# Jalairs

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jalairs
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Jalairs.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalairs
> Source revision: 1353112273
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

For places in Iran, see [Jalayer (disambiguation)](/source/Jalayer_(disambiguation)).

**Jalair** [a] also **Djalair**, **Yyalair**, **Jalayir** is a tribe of [Mongolic](/source/Mongolic_peoples) or [Turkic](/source/Turkic_peoples) origin. They are first recorded as the *Chaladi* in [Chinese](/source/China) sources of 910 in eastern [Inner Mongolia](/source/Inner_Mongolia).[1] They are later recorded as having lived along the [Kerulen River](/source/Kerulen_River) and [Orkhon River](/source/Orkhon_River) in modern day Central and Eastern Mongolia, between the [Merkits](/source/Merkits) and [Keraits](/source/Keraits).[2][3] After the Mongol conquest in the 13th century many Jalairs spread over Central Asia and the Middle East. Jalairs become part of various [Mongolic](/source/Mongolic_peoples) and [Turkic](/source/Turkic_peoples) peoples. Jalairs are one of the founding tribes of [Mongolia](/source/Mongolia)'s largest ethnic group [Khalkha](/source/Khalkha).[4] People with the clan name of Jalayir are also found in [Inner Mongolia](/source/Inner_Mongolia) in [China](/source/China). The Jalayirs who stayed in Central Asia under the rules of [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan)'s older sons' descendants eventually become part of various Turkic people of central asia. They are found among the [Kazakhs](/source/Kazakhs) of the [Great jüz](/source/Great_j%C3%BCz); also they are found among the [Uzbeks](/source/Uzbeks) (especially among Uzbeks of Southern [Tajikistan](/source/Tajikistan) and [Afghanistan](/source/Afghanistan)), [Karakalpaks](/source/Karakalpaks), and the [Kyrgyz](/source/Kyrgyz_people). The Jalairs who went to Iran and Iraq founded the [Jalairid Sultanate](/source/Jalairid_Sultanate) in 1330, and expanded into Turkey.[5] The state was subjugated by the [Kara Koyunlu](/source/Kara_Koyunlu) in 1432.[6]

## Etymology

[Yury Zuev](/source/Yury_Zuev) proposed that the term Jalair (~ *Yyalair*) could be the Mongolian version of the Turkic name for the dynastic tribe of the [Uyghur Khaganate](/source/Uyghur_Khaganate) (758-843): [Yaglakar clan](/source/Yaglakar_clan) ~ *yağla er* ('[anointed](/source/Anointing) sovereign', Turkic *ya:ğ il*). Yaglakar (Ch. 藥羅葛/药罗葛 Yaoluoge) of the Tiele-Uyghur [Toquz Oghuz](/source/Toquz_Oghuz) confederacy.[7]

Some scholars hypothesise that the Jalairs were related to the [Xiongnu Empire](/source/Xiongnu) based in Mongolia (209 BC – 93 AD) and [Mongolian speakers](/source/Mongolian_language).[8]

## Clans

According to the early 14th-century work *[Jami' al-tawarikh](/source/Jami'_al-tawarikh)* by [Rashid-al-Din Hamadani](/source/Rashid-al-Din_Hamadani),[9][10]:

The Jalayir nation consists of ten large divisions, each of which has become a separate and numerous tribe: Jait, Oongaqa’ut, Oyat, Kirkin, Turi, Togra’ut, Kiimsa’ut, Nilqan, Tolanggait, Sungqut.

## Early history

The Jalair might be the Chaladi who were recorded in [Chinese](/source/China) sources of 910 in eastern [Inner Mongolia](/source/Inner_Mongolia).[1] The Jalairs revolted against the [Khitan rule](/source/Khitan_Empire) in 1014. Subsequently, they were suppressed by the Khitans in the next year.[11] After that, the Jalayirs turned to the Mongols and lived next to [Borjigins](/source/Borjigin). Later, the Mongols under [Khaidu](/source/Khaidu_(ruler)) of the Borjigin, an ancestor of Chinggis Khan, conquered and made them hereditary slaves (Ôtegii boghol) of the Mongols around 1060.[12]

The Jalair tribesmen were an important force in the [Khamag Mongol](/source/Khamag_Mongol) confederation in the 12th century and later Chinggis Khan's rise to power.[13] The Jalairs such as [Mukhulai](/source/Muqali) helped [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan) to found his Empire. During the Mongol invasion of [Khorazm](/source/Khorazm) in 1219–1223, Muqali campaigned in [North China](/source/North_China) as the first prince of the state (guo-wang) and a viceroy. The Jalairs served under [Great Khans](/source/Great_Khan) as steward, chief judge, imperial tutor and advisor. Genghis Khan also gave 1,000 men under Jalair Moqe [noyan](/source/Noyan) to his son [Chagatai Khan](/source/Chagatai_Khan) in [Turkestan](/source/Turkestan). And a body of the Jalair settled in [Golden Horde](/source/Golden_Horde).

