Haci Giray

Haci Giray (died 1466) was the founder and the first ruler of the Crimean Khanate. He is often referred to as Devlet Giray, Devlet Haci Giray, etc. He is said to have been a descendant of Genghis Khan (the 11th generation).

He ascended the throne after a long struggle against the khans of the Golden Horde for the independence of the Crimean Khanate in which he was supported by the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. While some sources state he came to power as early as 1428 or 1434, the first coins of Haci Giray are not earlier than 1441.

Haci Giray founded the Giray dynasty of the Crimean Khans, and introduced the new state symbol: "taraq tamga" or "the trident of Girays". He established his residence in Salaciq village (the vicinities of modern Bakhchisaray near the Qirq Yer fortress). A contemporary European source, The Chronicle of Dlugosz, desribed him as a person of outstanding personal values and a perfect governor.

In 1456 he was deposed for a short period by the revolt of his own son Hayder, but was restored that the same year.

Haci Giray is buried in the Durbe in Salaciq in Bakhchisaray.

See also

• Crimean Tatars
• List of Turkic states and empires

External links

• The Palace of the Crimean Khans