Origin of the Barlas

Let’s begin with the origins and early history of the Barlas tribe/clan. This was
originally a Mongol tribe. The Barlas tribe, similar to the Borjigin tribe (tribe of
Genghis Khan), was also part of the Khamag Mongol confederation in the 12th
century. These two tribes were closely associated. The Borjigin tribe being in a
position of leadership. The ruling elites of both tribes claimed common ancestry
and to be descendants of the mythical Alan Gua through her son, Bodonchar
Munkhag.

The region of Inner Asia prior to the rise of the Mongol Empire. Note the Khamag
Mongol confederation. The Barlas and Borjigin tribes were both a part of the
confederation.

The close relationship between the two tribes can also be seen in by the fact
that the Barlas tribe was also one of the earliest supporters of Genghis Khan.
Suqu Sechen (the Sage) and his son, Qarachar Barlas, are said to have been
present at the Kurultai, which elected Genghis Khan as the leader of the
Mongols. Suqu Sechen is said to have previously served as a close adviser to
Yesugei Baghatur, Genghis Khan’s father. According to the Timurid accounts,
Qarachar Barlas and Genghis Khan also shared a common ancestor in Tumanay
Khan. Note that the Timurid accounts have a tendency to exaggerate the
importance of the Barlas within the Mongol Empire.

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The supposed common ancestry shared by Qarachar Barlas and Genghis Khan.
Tumanay Khan was the son of Baishinkhor Dogshin, son of Kaidu, son of Hachi
Hulug, son of Menen Tudun, son of Habich Baghatur, son of Bodonchar
Munkhag, son of Alan Gua.

The Barlas under Qarachar Noyan

Qarachar Barlas or Qarachar Noyan was one of the earliest tribal chieftains to
swear allegiance to Genghis Khan. The Barlas tribe belonged to the Kheshig, the
imperial guard of the Mongol Khagans, during the reign of Genghis Khan. This is
corroborated by the official history of the Yuan Dynasty (Yuah Shih) as well. This
was a central institution directly under the control of the Chingizid Khans. The
Kheshig functioned as the imperial bodyguard and an elite military corps.
Qarachar Barlas was a head of the Kheshig. This was a position of great prestige
and power. It also showed the loyalty and closeness of one’s position to Genghis
Khan.

Genghis Khan divided the territory of the Mongol Empire amongst his sons
during the latter part of his reign. His second son, Chagatai Khan, was granted
the central territory of Central Asia on both sides of the Tian Shan mountains.
Genghis Khan detached Qarachar and his elite contingent from the Kheshig and
assigned his to Chagatai Khan. Some believe the Barlas tribe to have been one
of the four original tumens (Mongol military unit of ten thousand) assigned to
Chagatai Khan.

“At the time when Chinggis Khan distributed his army and territories among his
sons, he singled out for favor his second son, Chagatai, who was a specialist on
[Chingizid] customary law and traditions (Yasa va Yosun). He granted him [the
territory] from the Altai mountains to the mid Syr Darya [river] and the far
reaches of the Amu Darya [river], and he selected [for him] a contingent from
his own elite military corps, the head [of which] he made this Qarachar Noyon of
the Barlas tribe. He (Chagatai) trusted [him] completely with regard to his
opinion, perspicacity, [knowledge of ] the Yasa and Yosun, and bravery, and he
turned over to his intelligence and wisdom the administration of [his] territories,
the command [of his household], and [the enforcement of] the Yasa and Yosun
of that great ruler (Genghis Khan).”
-Muʿizz al-Ansab fi Shajarat al-Ansab (Glorifier of Genealogies Concerning the
Ancestral Tree) commissioned by Shah Rukh Mirza
The Barlas tribe, under the command of Qarachar Noyan, migrated into the
region of Transoxiana. A region which was a part of the Chagatai Khanate at the
time. The Timurid accounts portray him as a very significant member of the
Chagatai nobility. The lack of written accounts from the Chagatai Khanate itself
prevents us from confirming his exact role. Qarachar’s exact role within the
Chagatai Khanate is disputed by historians. Some who believe that he held a
powerful position and others who consider him to have been just one of many
military commanders of the Chagatai Khanate.

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Qarachar Barlas is believed to have served as the Yarghuchi (Chief Judge) of the
Chagatai Khanate. The chief administrator and legal executive of the Khanate.
This was a position that held oversight of the administration of the people and
lands of the Chagatai Khanate. As well as the supreme legal position, which was
to ensure that the Yassa of Genghis Khan was observed. The Timurid accounts
mention that Qarachar had been assigned this special purpose by a binding
pledge (möchälgä) to Genghis Khan. This would explain the Timurid interest in
portraying themselves the observers and enforcers of the Törä of the Timurids
(laws and traditions of the Turko-Mongols). Qarachar Barlas played a role in
administrative, legislative and military affairs of the Khanate.

