Barlas

Who were the Barlas?

The Barlas were a Mongol-origin tribe that emerged as a sub-clan of the Borjigin within the Khamag Mongol confederation in present-day Mongolia. Over time, they became a distinct group in Central Asia, especially in the region of Kish (now Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan). Their identity was shaped by both their Mongol heritage and their later Turkification, as well as their adoption of Islam and local languages. The Barlas are best remembered for producing the ruling dynasties of the Timurid and Mughal empires.

Where did the Barlas live?

The Barlas settled in Central Asia, with their main center in the Kish region, which is now Shahrisabz in Uzbekistan. This area is known for its fertile land and strategic location along important trade routes. Unlike many neighboring tribes who remained nomadic, the Barlas became a sedentary people, establishing permanent settlements and integrating with the local population.

What language did the Barlas speak?

Originally Mongol speakers, the Barlas gradually adopted the Chagatai language, a Turkic language influenced by Arabic and Persian. They also used Persian and local dialects such as the Uzbek Karluk-Chigil. This linguistic shift reflected their integration with Central Asian societies and their move away from their Mongol roots.

How did the Barlas live?

While many Mongol tribes were nomadic, the Barlas became sedentary, likely due to their military and aristocratic roles. They settled in fertile regions and engaged in farming, which distinguished them from their nomadic neighbors. Their position as governors and military leaders under the Mongol Empire also gave them administrative and economic advantages.

How was Barlas society organised?

The Barlas traced their lineage to Qachuli, a descendant of the Borjigin clan. Their society was organized around aristocratic and military leadership, with prominent figures serving as ministers and commanders. Marriages often occurred outside the tribe, reflecting their openness to integration. Their status as a ruling class in Central Asia shaped their social structure.

What did the Barlas believe?

The Barlas originally practiced Tengrism and shamanism, spiritual traditions common among Mongol peoples. Over time, as they settled in Central Asia and interacted with local populations, they adopted Islam. This religious change was part of their broader cultural transformation, which also included adopting new languages and customs.

The history of the Barlas

The Barlas emerged in the early to mid-12th century CE as a sub-clan of the Borjigin in Mongolia. Their ancestor Qarachar Barlas served as a military commander and governor under Genghis Khan, eventually settling in Transoxiana. The Barlas became influential in the region, producing the Timurid dynasty, founded by Timur, which ruled much of Central Asia and Persia. Babur, a descendant of Timur, later established the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent.

What became of the Barlas?

The Barlas no longer exist as a distinct tribe, but their legacy lives on through the Timurid and Mughal dynasties. Their historical homeland is now part of Uzbekistan, and their descendants are integrated into the broader populations of Central and South Asia. Their cultural and political contributions remain significant in the history of the region.

Questions people ask about the Barlas

Sources and further reading

• Barlas on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Barlas themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.