QARAKHANID (1LEK KHANS)

381-420 AH

Qarakhanid rulers bore many names and titles. These generally included an Islamic name (in Arabic, the ism), a Turkish name, an Arabic title (normally constructed with al-dawla before about 500, with al-din thereafter), and one or more Turkish titles (frequently constructed with tegin). Most Turkish and Arabic titles were specific to a particular individual, but could be passed on to another individual, not necessarily a direct heir, after the death of the title-holder. A few titles were rather generic and could be used simultaneously by more than one person (e.g., amir, malik, padishah, etc.).