Sometime during this period, the Barlas tribe settled down in the region of Kesh
in Transoxiana. A region referred to as the hereditary tumen of the ruling clan of
the Barlas even at the time of Timur’s reign. The Barlas tribe is said to have
been held in great esteem at the time. Power and position that the tribe no
longer held by the time Timur was born.

Map of the Chagatai Khanate in late 13th century. The Tian Shan mountains in
the center served as a geographical barrier that would later divide the Khanate
into its western and eastern parts.
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The Chagatai Ulus

The Ulus Chagatai or Western Chagatai Khanate came to exist following the
fragmentation of the Chagatai Khanate that occurred in the aftermath of the
killing of Tarmashirin Khan in 1334 AD. This was a loosely based confederation
that consisted of the nomadic Turko-Mongol tribes, settled people (urban and
agricultural populations) and the mountainous people of the Hindu Kush and
Badakhshan. However, it was the Turko-Mongol tribes that formed the ruling
elite of the Chagatai Ulus. It was initially ruled over by the Chingizid Chagatai
Khans. However, the power was soon assumed by the non-Chingizid Chagatai
Emirs, who would continue to use puppet Chingizid Chagatai Khans as
figureheads.

We have to understand that the Chagatai Ulus was a political entity that had an
identity of its own. The nomadic Turko-Mongol tribes formed the ruling elite of
the polity. This ruling nomadic elite were referred to as the Chagatais. Note that
this was not only a political entity, but also the identity of the group as a whole.
In terms of cultural, religious and linguistic identity as well. This identity that
was quite different from that of Mughalistan (Eastern Chagatai Khanate). Seen
by the rebellion of the Chagatais against Mughalistan. Unlike their traditionalist
eastern cousins, the Chagatais had a good relationship with the local settled
(Iranic) and nomadic (Turk) Muslim populations.

The Chagatai Ulus consisted of both nomadic and settled components. First of
all, there were the old four Turko-Mongol tribes that had always been at the
heart of the Chagatai Khanate. These being the Barlas, Arlat, Jalayir and Suldus.
Each ruled by an old aristocratic clan. These were descended from the old
Mongol tribes from the time of Genghis Khan. Some suggest that each of these
tribes were one of the four tumen that had been assigned to Chagatai Khan by
his father. Then there were the relatively newer nomadic additions to the Ulus.
These being the Yasa'uri, Apardi, Khuttalani and Qara'unas (Negudari). Some of
these being new tribes and others being regional garrisons. Then we have the
settled populations, such as the local Shahs of Badakhshan.

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Map of the Chagatai Ulus in the 14th century prior to the rise of Timur.
The Barlas tribe can be seen in Transoxiana in the region of Kesh and Qarshi.

Structure and evolution of the Barlas tribe

The Barlas tribe, like the other Mongol tribes within the empire, began to
undergo a process of assimilation following the fragmentation of the Mongol
Empire in the middle of the 13th century. The Mongol Khanates began to adapt
themselves to the local populations and conditions. For the Barlas tribe, this
resulted in the assimilation of the tribe into the local culture of the Turks of
Transoxiana. This meant that the Mongol ruling elite adapted many elements of
this local culture, while also retaining many of its own traditions. This involved a
conversion to Islam, adoption of the local Turkic language and culture. However,
when it came to ruling or governance, the Chingizid order and law (Yassa)
reigned supreme. This resulted in the formation of a new culture or heritage that
can be referred to as Turko-Mongol. It contained elements of the ways of both
people of the steppes.

Many people seem to imagine the tribal structure as rigid and unchanging. This
is not true at all. Not all members of the tribe shared a common ancestry or
even descendants of the original members of the tribe from centuries prior.
Small units would often leave or join a tribe out of self interest. There was a
great deal of fluidity within and amongst the tribes. These tribes also generally
contained a stratified structure. A tribe was essentially just the following of the
tribal leader.
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The structure and organization of each tribe of the Chagatai Ulus was slightly
different. Each tribe being referred to as a Qawm or Qabila. However, our focus
here is only the Barlas tribe. The Barlas tribe at its core consisted of the tribal
chief or Beg. Haji Beg held this position prior to the rise of Timur within
the Barlas. The family of the Beg was the ruling family or lineage of the Barlas.
This family came from the old tribal aristocracy or clan within the Barlas tribe.
There is mention of five different ruling families or lineages within the Barlas. All
of whom traced their lineage back to Qarachar Barlas. One from each son of
Qarachar. Note that most members of the Barlas mentioned in historical
accounts belonged to one of these ruling families of the Barlas. This constituted
the ruling elite of the Barlas. The Beg of the Barlas came from one of these
families. Timur himself was a member of this aristocracy. Though not from the
ruling line that Haji Beg had belonged to.

