Did Turgut Bey have a son?

Yes, according to the legends, Turgut Alp had one known biological son named Ilyas Bey, after whom the iconic Ilyas Bey Mosque was named to honor Turgut‘s legacy. But Turgut Alp wasn‘t just any warrior – he was one of the most trusted friends and allies of Ertuğrul Gazi and later his son Osman Gazi, who founded the mighty Ottoman Empire.

So while Turgut did have a son of his own blood, he also had a very special bond and father-son type relationship with young Osman. In this article, we dive deeper into the exploits of Turgut the warrior, his own son Ilyas Bey, and his pivotal role in the origins of the Ottoman dynasty…

Turgut Alp‘s Role in the Ottoman Empire‘s Early History

According to Ottoman legends, the fabled warrior Turgut Alp was born sometime in the 1200s CE, and became deeply allied to the Kayı tribe led by Ertuğrul Gazi in Anatolia. He fought by Ertuğrul‘s side to expand territory and power for the tribe.

Sometime in the 1280s, Ertuğrul‘s son Osman came of age, and began leading the tribe alongside his father. Turgut Alp formed a close bond with young Osman, becoming one of his most trusted mentors and fiercely loyal supporters.

Later on, even after Ertuğrul Gazi‘s death, Turgut Alp continued supporting Osman Gazi on all his campaigns to establish dominion and stability in Anatolia, ultimately leading to the founding of the mighty Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman chroniclers wrote that Turgut Alp was by Osman‘s side during the pivotal second conquest of Karacahisar in 1291 CE. He fought in later battles too throughout the 1290s and into the next century. Some legends even claim that Turgut wielded his trusty battle axe against enemies when he was over 100 years old!

So while an old man, Turgut Alp remained a fiercely loyal friend and commander for Osman. In many ways, their relationship was like a father and son too.

Turgut Alp‘s Own Son: Ilyas Bey

The fabled Turgut Alp had one known biological son, Ilyas Bey. To honor Turgut‘s legacy, the iconic Ilyas Bey Mosque was constructed in the Konak Mahallesi, and named after his son.

Little accurate information exists about Ilyas Bey himself. Ottoman sources are surprisingly quiet about Turgut‘s lineage. However, the mosque named after Ilyas indicates that he must have held some important position or repute to deserve this honor.

Perhaps Ilyas Bey also proved himself a warrior like his revered father, or supported the early Ottomans in their own way. Some presumptive accounts even claim Ilyas fought alongside Turgut at times.

While Osman Gazi cared for Turgut Alp like his own father in some ways, Ilyas Bey was Turgut‘s only known flesh-and-blood son according to the records we have.

The Ilyas Bey Mosque still stands today as a testament to Turgut Alp‘s lasting legacy.

The Death of the Legendary Turgut Alp

Most accounts suggest the mighty warrior Turgut Alp died in or around the year 1328 CE – meaning he truly did live past 100 years of age to fight for the Ottomans!

Legends tell of Turgut Alp‘s legendary white warhorse named Kemikler passing away shortly before Turgut‘s own death. He was laid to rest with honor befitting his stature, buried in the Anatolian town of İnegöl where his grave remains to this day.

The people of İnegöl built a historic tomb-shrine dedicated to Turgut Alp which stands there today, visited by many to pay homage to this legendary early Ottoman warrior who shaped history.

So while Turgut had his own son Ilyas, who he likely cared for deeply too, records suggest Turgut viewed Osman Gazi almost like a son as well. He remained unwaveringly loyal to Osman and the Ottoman cause right up to his dying days over 100 years later!

This concludes our deep dive on the fabled Turgut Alp – a warrior who left an enduring legacy as one of the earliest Ottomans, and also as a father to his own son Ilyas and his spiritual child, Osman Gazi. Let me know if you have any other questions about Turgut, the Kayı tribe or first Ottomans!