## Medieval Jalairs

See also: [Muqali](/source/Muqali), [Gegeen Khan](/source/Gegeen_Khan), [Hasan Buzurg](/source/Hasan_Buzurg) and [Jalairid Sultanate](/source/Jalairid_Sultanate)

When [Möngke Khan](/source/M%C3%B6ngke_Khan) ordered [Hulagu](/source/Hulagu) (Alaghu) to conquer the [Abbasid caliphate](/source/Abbasid_caliphate), the [Ayyubids](/source/Ayyubids) in [Syria](/source/Syria) and the [Mamluks](/source/Mamluks) in [Egypt](/source/Egypt) in 1252, the Jalairs prepared strong military contingent. Their commander Kok-Elege participated [sieges](/source/Siege) of [Persian](/source/Iran) and [Arab](/source/Arab) fortresses from 1256 to 1261 and the battle against [Berke](/source/Berke)'s commander [Nogai Khan](/source/Nogai_Khan) in 1262.

Under Genghis Khan's successors, Muqali's descendants inherited his title and came to be one of the mainstays of [Confucian](/source/Confucian) influence in Kublaid [Yuan Dynasty](/source/Yuan_Dynasty) (1271–1368). The Jalairs were close to Great Khans in China and Il-khans in [Iran](/source/Iran). In [Il-khanate](/source/Il-khanate), Jalair [Buqa](/source/Buqa) revolted against [Tekuder](/source/Tekuder) Khan and installed Hulagu's grandson [Arghun](/source/Arghun) in 1284. But his [coup](/source/Coup) was revealed and executed by his protégé later. After the death of [Qazan Khan](/source/Qazan_Khan_ibn_Yasaur) (r. 1343-1346), Chagatai Khanate fell under the control of nomadic Turco-Mongol clans: the Jalayir in the north, the Arlat in the west, the [Barlas](/source/Barlas) in the centre, the [Qaraunas](/source/Qaraunas) and the Qa'uchin in the south-west and the [Dughlats](/source/Dughlat) in the east.

Meanwhile, [Hasan Buzurg](/source/Hasan_Buzurg) established [Jalayirid Dynasty](/source/Jalayirids) and tried to reunite [Turco-Mongol](/source/Turco-Mongol) states in the name of his puppet khans in [Iraq](/source/Iraq) and western Persia of which fell into political chaos after the death of [Il-khan](/source/Il-khan) [Arpa Ke'un](/source/Arpa_Ke'un) in 1336. When [Tamerlane](/source/Tamerlane) ravaged the Jalayirid Dynasty of [Ahmad](/source/Ahmad_(Jalayirids)) (1383–1410), [Central Asian](/source/Central_Asia) Jalairs were one of main clans in both [Timurid Empire](/source/Timurid_Empire) and [Moghulistan](/source/Moghulistan). The Jalairids in Persia were finally overthrown by [Kara Koyunlu](/source/Kara_Koyunlu) [Turks](/source/Turkic_peoples) in 1432. But the Jalayirs in [Central Asia](/source/Central_Asia) were active for two more centuries.

In the 16th century, the Jalairs played important role in Eastern and Central Mongolian politics. They were one of the 14 clans of [Khalkha](/source/Khalkha) tumen and [Dayan Khan](/source/Dayan_Khan)'s son [Gersenji](/source/Gersenji_Khongtaiji_of_the_Jalayir) was written in Mongolian chronicles as the prince of Jalayir (Jalaid). On the brink of the Manchu defeat of the last Great Khan [Ligden](/source/Ligden), the Jalaid became an ally of the rising Manchu empire[14]

## Modern Jalairs

### Mongolia

Jalairs are part of the [Khalkha](/source/Khalkha) people of [Mongolia](/source/Mongolia).[15] As of October 2024, there were more than 11,000 people with the clan name of Jalayir in [Mongolia](/source/Mongolia).[16]

### Siberia

[Chat](/source/Chat_Tatars) [Siberian Tatars](/source/Siberian_Tatars) originate from Jalairs, as one of Jalair clans is named Jait. There is also a Siberian Tatar village called Salairka ([Siberian Tatar](/source/Siberian_Tatar_language): Салайыр) in [Tyumensky District](/source/Tyumensky_District) of [Tyumen Oblast](/source/Tyumen_Oblast).