Then there was a body of tribesmen that were closely associated with the ruling
aristocracy and formed the core of the tribe. The Ulugh Ming (Great Thousand)
was a unit of thousand that was personally under the command of the Beg. The
core tribesmen associated with the Barlas were the “hereditary tumen” or
“tumen of Amir Qarachar”. These “hereditary tumen” were the descendants of
the original members of the Barlas. The tumen that had been attached to
Chagatai Khan under Qarachar Barlas. Outside of this core were the rest of the
tribal members. A popular Beg could attach many new members or absorb
smaller tribes. At other times, some of these members of the tribe could defect
to another tribe. It is quite likely that the Barlas tribe absorbed many of the
Turks of Transoxiana into its ranks over the decades.

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The Barlas tribe as a part of the Ulus Chagatai

As mentioned before, the Barlas tribe was one of the oldest members of the Ulus
Chagatai. However, it was no longer in a position of great power or influence at
the time. It would regain its status only after the rise of Timur. There were two
tribes that controlled the region of Central Transoxiana. The Barlas, which
controlled the region from Qarshi on the Kashka river to Kesh and the
mountainous surrounding region, and the Yasa’uri, which controlled the region
of Samarkand.

The Ulus Chagatai came to exist as a result of the turmoil that followed the
death of Tarmashirin Khan in 1334. The decade that followed was one filled with
chaos. Multiple Chagatai Khans ruled for short period of time in quick
succession. Qazan Khan became the Chagatai Khan in 1343. He tried to
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strengthen his over over the Khanates. More specifically the western regions
(Chagatai Ulus). His actions were opposed by Emir Qazaghan of the Qara'unas,
who rebelled against Qazan Khan. He was supported by many emirs of
the Chagatai Ulus. Emir Qazaghan defeated and killed Qazan Khan in 1346. This
broke the hold of the Chagatai Khans in the western regions of the Khanate
(Chagatai Ulus) for good. Emir Qazaghan assumed control of the Chagatai Ulus.
He elevated a puppet Chagatai Khan and became the real power behind the
throne.

A map of the region of Transoxiana. The Oxus River generally served as the
divider between the northern and southern group of the Ulus Chagatai.

Emir Qazaghan never tried to centralize power over the Chagatai Ulus. The
Chagatai Ulus at this time was divided into two groups. The northern group
mostly consisted of the old tribes (Barlas, Jalayir and Suldus) and Yasa’uri. The
southern group consisted of the Qara'unas, Arlat, Apardi and Khuttalani.
The Qara'unas dominated the southern group, which was ruled over by Emir
Qazaghan. He did not interfere with the northern group alone and left it alone.
Emir Qazaghan was murdered by a rival within the Qara'unas in 1358.

He was succeeded by his son, Emir Abdullah, who was far more ambitious and
reckless than his father. He tried to influence and take control of the northern
group. This was not well received by the emirs of the old tribes. Haji Beg of
the Barlas tribe and Buyan of the Suldus tribe revolted against
the Qara'unas presence in the north in 1358. Emir Abdullah was defeated,
driven out and died soon after. Buyan Suldus assumed control and became the
Emir of the Ulus Chagatai. Emir Buyan never tried to assume complete control
over the Ulus and left the tribes do as they wished. This caused chaos within the
Chagatai Ulus. The Chagatai Khan of Mughalistan (Eastern Chagatai Khanate),
Tughlugh Temur Khan, took advantage of this weakness and invaded the Ulus
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Chagatai in 1360. This was the beginning of the Barlas tribe’s rise back to power
and influence.

The Barlas tribe in Timur’s rise to power

Tughlugh Temur Khan’s invasion caught the emirs of the Chagatai Ulus off
guard. There was no significant resistance from the local tribes in Transoxiana.
Some of the Chagatai emirs decided to ally themselves to Mughalistan and
some decided to flee. Bayezid of the Jalayir tribe joined the Chagatai Khan. Haji
Mahmud Shah of the Yasa’uri tribe decided to take advantage of the chaos and
plundered the territory of the Barlas tribe. Haji Beg began to gather his forces to
fight, but then realized that he was outmatched. He, with a few of his allies
within the tribe, fled towards Khorasan. The majority of the Barlas tribe itself
would remain in the region of Kesh.

