Reading the Turkification of Anatolia Through Seljuk Period İğdiş

Abstract

Language is a vivid entity. The words that constitute language also undergo a change
and development over time and across different places. Therefore, the meaning of a word
in the same period in one geographical area may differ from its meaning in another
geographical area. Furthermore, it may also undergo changes in meaning over time within
the same geographical area. A notable example of this situation is the word “iğdiş”. The
word was used with different or similar meanings in Turkistan, Iran, and Anatolia during
the Middle Ages. While it meant ‘to feed and educate’ in one region, it was used to refer to
the state of being a hybrid or the practice of hybridisation in domestic animals in another.
Today, the meaning has continued to change and is used to refer to castration.
The word ‘iğdiş’ appears in Seljuk Anatolia not only in reference to horses and people,
but also as a title given to one of the officials in the city. This has aroused considerable
curiosity, and historians have commented on this official and his duties. At first glance,
it can be seen from sources that they were particularly involved in financial affairs in the
city council, but also took part in the city’s defence. However, the reason for using such a
title and what distinguishes them from other financial officials remains a mystery.
This article will focus on the meanings of the word “iğdiş” in Turkistan, Iran, and
Anatolia, and the changes it has undergone over time. The iğdiş in Seljuk Anatolia and the
ideas presented on the subject will be listed. However, the main focus will be on reading
the Turkification of Anatolia through the iğdiş, and thus issues such as population change
in cities, transformation in professions, and social inclusion will be examined through the
iğdiş.