Mahmud tarabi rebellion (1238) [Mahmud târâbä isyani (1238)]

Abstract

This article deals with an uprising against the Mongolian government and its local collaborators under the leadership of a mystic healer named Mahmud Târâbî in the Bukhara region in Central Asia in 1238. Mahmud Târâbî Rebellion is one of the political and social events of the Mongol ruler Ögedei Khan era. The main purpose of the present study is to determine the reasons that caused the revolt, the development course of the rebellion, and the results and character of the rebellion. In addition, this study tries to analyze the rebellion from different directions based on the main resources of the period and contemporary studies. According to political, social, economical and psychological factors, the rebellion is caused by the expectation of a savior with the superhuman powers formed in the mind of the Buhara people and the depression without serious preparations and organization. It has been determined that the rebellion was originated from the psychological effects of the Mongol Invasion on the Turkish-Islamic society, and it should be evaluated under the category of messianic movements. Similarities and differences between the Mahmud Târâbî Rebellion and the Babaîs Rebellion, which developed in almost at the same time but in different geographies, was investigated. It was concluded that there is no direct connection between these two events, but that both movements was originated in the same thought.