One of the men with Haji Barlas was a distant young cousin named Timur. The
young man had a personally following of somewhere between fifty and three
hundred men. Timur belonged to the ruling clan of the Barlas. One of the five
major lineages. However, not from the most prominent one that Haji Beg
belonged to. Nor was he closely related to the Barlas chief in any way. Upon
reaching the Oxus River, Timur asked Haji Beg for permission to return to try to
hold onto the territory of the Barlas tribe. He was granted permission to do so.
Timur decided to use this opportunity to make a bid for leadership of
the Barlas tribe when he returned to Kesh.

Timur sought an audience with Tughlugh Timur Khan. He had personal ties with
some chieftains from Mughalistan. He was well received by the Chagatai Khan
and recognized as the leader of the Barlas tribe and tumen of Kesh. Timur
began to to form alliances (both within and outside the tribe) with men, who
were opposed to Haji Beg. He formed an alliance with Emir Khizr of
the Yasa’uri tribe. He also formed an alliance with the powerful Emir Husayn of
the Qara'unas, who was seeking revenge against Haji Beg and Buyan Suldus for

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the death of his uncle (Emir Abdullah). Timur depended on these alliance when
Haji Beg returned.

Soon after the withdrawal of the forces of Mughalistan, Haji Beg returned to
Transoxiana. He joined forces with Bayezid of the Jalayir tribe. The two sides
faced off each other on the field. Haji Beg still held far more influence within
the Barlas tribe than Timur. The emirs of the Barlas (with the exception of
Cheku Barlas) abandoned Timur and returned to Haji Barlas. Timur conceded the
position of leadership and was accepted back into the tribe. Haji Beg was once
more accepted as the leader of the Barlas tribe. Timur’s first bid for leadership
of the Barlas tribe had failed.

Depiction of a young Timur

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Tughlugh Timur Khan invaded Transoxiana once more in 1361. Bayezid of the
Jalayir tribe and Buyan of the Suldus tribe submitted to him. Haji Beg once again
fled the region towards Khorasan, but was killed on the way. Timur submitted to
the Chagatai Khan and was granted leadership of the Barlas tribe once more.
This time he would retain his leadership role permanently. Bayezid, Buyan and
some other powerful emirs of the Ulus Chagatai were executed. Emir Husayn of
the Qara'unas was defeated and forced to flee. The Chagatai Khan was going to
consolidate his position over the region and remove any possible threats for
good. He appointed his son, Ilyas Khwaja, as the ruler of Transoxiana. This was
not well received by the Chagatai Emirs. Timur, being unable to deal with the
situation, left Transoxiana with only a few loyal followers and joined Emir
Husayn. The Barlas tribe continued to remain in the region.

Both men spent most of the next three years in Khorasan outside of the
Chagatai Ulus. The emirs of the Ulus Chagatai changed their attitude towards
Mughalistan’s influence over Transoxiana. Timur and Emir Huseyn served as the
opposition to the Chagatai Khan from Khorasan and many of the emirs began to
join them. They began to gather an army to attack the Mughal forces. Much of
the tribal aristocracy showed support for Emir Husayn. Timur was joined by the
emirs of the Barlas tribe as well. The two men returned and defeated the Mughal
forces in 1364. The Mughal forces retreated back across the mountains upon
hearing of the death of Tughlugh Timur Khan. A Kurultai was held in the
aftermath of the battle. Emir Husayn was chosen as the leader of the Ulus
Chagatai and placed a puppet Chagatai Khan to serve as a figurehead. Timur
was once more the head of the Barlas tribe.

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A depiction of the injuries that left Timur crippled for the rest of his life. He
received these injuries during his time as a mercenary in this period of exile.

Mughalistan attacked again the following year. The two men led the forces of
the Ulus Chagatai in opposition, but were defeated. This was the beginning of
the decline in relationship between both men. After the Mughal army was forced
to retreat due to attrition, Timur returned to Qarshi once more. Emir Husayn
returned with forces from the entirety of the southern Ulus Chagatai and
captured Samarkand in 1366. The rivalry grew between the two men. Emir
Husayn levied additional taxes on Timur’s allies. Timur in turn began to oppose
Emir Husayn. However, Timur was soon abandoned by his closest allies, who
saw Emir Husayn as the more likely victor. He was even abandoned by most of
the emirs of the Barlas tribe. Timur was forced to flee once more to Khorasan.
Emir Husayn took control of the Barlas territory of Qarshi.