### China

In China, the Jalaids are a clan and a [banner](/source/Banner) in the [Jirim](/source/Tongliao) and [Ordos](/source/Ordos_Mongols) Leagues, and [Chahar](/source/Chahar_Mongols) of [Inner Mongolia](/source/Inner_Mongolia).

### Iran

[Timur](/source/Timur) brought 400 Jalair families to [Khorasan](/source/Greater_Khorasan). They live in [Kalat-i-nadiri](/source/Kalat-i-nadiri). Until end of the 19th century, [Kalat-i-nadiri](/source/Kalat-i-nadiri) had its own hereditary chief of Jalayir tribe, who held the fortress as feudatories of [Persia](/source/Persia).[17] Under [Nader Shah Afshar](/source/Nader_Shah_Afshar), Jalayirs rose to power and held important official positions within Persian government and military:

- [Qasem Ali Khan Jalayir](/source/Qasem_Ali_Khan_Jalayir) - military commander during reign of [Nader Shah Afshar](/source/Nader_Shah_Afshar).
- [Subedar Khan Jalayir](/source/Subedar_Khan_Jalayir) - military commander during reign of [Nader Shah Afshar](/source/Nader_Shah_Afshar).
- [Zal Khan Jalayir](/source/Zal_Khan_Jalayir) - military commander during reign of [Shahrukh Afshar](/source/Shahrukh_Afshar).[18]

Hereditary rulers of [Kalat-i-nadiri](/source/Kalat-i-nadiri):

- [Tahmasp Qoli Khan Jalayir](/source/Tahmasp_Khan_Jalayer) - vizier and military commander during reign of [Nader Shah Afshar](/source/Nader_Shah_Afshar).
- [Yousef Ali Khan Jalayir](/source/Yousef_Ali_Khan_Jalayir) - vizier and military commander during reign of [Shahrukh Afshar](/source/Shahrukh_Afshar).
- Fath Ali Khan[19]
- Yalangtush Khan I (d.1826) - son of Fath Ali Khan, during the reign of [Fath Ali Shah Qajar](/source/Fath_Ali_Shah_Qajar)
- Sayd Mohammad Khan - son of Fath Ali Khan and brother to Yalangtush Khan I, during the reign of [Fath Ali Shah Qajar](/source/Fath_Ali_Shah_Qajar)
- son of Yalangtush Khan (d.1883)
- Yalangtush Khan II (reigned from 1883 to 1885)

### Indian subcontinent

There were Jalairs who served in the [Mughal Empire](/source/Mughal_Empire) as officials such as [Mirak Bahadur Jalair](/source/Mirak_Bahadur_Jalair).

### Central Asia

Today Jalayir clans are a member of the [Senior Jüz](/source/Great_j%C3%BCz) tribal union in [Kazakhstan](/source/Kazakhstan), they also are part of [Uzbeks](/source/Uzbeks), [Karakalpaks](/source/Karakalpaks), and [Kyrgyz](/source/Kyrgyz_people).

#### Jalair tribe in the Kazakh people

From ancient times, Jalair tribe (*[Жалайыр](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%96%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%8B%D1%80)* in Kazakh Cyrillic, Jalaiyr in Kazakh Latin) is one of the major Kazakh tribes, in Kazakhstan, Jalairs belong to the Kazakh [Senior Juz](/source/Great_j%C3%BCz), they live mostly in the north, north-east and in the middle part of Kazakhstan, such as Saryarka[20] region, [Karagandy province](/source/Karagandy_Province), [Akmola province](/source/Akmola_Province), and [east Kazakhstan province](/source/East_Kazakhstan_Province). Jalairs also are a part of few Kazakh populations in Uzbekistan and Russia (see the Jalair tribe of Kazakh people - from Wikipedia Jalair introduction in [Kazakh language](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%96%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%8B%D1%80)).

