Ertugrul Ghazi / Dirilis Ertugrul,&,Curulis Usmam./ TURGUT ALP and his AXE

Ertugrul Ghazi / Dirilis Ertugrul,&,Curulis Usmam./ 

TURGUT ALP and his AXE

Turgut Alp (born circa 1200 - died 1323/4) was one of the early Gazis of the Ottoman Empire

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 He was one of the greatest and most renowned warriors in Turkish history, a life-long friend and the blood-brother and close confidant to Ertuğrul Gazi, as well as his best follower and supporter, a very smart and capable man.

Although very little information is known about his private life, it is very well known that he is not only a historical figure but also a legendary person who appears in folk narrations.
In addition to this claim, his warrior ventures and actions are recorded in the first Ottoman chronicles and in some Byzantine sources.

He lived an unusually

long life, even for our time. He outlived Ertuğrul Bey by 35 years, and he was killed in a battle, with his legendary battle-axe in his hand …. aged 125 years old!!

After Ertuğrul Gazi passed away, Turgut Alp become the main supporter and close confident to Osman, until Osman’s death (aged 67) during the siege of Bursa.

According to the accounts of the first Ottoman sources, Turgut Alp was right at Osman Bey’s side during the 2nd conquest of Karacahisar Fortress (1291.) and afterwards he took part in all of Osman’s conquests.
Finally, Osman has assigned Turgut Alp to conquer Inegöl (ancient name: Angelacoma) in 1299, and after the conquest the governorship and the administration of the city and its surrounding areas, has been given to Turgut Alp. He governed there for 36 years, and during that time people have lived in İnegöl in peace and prosperity.

After Osman’s death, although he was himself at the very advanced age, Turgut Alp continued to provide the same support to Sultan Orhan I, and followed him in his conquests, acting also as his most trusted adviser, until he was killed in a battle.

Turgut Alp was martyred at the age of 125 during the conquest of the Atranos Castle ( Orhaneli Castle). Turgut Alp was the commander of Alps in the periods of Ertugrul Gazi, Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi.

Upon his death, Turgut Alp has been buried in a quiet and modest cemetery in the mountains near Inegol, in a hamlet known as Turgut Alp (Genco) village. The grave outside Ertuğrul Gazi Turbesi is a honorary grace, not his real resting place.

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LEGACY

In 1877, during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), a new town was established in the Ottoman Empire by the Muslim people from Bulgaria and upon the suggestion of the Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the town was named "Turgutalp" in the honour of courageous warrior Turgut Alp.

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TURGUT ALP’s AXE

Turgut Alp was considered one the greatest of warriors, and his weapon, an axe was quite legendary. His axe and outfit are displayed in museum, as shown in these pictures.

Turgut Alp’s Axe specification: it was 92cm long, it weighted 1,650g (1kg 650g); it was made of forged Bursa steel, well treated on both faces; handle wrapped with leather belt;
This axe was known as the most powerful, strongest axe known at that time, from east to west.