CAKA BEY


After Alpaslan conquered Anatolia, many Turkmen beys went on their conquest toward Mid-Anatolia. Turkmen beys Afşin, Suleyman Bey son of Kutulmuş, and Çaka Bey warred respectively in Mid-Anatolia, in İznik, and in Izmir and its environs. Çaka Bey had established a Turkish Emirate near Izmir.

Çaka bey is the founder of Izmir Emirate (1081-1097). The importance of Izmir emirate in Turkish history is because of its founder, Çaka Bey’s being the first Turkish Sea Captain and constructing a navy in Aegean sea with which he dominated.

Çaka Bey was from Çavuldar clan of Oghuzes. During the conquest of Anatolia, as one of the commanders of Danişmend Ghazi, he carried out useful efforts near Malatya.

However, he was taken captive by Byzantine Commander Aleksandros in one of his incursions and was taken to Istanbul. He drew attention of the Emperor there, and was taken to the palace. He was awarded the title of nobility and some other priveleges. He learnt Greek. In addition, he learnt the strong and weak aspects of Byzantium.

In 1081, when Aleksios Komnenos the 1st ascended the throne, he was sent away from the palace. He went to Izmir region which was left to Turks according to the agreement between Kutulmuşoğlu Suleyman Shah and Byzantium. He proclaimed his rule taking advantage of the chaos in Byzantium. We find out the adventures of Çaka Bey, about whom Turkish history does not mention much, from a book by Anna, the daughter of Aleksi Komnen, the Byzantine Emperor. Çaka Bey was the youngest of the ghazis taking part in incursions to Anatolia. He first took part in incursions to make his name heard first like his friends in war; and after fighting wars near Kastamonu and Bolu, went to Izmir. He was renown because of his courage in wars in this region. Byzantine Emperor sent some force to have Turks out of Izmir. In 1081, while a famous Byzantine commander Kabalika Alexander fought a war against Turks, took captive a stouthearted youth.

Çaka Bey, Türkmen kıyafetiyle Bizans sarayına getirildi. İmparator, gence: This active youth drew attention of the commander. He was very handsome and charming. His name was Çaka. The investigation by Byzantines revealed that he was a member of Turkmen Beys. Byzantine commander, then sent Çaka to Nikaforos, the emperor of the day, as an indication of his victory. When he asked: What is your name? He replied “Çaka!” in a stouthearted and dignified manner.

He complemented by saying here, in this palace, your name is “Protonolilismus”. Çaka was happy because he was kept in the palace and was not used for hard works. He learnt Greek enough to read the famous book named Iliad of Homer. Çaka, who came from a noble family, was treated like a prince in Byzantine palace. But, upon Aleksi Kommen’s ascending the Byzantine throne, a new era opened in his life. The new emperor did not like Çaka. He deprived him of all of his privileges in the palace. He sent him away from the palace. Indeed, Çaka, who was very active, had desired that for a long time. He could escape from Istanbul to Izmir finding an opportunity. We see him as an individual Turkish bey after this adventure.