## Notes

## References

1. Atwood, Christopher P. [*Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire*](https://www.academia.edu/8855875). p. 257. The earliest appearance in history of the Jalayir (plural Jalayid) may be as the “Chaladi” found in Chinese records of 910 on eastern Inner Mongolia.

1. Peers, Chris (31 March 2015). [*Genghis Khan and the Mongol War Machine*](https://www.google.com/books/edition/Genghis_Khan_and_the_Mongol_War_Machine/qPmxBgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT15). Pen and Sword. p. 15. ISBN 978-1-4738-5382-9.

1. History of Mongolia, Volume II, 2003 (Mongol Ulsyn tüükh, Том II (History of Mongolia, Vol. 2) — published in Ulaanbaatar, 2003)

1. ["Khalkha | History, Culture & Religion | Britannica"](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khalkha-people). *Encyclopedia Britannica*. [Archived](http://web.archive.org/web/20250610165012/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Khalkha-people) 2025-06-10 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2025-12-16.

1. Bosworth & Crane 1984, pp. 725–727.

1. ["JALAYERIDS"](https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/jalayerids/). *Encyclopaedia Iranica*. Retrieved 2025-12-16.

1. Zuev, Yu A. (2002). *Early Turks: Essays on history and ideology*. Oriental Studies Institute, Almaty: Daik-Press. pp. 104–105.

1. ["Жалайр"](https://mongoltoli.mn/history/h/404)

1. [*Jamiʻuʼt-tawarikh. Compendium of chronicles. A History of the Mongols. Part One / Translated and Annotated by W. M. Thackston*](https://archive.org/details/rashiduddin-thackston/page/62/mode/1up). Harvard university. 1998. p. 37.

1. Rashid al-Din Hamadani. *Jami' al-tawarikh* (in Persian) جات، توقراوت، قونگقاوت، کومساوت، اوریات، نیلقان، کورکین، طولانگقیت، بوری، شنکقوت

1. al-Dīn, Rashīd Thackston, al-Dīn, Rashīd Abū al-Khayr, Faḍlallāh Jāmiʿ al-tavārīkh. Translated and annotated by Thackston, Wheeler M.. 3 vols. Sources of Oriental Languages & Literatures 45, edited by Tekin, Şinasi and Alpay Tekin, Gönül. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1998, p.37

1. [Christopher Atwood](/source/Christopher_Atwood). Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire (New York: Facts on File, 2004), p.257

1. [Christopher Atwood](/source/Christopher_Atwood). Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire (New York: Facts on File, 2004), p.257

1. The Precious Summary: a history of the Mongols from Chinggis Khan to the Qing dynasty: by Sagang Sechen, translated by Johan Elverskog, New York, Columbia University Press, p. 229, n.31

1. The Precious Summary: a history of the Mongols from Chinggis Khan to the Qing dynasty: by Sagang Sechen, translated by Johan Elverskog, New York, Columbia University Press, p. 229, n.31

1. ["Үндэсний Статистикийн Хороо"](https://www2.1212.mn/sonirkholtoi/FamilyName/?search=%D0%96%D0%90%D0%9B%D0%90%D0%99%D0%A0)

1. Yate, Khurasan and Sistan, p.157

1. ["Archived copy"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110718162235/http://www.loghatnaameh.com/dehkhodaworddetail-2dfb266477ab4090b6f5ca084141a7dc-fa.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.loghatnaameh.com/dehkhodaworddetail-2dfb266477ab4090b6f5ca084141a7dc-fa.html) on 2011-07-18. Retrieved 2011-01-09.

1. ["بوی کوچ، بوی سفر، بوی راه"](http://nomadictourism.blogfa.com/post-86.aspx). *blogfa.com*

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. ["Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan"](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1102). *unesco.org*. Retrieved 22 January 2015.

## Sources

- Bosworth, C.E. & Crane, H. (1984). "AḴLĀṬ". *Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. I, Fasc. 7*. pp. 725–727.
- Christopher P. Atwood - *Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire* ISBN 978-0-8160-4671-3, Facts on File, Inc. 2004.
- *The Chinese government*. By [William Frederick Mayers](/source/William_Frederick_Mayers), George Macdonald Home Playfair. Published by Kelly & Walsh, Limited, 1886.
- René Grousset "The Empire of the Steppes - a History of Central Asia" ISBN 0-8135-0627-1, Rutgers University Press, 6th paperback edition, 1999

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Jalairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalairs) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalairs?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.