Timur spent the next two years in exile away from the Ulus Chagatai. Though
leading small periodic raids against his rivals in the Ulus. He was joined by a few
emirs from the Ulus. Timur returned in 1368, with reinforcements from
Mughalistan. Hearing of the approaching Mughal army, Emir Husayn reached
out to Timur and the two men came to terms. The attack was called off and
Timur returned once more to Kesh.
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Emir Husayn began to consolidate his hold over the Chagatai Ulus. This was
once again not well received by the tribal aristocracy, who were opposed to any
sort of centralization of power. The tribal elites now began to oppose Emir
Husayn and sided with Timur, who had become his greatest rival within the Ulus
Chagatai. The two sides met in battle, but Emir Husayn’s army fled and
abandoned him. Timur, joined by the tribal elites, laid siege to Emir Husayn’s
stronghold of Balkh in 1370. The siege ended only after two days. Emir Husayn
was captured and later killed. Two of his sons were killed and the other two
forced to flee.

The Barlas tribe during Timur’s reign

Timur became the Emir of the Ulus Chagatai. He appointed Soyurghatmïsh Khan
as his Chingizid puppet Khan on the throne. He also married the Chingizid
princess Saray Mulk Khanum, the widow of Emir Husayn and daughter of the
former Chagatai Khan Qazan, which allowed him to take the title
of Guregan (son-in-law of Genghis Khan)
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fortifications around Samarkand and turned the city into his royal capital.
The Barlas tribe had at long last taken the position of leadership within the
Chagatai Ulus.

Following his takeover as the Emir of the Ulus Chagatai, Timur began to face the
same problems as his predecessors. The tribal aristocracy was opposed to
anyone consolidating their hold over the loosely bound confederation at the
expense of their own power. He would have to deal with this challenge for the
first decade of his reign. During this time period, Timur would consolidate his
control over the Chagatai Ulus by appointing those emirs personally loyal to him
in leadership role. He would also expand the influence and power of
the Barlas tribe. His own tribe was given special consideration. However, it was
not elevated to an all powerful position. The tribe did not share in Timur’s
power. Rather a source of members, whom he could trust above other
tribesmen. Though the highest positions of the state were granted to those who
had proven their personal loyalty and service to Timur himself. Not based on
tribal affiliations. Such as the power and influence held by the family of
Chekü Barlas, who served as the Emir-al-Umara (Commander in Chief). His
nephew, Edigu Barlas, for example who was appointed as governor of Kerman.
Another close follower, who was favored, was Husayn Barlas (father of the
powerful emir Khudaydad Barlas).

Emir Timur or Timur Gurkani. He was the only ruler of the Ulus Chagatai that
was able to break the Ulus to his will. Rather than being broken by its old tribal
aristocracy.

Timur also followed a general policy of excluding the tribal aristocracy from the
elite of the Ulus Chagatai. The tribal chieftains were excluded from being
granted high ranks and honor among the new Ulus Chagatai order. It was rare
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the rank of emir within the new order.
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These new ranks of the Ulus Chagatai were based on personal and loyalty
service to Timur himself. The Barlas tribe was the only tribe of the Chagatai Ulus
which was exempted from this exclusion. Timur would regularly grant the rank
of Emir to the tribal elites of the Barlas. Not just from his own lineage, but all
five. Ranks that they could pass onto their sons. The office of
the Darughas (regional commanders/governors) would also often recruit from
the Barlas tribe, so as to allow the Barlas tribe in taking part in governance of
the state. This was a way of honoring and showing preference towards his own
tribe.

Even after rising to power, Timur did not alter the structure of the Barlas tribe.
He did not elevate his own lineage over that of the other four lineages from
Qarachar Barlas. The ruling clan was left intact. For example, Muhammad
Darwish Barlas (nephew of Haji Beg Barlas) commanded the Ulugh Ming (Great
Thousand) of the Barlas tribe. They were granted some degree of power and
influence within the state, but were not elevated to the highest positions. He
weakened the power of the old tribal aristocracy. Not just within the Barlas tribe,
but within all tribes of the Ulus Chagatai. He broke down the old order and re-
established a new one. Interestingly, Timur did not even seem to emphasize on
his role as leader of the Barlas tribe. Timur emphasized his role as the Emir of
the Ulus Chagatai above all.

