Steppe shield of the Yurt: formation of the Noghay population of the Crimean Khanate (the 16th – the 1st half of the 17th century)

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 16th century there was a constant replenishment of the Noghay population of the Crimean Khanate. This was a consequence of both: the forcible drive of the Noghays by the Crimeans as a result of military victories over them, and voluntary resettlements from beyond the Volga into the Yurt. The reasons for such migrations were salvation from enemy invasions (Kazakhs in the 1510s and Kalmyks in the 1620-30s), as well as the desire to find nomad pastures for a more comfortable and safe living outside the Noghay Horde–mainly during periods when it was engulfed in internecine strife, and its population suffered from hunger and ruin. The rulers of the Crimea willingly accepted and placed ordinary people in their possessions, but were wary of representatives of the Noghay elite. This was due to the inveterate feud between the Crimean and Trans-Volga Mangyts, which began in the middle of the 15th century. During the 16th century the Nogai population of the Crimean Khanate greatly increased and formed the backbone of the powerful clan of Mansur-uly. Settling mainly in the steppes north of the Crimea itself, it represented a significant military force (for the most part loyal to the Girays) and obscured the peninsula from external attacks. At the same time, among the Crimean Noghays, from time to time there arose a mood of dissatisfaction with the policies of Bagchesrai towards them, a desire to transfer to Ottoman citizenship.

Keywords

• crimean khanate
• noghay horde
• mangyts
• mansur-uly
• beys
• mirzas
• migrations