| The Race and Language of the
Tabgacs
The strong political constitution, that had been
founded in North China towards the end of the 4th century, had been called "Tabgaç",
whereof the Chinese had called it T'o-ba. The word Tabgaç (Taugast), which is frequently
mentioned in the Orhun inscriptions and thanks to the Gok-Turks in Byzantian sources, also
came to the meaning "China". Because, in the first years of the Gok-Turks, this
clan, that had been knewn as being "big" by the Turks, had been ruling in China.
Actually being Turkish and having the meaning "great, respected, venerable", the
expression Tabgaç, had been used as a title by some kings of Karakhans (Tafgaç, Tamgaç).
The Tabgaçs who are,
according to Mahmut from Kaşgar a squadron of the Turks, are mentioned to be a part of
the Asian Huns according to Chinese yearbooks. Also in the official history (Wei-shu) of
the family, Mete Khan was shown as the former king of T'oba (Tabgaç). Besides, most of
the Tabgaçs' customs, habits and traditions, like the legend of wolf, cave, mountain,
forest cults, the legend of migration, etc. were related to the Turks. In addition to this
issue, there are proves showing that their language was also Turkish, such as: Bitegçin
(Bitikçi, secretary, foreign minister), kapugçin (kapıcı, doorkeeper), atlaçin (atlı,
cavalry regiment), tabagaçin (yaya, infantery unity), kurakçin (koruyucu, defender
group), yamçin (posta sürücüsü, postman on horses), aşçın (aşçı, cook), törü
(töre, law, custom), etc.
These words,
registered in the Chinese sources give information about the administration of the
government and foundation of the army of Tabgaçs. However, it is understood that, in this
Turkish State also a huge number of Mongols were living. According to researches, it is
concluded that more than half of the Tabgaç-dependant tribes whose identities could have
been determined, were Mongols. Nevertheless the Mongols as well as the Chinese doubtless
only had been the folk.
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