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The Turko-Mongol Chagatais. Timur broke down the old tribal divisions of the
Ulus Chagatai by creating a new ruling elite of the Chagatai personally bound by
loyalty to him. Similar to how Genghis Khan had done previously with the
Mongol and Turkic tribes.

Timur would sometimes appoint emirs from the Barlas tribe as governors, who
would take command of local troops or garrisons of a region. A great example of
this would be Chekü Barlas (his loyal follower) and later his son, Jahan
Shah Barlas, was placed in command of the Qara'unas. Thus expanding his own
and the influence of the Barlas over one of the most powerful, but leaderless,
groups within the Chagatai Ulus. Similarly, following the betrayal of the emirs of
the Jalayir tribe, the Jalayir forces were placed under the command of his loyal
emirs and his own son, Umar Sheikh Mirza. It was also common for Barlas emirs
would be elevated to high positions within the administration or military. For
example, Rustam Barlas (son of Taghay) commanded the Tumen-i-
Sansiz (Numberless Tumen).

The old tribes of the Chagatai Ulus held great influence and power over their
hereditary regions. One way in which Timur broke this power was by
appointing Barlas emirs as governors to rule regions previously under control of
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the tribes. The Suldus and Yasa’uri serve as good examples of this. The Suldus
tribe controlled the region of Balkh and Chaghaniyan in the early part of Timur’s
reign. The Yasa’uri tribe controlled the regions of Samarkand and Bukhara. This
was unacceptable to Timur and these were core regions of his empire. Balkh
came to be governed by Barlas emirs, such as Yadgar Barlas. Chaghaniyan was
under the shared control of the Barlas and Suldus emirs. The Yasa’uri tribe lost
control over its hereditary territory almost completely. Samarkand was the
capital of Timur’s empire and directly under his control. Bukhara was granted to
his cousin, Taghay Bugha Barlas, and then his sons. Thus the core regions of
Transoxiana came under the influence of the Barlas tribe.

The Timurid Empire and the major military campaigns led by Timur. Part of the
reason for Timur’s success at muzzling the tribal aristocracy was because he
was able to use these campaigns to divert the attention of the Ulus Chagatai
towards external enemies. Rather than allowing the tribal elites to focus on
enemies within the Chagatai Ulus. His extraordinary success as a conqueror
played a large role in this.

The Barlas tribe under Timur’s descendants

The new order that was established by Timur within the Ulus Chagatai continued
on in the Timurid States ruled by his descendants. The new ruling elite
comprised of the families and descendants of men who had gained status based
on their personal service to Timur. The old tribal aristocracy was no longer a
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significant factor within the Timurid state. As such, the Barlas tribe was shown
no real special preference in the era that followed. At the same time, members
of the Barlas tribe were scattered throughout the Timurid state by this time.

Map of the territory of the Timurid State. Members of the Barlas tribe were
scattered throughout the state as a result of Timur’s general policy of forced
migrations of new groups into regions to break the hold of old powers. As well
as the appointments of the Barlas ruling elite in charge of local garrisons and
offices of governance throughout the state.

There were however many emirs from that belonged to the Barlas tribe in
service to the different Timurid Mirzas. Some of them allied themselves to Shah
Rukh Mirza, Timur’s youngest son and successor. While others opposed him.

Midrab Barlas (son of Cheku Barlas) and Sheikh Lughman Barlas (relative of Haji
Beg Barlas) had been assigned to Shah Rukh Mirza. Both served Shah Rukh
loyally and were an important part of his administration. Midrab Barlas inherited
his father’s holdings in Qunduz and Baghlan. These were inherited by his
nephew, Ibrahim (son of Jahan Shah Barlas and grandson of Cheku Barlas),
following his death who later also served as the Tovachi (troop inspector) to
Ulugh Beg Mirza. Nurmalik Barlas and later his son, Sultan Bayazid Barlas,
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served as the governors of Khuttalan. The power Emir Sultanshah Barlas served
Shah Rukh as the chief vizier during the end of his reign.

Rustam Barlas (son of Taghay Bugha Barlas) and Amir Buhlul Barlas joined the
Transoxiana Emir Sheikh Nur al-Din in opposition to Shah Rukh in 1410. The
latter Barlas Emir also later tried to incite the Kaidu Mirza, the Timurid governor
of Kabul, to rebel against his uncle Shah Rukh in 1416.

