osman; historians are thus forced to rely upon stories written about him by the Ottomans more than a century later, which are of questionable accuracy.

Ertogrul’s biography

Ertogrul’s biography is based mainly on legends. He is not mentioned in any contemporary source. The earliest surviving Ottoman source is the Chronicle of the House of Ottomans (Teva-rih-i al-i Ottoman) by Ashiq Pasha-oglu, begun in 1476 (two centuries after the death of Ertogrul). The first known Ottoman chronicler was Yahshi Fakih (d. after 1413). He compiled a chronicle of Ottoman history from Osman I (1299-1324) to Bayazid I (1389-1402), called “Descriptions of the deeds of the House of Osman up to Yildirim-han”. No original of this chronicle has been found. It is believed that Yahshi Fakih’s chronicle was incorporated almost verbatim into the works of later Turkish chroniclers. The only tangible evidence for the existence of Ertogrul as a historical person are two coins with inscriptions “Osman b. Ertogrul b. Gündüz Alp” and “Osman b. Ertogrül,” which are preserved in the collections of the Topkapı Museum.

Oruj-bek wrote: “Osman’s father is said to have been of very low birth: a simple soldier named Ertogrul.”

Turkish historical tradition says that Alaeddin Key-Kubad granted Ertogrul an uj (a peripheral region of the sultanate) as an inheritance. All Ottoman sources retell this legend in different versions. According to one of them, part of the kayy tribe migrated to Anatolia from Central Asia, where the kayy leaders were in the service of the rulers of Khorezm for some time. A small subdivision of Kaya (400-500 tents) led by Ertogrul, fleeing from Mongol raids, went to the possessions of Seljuk sultan Alaaddin Kay-Kubad and turned to him for protection. According to another one, Ertogrul with his detachment of warriors, who rode to Asia Minor, found himself on the battlefield of two unknown warrior detachments. After consulting with his people, he knightly took the side of the losing side, thus changing the balance of forces and ensuring their victory. These were the troops of Sultan Alaeddin Kay-Kubad fighting with a detachment of Mongols. The land grant was a reward to Ertogrul from the Sultan. At the same time, Ertogrul gave an undertaking to repel attacks by Byzantium seeking to regain these lands that had previously belonged to it. Neshri points out that it could have been the battle of Erzindjan in 1230, where Turkmen tribes helped Alaeddin to defeat Khorezmshah Jelaladdin, it is also possible that in 1231/32 Ertogrul’s detachment captured Afyonkarahisar for Alaeddin.

It is not known exactly how big this oudj was. It is only known that this land was not far from Eskisehir. It can be assumed that the ujj included the surroundings of Söğüt and the pastures in the Domaniç Mountains. They became the basis of the beylik, which is now called the Ottoman or Osmanogullary. Ertogrul’s Ujj bordered the Byzantine lands (the Nicaea Empire), which gave the opportunity to make raids to enrich the lands of Christians. This opportunity attracted Ertogrul’s cohorts of prey seekers. When, in the second half of the 13th century, the rulers of the other Anatolian Bailiks, seeking to increase their lands, fought among themselves, the warriors of Ertogrul (and later of Osman) looked like fighters for the faith. In addition, the population of the outskirts of the Byzantine Empire was dissatisfied with the taxation policy of Constantinople, which made it easier to seize land. The exact size and boundaries of the lands under Ertogrul’s control at the time of his death are unknown.

The strengthening of the qaya and the expansion of the territory of the bailiq was facilitated by the struggle of the Konya Sultanate with the Mongols. Alaeddin had been paying tribute to them since 1236, and in 1243, at the battle of Köse-dag, the new sultan, Kay-Khosrow II, suffered a crushing defeat. The Cayans, too, were forced to agree to pay tribute to the Mongols.

The date of Ertogrul’s death is given by various sources as 1281/82 or 1288/89. Both dates are legendary, but lately the former is officially recognized. Also legends say that Ertogrul died at the age of 80-90. Neshri indicates that Ertogrul lived 93 years.

After Ertogrul’s death, power passed to his son, Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman dynasty and the first monarch of the Ottoman state.

Is there still a Kayi tribe?

