Power elite of the Tyumen and Sibir Khanates: its structure and functions

The structure and functions of the ruling elite of the Tyumen and Sibir Khanates, which included both secular and Muslim upper-class representatives, had much in common with other Tatar states of XV-XVI centuries. This is especially noticeable in the functions of sayyids and abyzs, atalyks and kukeltashs, in preserving the traditions of document circulation through the divan chancery and through clerks-bitikchi from the Khan residence. A unique characteristic of those Khanates was the transfer of the throne within the Shibanids' family affined with the most well-known Tyumen Khan Ibrahim. The Khans' gradual growth of dependence on aristocracy was equally important. Aristocracy positions became more entrenched through kumltais and the Qaraci's-begs council. The council might include not only the leaders of the four major tribes as it was customary in other post-Horde states. Unlike their functions, the origin of Tyumen and Sibir military commanders (beklyaribeks) could be reconstructed, as Mangyt bey Edigey's descendants often held those positions, though they often visited the neighboring territory of the Nogai Horde. We may suppose, in this case, that their activities were limited to joining military campaigns. But, first of all, the Tyumen and Sibir Khans tended to delegate authority to the next of blood. Those were not only the Nogais; they were the military commanders from Kiyat, Burkut and other local tribes related to the Khans by marriage. Herewith, the Khans might change their beklyaribeks many times. Service class aristocrats also played certain roles as elite representatives, e.g. princes, who lived at the Khan's residence. Mirzas and bahadurs were not only the military officers but also diplomats, and they were also responsible for tax collection and managing yurts