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A bust of Shah Rukh Mirza, the Second Timurid Emperor, based on the facial
reconstruction from his remains.
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The Barlas Emirs (descendants of Cheku Barlas), who were centered around
Qunduz and Baghlan, and Sultanshah Barlas were among the greatest
supporters of Ulugh Beg Mirza in the succession conflict that followed the death
of Shah Rukh Mirza. They later abandoned and betrayed Ulugh Beg in favor of
his son, Abdul Latif Mirza, as a result of Ulugh Beg’s mistakes in governance and
military affairs. The Barlas Emirs are said to have incited Abdul Latif to rebel
against his own father. Ulugh Beg was abandoned by the great Emir
Sultanshah Barlas as well.

There were several Barlas Emirs who served the Timurid rulers later on towards
the end of the 15th century.

This can be best seen by viewing the following of Sultan Husayn Bayqara Mirza
(1469 – 1506), Timurid ruler of Khorasan. The Barlas tribe (along with the Jalayir
and Arlat tribes) enjoyed the favor of Sultan Husayn Mirza. As these tribes had
provided him with great support in his early years. Jahangir Barlas was one of
the earliest followers of Sultan Husayn even before he rose to power. Shujah al-
Din Muhammad Burunduq Barlas (a descendant of Cheku Barlas) served as his
chief emir. Emir Mu

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zaffar and Emir Ahmad-i-Ali Farsi were two other Barlas Emirs that held
important positions within the administration of Sultan Husayn Bayqara.
Ahmad Barlas, Islim Barlas and Junaid Barlas were some of other Barlas emirs in
his service.

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The court of Sultan Husayn Bayqara Mirza. He was the last real Timurid ruler of
Khorasan. His Kingdom of Herat was the most powerful and influential Timurid
state at the time.

Several Barlas Emirs were also in service to the Timurid Mirzas of Transoxiana
(sons of Abu Sa’id Mirza). Most of them had been previously bound in service to
the Third Timurid Emperor Abu Sa’id Mirza.

 Sultan Ahmad Mirza - Jani Beg Duldas Barlas (brother of Sultan

Malik Kashghari Barlas) and Ahmad Haji Duldai Barlas (son of
Sultan Malik Kashghari Barlas) both served him. They have
previously been in service to Abu Sa’id Mirza.
 Sultan Mahmud Mirza - Sheikh Abdullah Barlas and Mahmud
Barlas (of the Barlas of Badakhshan) were both in service to him.
The latter had also previously served Abu Sa’id Mirza.

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The Third Timurid Emperor Abu Sa’id Mirza. He was also Babur’s paternal
grandfather.

The Barlas Tribe in the Mughal period

Babur makes note of several Barlas Emirs who were in service to him at some
point during his reign. Ghuri Barlas was in service to Babur since the early part
of his reign as the Timurid Mirza of Ferghana. He took joined Babur against the
Arghun Dynasty in the Battle of Kandahar in 1507. Qara Barlas was one of the
emirs in Babur’s army when he was defeated by Muhammad Shaybani Khan in
the Battle of Sar-i-Pul and Samarkand in 1501.

Sultan Sanjar Barlas was in service to Babur during his reign as the Timurid
Mirza of Kabul. He betrayed Babur, but was defeated and forgiven. Muhammad-
i-Qasim Barlas, Muhammad Khwaja Barlas, Shah Mansur Barlas and Sultan
Junaid Barlas (son of the Sultan Junaid who had served Sultan Husayn Mirza)
were some other ones. The latter two joined Babur in the Battle of Panipat and
helped him establish his rule over North India. Shah Mansur was one of his most
loyal retainers and participated in the Battles of Panipat and Khanwa. Sultan
Junaid was a powerful Mughal Beg that was appointed in the eastern territories
to defend against potential threats and further expand the Mughal influence. He
was the one who brought Sher Shah Suri into the Mughal fold.

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The court of Zahir ud-Din Muhammad Babur, the Timurid Emperor and founder
of the Mughal Empire.
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The Barlas tribe was scattered across a wide region, that had once been a part
of the Timurid state, by the end of the 16th century. Some members of the tribe
still remained in the old hereditary domains (Kesh and Qarshi) and other regions
of Transoxiana. Some members had migrated into other regions after having
been assigned as governors of the region. For example, the Barlas groups in
Central Afghanistan and Badakhshan. Some members of the Barlas tribe
followed Babur and migrated into the Indian Subcontinent following the
establishment of the Mughal Empire. Examples being Shah Mansur Barlas and
Sultan Junaid Barlas. Others were granted territory in Afghanistan by Babur. For
example, Muhammad Khwaja who was granted land in Central Afghanistan.

The Mughal Empire had a policy of continuing to recruit the talented nobility
from Central Asia and Iran to serve the state. This was a great opportunity for
many in Central Asia to make a new life for themselves. Many members of
the Barlas tribe would continue to migrate into the Mughal Empire in hope of a
better life. Some would be granted land and some employed by the Mughal
Emperors.