KAYI, an ancient Turkmen tribe. During the Seljuk conquests, many of the KAYI fled to the west. In difficult years they hid in remote areas of Mangyshlak and Balkhan. The greatest migration of the Oguz-Kai was caused by the Mongol invasion. There is a legend, according to which before their arrival on the banks of Sumbar and Etrek, Turkmens-Geklenes were called Kais. The ancestor of the tribe is considered to be Kayi-khan. In the second half of the 13th century, Ertugrul, the leader of the Kai tribe, received a border fiefdom (baylik) in the North-West of the Koni Sultanate, which under his son Osman I became the nucleus of the nascent Great Ottoman Empire.

It is believed that the name “kayi” is still present in the names of some tribes of modern Turkic peoples: today in Anatolia 27 villages bear the name “kayi”.

In Turkmenistan, the Kayı tribe is one of the main subdivisions of Turkmen-Heckleng living in the Balkan region and consists of the following clans: Adnakel, Ak Kel, Alatelpek, Bagly, Barak, Burkaz, Ganjyk, Gapan, Garabalkan, Garavul, Garagol, Garagul, Garadashly, Garag, Garg, Garishmaz and others.
The Kayys are also a sub-tribe of the Bayat Turkmen of the Lebap region.

Are Turks great warriors?

The Turks were not only the best warriors of the medieval Muslim world, but also proved their metal against outsiders such as the Mongols and European crusaders, besting both in most of their encounters.
Dec 29, 2018

Who did Ertuğrul defeat?

During the early 13th century, he led an army of Turkmens from Merv to assist the Sultanate of Rum against the Byzantine Empire in Anatolia, and in 1231 he conquered Sogut.

How many children did the real Ertuğrul have?

He was one of the three sons of Ertugrul Gazi, and his mother was Halime Hatun.

Where is Ertuğrul buried in Turkey?

Sogut is famous for being the cradle of the Ottoman Empire, the site of the tomb of Commander Ertugrul and the Mausoleum of ottoman founder Osman 1. Sogut is the first nucleus of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled East and West, and it was fair to the people at the time.

Why is Ertugrul censored on Netflix?

But Netflix has pulled the plug on the show after authorities, citing the existence of a homosexual supporting character in the script, refused to issue a filming license. Instead of censoring the script, Netflix has decided to pull the series altogether.
Jul 21, 2020

Was bamsi ALP real?

Even though, Bamsi is traditionally thought to be fictional, it is believed by some people that he was indeed a real person because of this grave. Dede Korkut’s grave is said to be in the village of Masat, however, he is also likely to be fictional.

What happened to Gundogdu and Sungurtekin?

At the end of the season, Gundogdu and Sungertekin stay in the Dodurga tribe but Ertugrul and Dundar leave the Dodurgas with the Kayis. He returns in season 4 to visit the Kayi tribe. He is first seen in a caravansarey, meeting with Ertuğrul about his seal which appears to be very important later.

Does Selcan have baby in Ertugrul?

The baby has been given the name of Alican. The famous Turkish actress and a much-admired star of the famed Turkish series Dirilis: Ertugrul in which she portrayed the role of Selcan Hatun, Didem Balcin decided to share the big announcement on her Instagram handle.
May 10, 2021

What happened to Gundogdu tribe?

The caravan was later ambushed by Karatoygar’s Seljuk troops, and Gundogdu was captured after a valiant fight. He managed to escape after stabbing his captor dead with a dagger and escaping on horseback, occasionally stopping to fight his pursuers. He was ultimately caught in a net and taken into captivity.

What happens to Selcan and Gundogdu?

After having a miscarriage and her confessing to her actions, Gundogdu decides to marry another woman. However, after Selcan saves Gundogdu and almost dies herself, Gundogdu and everyone else forgives her. However their relationship remained broken, with Gundogdu not quite getting over her betrayl.

Does Selcan have a child?

This section documents her adaptation into Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, where she is known as ‘Selcan Hatun’.
TV adaptation.

Selcan Hatun
Spouse	Gündoğdu Bey
Children	Süleyman Alp (son) İltekin Bey (son)

Who married Gokce?

They were later adopted by the Kayi bey Suleyman Shah after their father’s execution, and, while Selcan went on to marry Suleyman’s son Gundogdu Bey, Gokce’s love for Gundogdu’s brother Ertugrul went unrequited. She later married Ertugrul’s first cousin Tugtekin Bey.

