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The Word “Barak” and Its Origins
The word Barak has various meanings, including a type of woolen fabric (kebe, kepenek), a breed of hunting dog, and a large vine that wraps around trees. One of the earliest accounts suggests that the name originates from a legendary hero in the Altai region. The first meaning, referring to woolen fabric, was commonly used in Yörük-Turkmen communities as an outer garment. Over time, the term “Baraklı” (meaning “covered with kebe or kepenek”) became the name of some tribal groups.
The second meaning relates to dogs, as it was common in ancient Turkic and Kipchak cultures for warriors to be named after animals. In Kipchak Turkish, “Barak” means “dog”, and because the Barak tribes were primarily shepherds, they may have been named after a strong and protective dog breed. Some Barak tribes in southeastern Anatolia were called “İt-Barak”, influenced by this meaning.
During the Mongol domination of Anatolia, Barak Baba, a Kalenderi dervish who died in 1308, gained significant influence. The Mongol Ilkhanate ruler Gazan Khan sought to use Barak Baba’s prestige to strengthen his rule. As a result, the name “Barak” spread widely, appearing in places like Balıkesir, Adana-Karaisalı, Sandıklı, and Gümüşhacıköy. Additionally, a region in modern-day Romania called “Barakan Steppe” is believed to be linked to the followers of Barak Baba.
During the Ottoman period, historical records indicate that the Barak tribe was part of the Bayat branch of the Halep Turkmens. Some sources also connect them to the Dulkadirli branch and the Cerit clan.
Teke Baraks and Migration Movements
Today, the majority of the Barak tribe lives in the Gaziantep-Nizip-Karkamış region of southeastern Turkey. The folk music of this group is known as “Barak Havası”, with the most famous example being the Turkish folk song “Ezo Gelin”.
During the westward migration of Turkmen tribes, some groups settled in both the eastern and western regions of Anatolia. One branch of the Barak tribe, after being relocated to Rakka (Raqqa) by the Ottomans, returned to Anatolia between 1691 and 1712. This group settled in the Kaş district of Antalya and established the villages of Boğazcık, Yaylacık, and Yeşil Barak.
Yeşil Barak Village, located 75 km from Kaş, 10 km from Gömbe, and 35 km from Elmalı, is situated at the foothills of Yumru Mountain. Today, the village has 85 households and a population of 550.
The Barak people, once nomadic, have now fully settled and engage in greenhouse farming. When asked about their origins, villagers claim they came from the Khorasan region, though they lack precise historical records.
Barak Weaving and Kilim Tradition
The Barak people are famous for their traditional woven carpets, known as “Barak Kilimi”. The wool used in these kilims is sheared from sheep twice a year, washed, combed, spun, and dyed with natural colors. Bright colors like yellow, purple, indigo blue, red, green, and pink are commonly used in Barak weavings.
Barak Kilims is an essential part of a young girl’s dowry and is considered a valuable cultural heritage. Although weaving has declined over time, some villagers still produce kilims on a commission basis.
Aside from their expertise in textiles, the Barak people have traditionally engaged in animal husbandry and various crafts. Today, their main economic activities include agriculture and greenhouse farming.
