Shejere of the Ancestors of the Crimean Khans: The Problem of Interpretation

Abstract

Research objectives: To identify the genealogical line of the ruling dynasty of the Crimean Khanate – the Girays – tracing the family tree from Chinggis Khan to Haji Giray. The ancestors of Girays were the khans of the Golden Horde. The first Crimean khan, Haji Giray, is considered to be the direct descendant of Jochi’s son – Töqa-Temur. The main method for research is comparative analysis. Research materials: The author analyzes the following sources: “Jami al-Tavarikh” (“Compendium of Chronicles”) by Rashid al-Din, “Mu’izz al-ansab” (“The Book in Praise of Genealogies”), “Tavarikh-i guzida-yi nusrat-name” (“Selected Stories from the Book of victories”), “Qara tavarikh” by Ötemish Haji, “Shajare-i Türk” (“The Genealogy of the Turks”) by Abu’l-Ghazi Bahadur, “Tarikh-i İslam Giray Khan” (“History of Islam Giray Khan”) by Mehmed Senai, “Jami ad-Duval” (“The Collection of the Dynasties”), “Es-sebu’s-seyyar” (“Seven Planets”) by Seyid Muhammed Riza, “Umdet al-akhbar” (“The Basis of News”) by Abdulgaffar Kyrymi, and the “Gulbün-i Khanan” (“Rose Bush of the Khans”) by Halim Giray Sultan. Important sources for genealogical studies are the chronicles of the Crimean Khanate called tarikhs or tavarikhs. They provide information for identifying important links in the genealogical chain. Results and novelty of the research: Based on a comprehensive comparative analysis, the author established a relatively reliable genealogical line of the predecessors of Girays. Another significant aspect of the examined genealogies is the spelling of the khans’ names. Different variations create difficulties in identifying genealogical links. In summary, the author of the article concludes that there was often demonstrable confusion in the process of compiling the genealogical line of the Crimean khans.