Who is Ertugrul second wife?

Halime Hatun (fictional character)

Halime Hatun
Affiliation	Kayı tribe Sultanate of Rum Kınık tribe (bloodline)
Weapon	Sword
Family	Şehzade Numan (father) Yiğit Alp (brother)
Spouse	Ertuğrul Bey

Why is Netflix canceling resurrection Ertugrul?

Some are saying that the western countries are taking this decision out of ‘jealousy’ over its massive viewership. While a section of netizens are claiming that the series started creating an impact on people’s minds which is why the OTT giant is planning to remove it.
Aug 28, 2021

What tribe is Ilbilge Hatun from?

Umuroglu tribe

Ilbilge is a hatun from the Umuroglu tribe. She is the daughter of Umur Bey as well as her sister Sirma hatun. She also has a brother known as Beybolat Bey, who is later revealed as ‘Albasti’, who is working for the Mongols.

Does bamsi marry Helena?

By Oronno Orchy | Bamsi Alp marriage ceremony with Hafsa hatun (Helena). Dirilish Ertugrul. Season 3. Episode 70.
Oct 1, 2019

What happened to Bamsi in resurrection Ertugrul?

Bamsi is killed while fighting a contingent of a Mangol army in the latest episode which aired on Wednesday.
May 27, 2021

Does Bamsi leave the Kayi tribe?

Bamsi Bey, the third among Ertugrul’s most trusted friends and Kayi Tribe’s finest warriors died on the latest episode of Kulurus Osman. Fans can’t seem to come to terms with the goofy, innocent and strong Bamsi’s exit from the show.

Who killed Dogan ALP in Ertugrul?

Unfortunately, the trio breaks after the death of Dogan Alp. He was intelligent and a courageous warrior. He lost his life due to the foolishness of Dundar Bey in season 3. He left behind his pregnant wife.
Mar 17, 2021

Why was Dogan killed off?

Unfortunately, the trio breaks after the death of Dogan Alp. He was intelligent and a courageous warrior. He lost his life due to the foolishness of Dundar Bey in season 3.
Mar 17, 2021

Who married Dogan?

Çiçek

After the plan is successful, Aytolun and Goncagül are killed, Doğan marries Çiçek and the Kayı, along with Çiçek, move to Bithynia.

What happened to Sultan Giyaseddin in Ertugrul season 5?

His mother, although, refuses to let Kiric Arslan be the sultan, and begins to scheme with Saddettin Kopek. Soon, the prince learns of this and firmly instructs Mahperi to stop, saying that his half-brother is his family too. Later on, the Sultan dies in his son’s arms.

Who was the last sultan of the Seljuk Empire?

From their homelands near the Aral Sea, the Seljuks advanced first into Khorasan and then into mainland Persia, before eventually conquering Baghdad and eastern Anatolia.
Seljuk Empire.

The Great Seljuk Empire سلجوقیان Saljūqīyān
Sultan
• 1037–1063	Toghrul I (first)
• 1174–1194	Toghrul III (last)
History

Who was sultan after Alauddin Seljuk?

The sultan, sometimes styled Kayqubad the Great, is remembered today for his rich architectural legacy and the brilliant court culture that flourished under his reign.

Kayqubad I
Successor	Kaykhusraw II
Born	1190
Died	1237 (aged 46–47) Kayseri
Burial	Alâeddin Mosque, Konya

What happens to Gunalp in Ertugrul?

To save Turgut, Bamsi and Artuk Bey, Sungurtekin along with some Alps, Cemz and Dumrul amongst them, secretly entered the prison, Gunalp wounded and arrested them also and all of them were also thrown into the dungeon. Günalp ordered all of them to be executed, to be hang by the neck.
Mar 20, 2018

What happens to almila hatun?

She was Noyan’s Sister and Hyma Ana killed her when she was in her tent to kill Osman.

Why does Marya betray Ertugrul?

She was bought by Ares, from slave trader Simko. Simko sells her so that she can spy on Ares. She betrays Ares by saving Ertugrul’s son Gunduz and marrying Artuk Bey, but then betrays Ertugrul and Artuk Bey. She realizes that they know she is a traitor when trying to give the news.