Mirza Hadi Beg Barlas is one such example. He belonged to the line of Haji Beg
of the Barlas tribe. He, along with his family and close followers, migrated into
Punjab during the latter part of Babur’s reign. He was awarded the territory of
Islampur (Qadian). His family would control the region throughout the Mughal
era. Mirza Hadi Barlas was the ancestor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the founder of
the Ahmadiyya Movement. Aman Beg Barlas and Tarbiyat Khan Barlas both
migrated from Central Asia in the 17th century. This was probably during the
reign of Shah Jahan. Nawab Qasim Jan Barlas migrated into the region during
the reign of Shah Alam II in the 18th century. Many other members of
the Barlas (including Timurid Mirzas) migrated into the Indian Subcontinent,
along with their families and followers, and settled in the region. They were
granted fiefs within the state and settled into the region. This includes the
region of Central North India, Kashmir and Punjab.

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Map of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal state had a policy of recruiting talented
members of the nobility from diverse origins into its own administration. Such as
those from the Uzbek Khanates of Central Asia and the Safavid Empire of Iran.
This also included members of the Barlas tribe. Though it does not seem that
any preference was granted to the Barlas tribe over the others.

The Barlas tribe in the modern world

It should be clear by now what I meant when I talked about the fluid nature of
the tribes and tribalism being a dynamic process. The Barlas tribe serves as the
perfect example of a tribe that was constantly undergoing change and evolving.
The once small Mongol tribe localized to a region in Inner Asia (Mongolia) is now
scattered over the regions Central Asia and South Asia (perhaps even parts of
Iran).

Some of the members of the Barlas tribe remained in Transoxiana. Both in the
hereditary domains (Kesh and Qarshi) and regions awarded later by Timur.
These regions came under the control of the Uzbek Khanates following the exile
of the Timurids from Central Asia. The members of the Barlas tribe that
remained in Transoxiana seems to have assimilated into the Uzbek identity
sometime in the early modern period. This is why the Barlas tribe is one of the
tribes of the Uzbek confederation as well. The Barlas is not the only old Turko-
Mongol tribe to assimilate into the Uzbek identity. The Jalayir and Arlat tribes
that remained in Transoxiana seem to have done the same.

Shuhrat Salamov Barlas, an Uzbek historian and publicist. A descendant of

the Barlas tribesmen that chose to remain in Transoxiana.

Afghanistan had been as part of the Ulus Chagatai even before Timur rose to
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the Barlas emirs were awarded governorships over the region during the reign
of Timur. It is no surprise that the Barlas tribe is also one of the Hazara tribes in
Central Afghanistan. Interestingly, some of the Hazara tribes are descended
from the Qara'unas (Negudari Mongols) as well. What is even more interesting is
that one of the Hazara tribes is named Muhammad Khwaja Hazara. This tribe is
descended from its namesake Barlas Emir (and his followers) who was granted
territory in Central Afghanistan by Babur.

Dr. Habiba Sarabi, a physician and Afghan politician. She belongs to the Hazara
tribe of Muḥammad Khwaja. A sub-division of the larger Barlas tribe.

I have already talked about the migration of the Barlas Emirs and Timurid Mirzas
into the Indian Subcontinent. They, along with their families and their retinue,
eventually mixed with and assimilated with the locals over the centuries that
followed. The Barlas tribe is one of the Mughal clans/castes that still exists
within the Indian Subcontinent. The other ones being the Mughals, Changezi,
Chughtai, Kamangar and Khan Mughal. Remnants of the Barlas who still
associate themselves with the old clan. Those that are descended from
the Barlas within the Subcontinent belong to one of these. They are spread
throughout South Asia. Especially the Barlas clan/caste. Some others such as
the Janhal tribe and Hoteel tribe of Azad Kashmir also claim descent from
some Barlas Emir or Timurid Mirza.

Here are a few examples of some recent people that belong to the Barlas tribe
in South Asia. Mirza Aqil Hussain Barlas for example was a lawyer and diplomat.
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He was a descendant of Nawab Qasim Jan Barlas from the Mughal court.
Asma Barlas is a Pakistani-American writer. Khurshid Barlas is the chairman of
Pakistan-UK Business Council. Mazhar Barlas is an Urdu columnist from Pakistan.

Asma Barlas, a Pakistani-American academic and writer. A descendant from

the Barlas nobility that migrated into the Indian Subcontinent during the Mughal
era.

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