The social structure of Ulus of Jochi and Turkic-Tatar khanates according to materials of “Jami al-tawarikh” by Kadyr Ali-bek

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify and determine elements of the social structure of the Ulus of Juchi and Tatar khanates in the 16thaand 17th centuries according to the materials of “Jami al-tawarikh” by Kadyr Ali-bek. Research materials: The article uses a new edition of “Jami al-tawarikh” by Kadyr Ali-bek – the latest academic translation of the “Compendium of chronicles”. Novelty and Results of the Study: “Jami al-tawarikh” is the most important source on the history of the Ulus of Jochi and Tatar khanates at the threshold of the modern era, but also an important testimony on the internal social structure of these states. Kadyr Ali-bek was not only a very high-ranking dignitary and aristocrat, but also a man who knew and recorded how this system functioned in practice. For him, the titulature and many important attributes of power were natural and full of meaning. Viewing this system through his eyes allows us to understand some points that have eluded researchers when analyzing it from other sources. Kadyr Ali-bek’s work mentions the most important elements in the social and class structure of Tatar society in the Ulus of Jochi and Tatar khanates, as well as the mechanisms behind their interaction, such as ruling clans, karachi-beks, atalyk, and emildyash (emildäš) foster-brothers.