Baz Qaɣan and the Transformation of Toquz Oɣuz

Abstract

The transformation of the concept of toquz oɣuz in Medieval Eurasia is a good example for us to observe the nuances of the changes and continuities of nomadic societies. The designation of toquz oɣuz in Runic Turkic inscriptions was relatively clear; it was one of the tribal confederations of the Türk Qaɣanate and four members of the toquz oɣuz had found shelter in the prefectures of Gan and Liang in the northwest of China. The Türks used the term oɣuz to refer to the toquz oɣuz. The concept of toquz oɣuz changed essentially in the Uygur Qaɣanate after the Uygur itself became a member of the toquz oɣuz confederation. For example, in the Šine-Usu Inscription, besides toquz oɣuz there also appears sekiz oɣuz, apparently not including Uygur. In the Chinese sources, the records about toquz oɣuz in the Uygur Qaɣanate are extremely limited. This period formed part of the process of the disintegration of toquz oɣuz.