Surname Bayrakdar - Meaning and Origin
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Bayrakdar: What does the surname Bayrakdar mean?
The last name Bayrakdar is a Turkish surname derived from the words ‘bayrak’ and ‘dar’ which literally translates to “holder of flags”. According to studies, this Turkish name goes beyond just a surname, as it refers to highly respected and honored “flag bearers” that worked for the Ottoman Empire.
Not only did these individuals carry strong and sturdy flags, they also served their communities by fighting in the battles of the Ottoman Empire against their enemies. In doing so and fulfilling their sworn duties, Bayrakdar-inducted individuals were often rewarded with prestigious titles and privileges.
These high ranked individuals served as intermediaries between the subjects of the Empire and its royal family. Furthermore, they were responsible for carrying out the orders and requests of the Sultan across the Empire. It is said that not just any ‘Bayrakdar’ could take up this position, as only individuals who were ferociously loyal to the Ottoman Empire and its Sultan had access to such respected titles and duties.
To this day, the surname of Bayrakdar is often associated with strength and skill, serving as a lifetime reminder of the brave and noble battle heroes of the Ottoman Empire.
Order DNA origin analysisBayrakdar: Where does the name Bayrakdar come from?
The last name Bayrakdar is a Turkish name, originating from the historic region of Karaman in Turkey. It is still most commonly found in Turkey today, particularly in the cities and villages in the former Karaman Province; such as Ermenek, Karaman itself, Mut, Senirkent, Ares and Kızılcahamam. Furthermore, it may also be found elsewhere in Turkey, particularly in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
The name is often attributed to people that descended from the tribe of Oghuz Turks during the early Middle Ages. The tribe used to be called “Bailak” and the name Bayrakdar means “flag bearer." This was a major duty entrusted to the members of this tribe and which could explain why the name has been preserved and used even today.
Outside of Turkey, it is possible to find people with the last name Bayrakdar in other Middle Eastern countries, Central Asian countries, Russia and in diasporic communities around the world. The diasporic populations, particularly in countries such as the United States, Australia and Europe have grown in recent years, as many Turkish people have emigrated in search of better opportunities.
These emigrants have taken the last name Bayrakdar with them, and so it can be found all over the world today. But it remains most commonly found in the historic region of Karaman in Turkey.
Variations of the surname Bayrakdar
Bayrakdar is an uncommon Turkish surname, derived from the Turkish words bayrak and dar, which translate to "holder of the flag". It is also written in alternate spellings such as Bayraktar, Beyrakdar, Beyraktar, and Bayrakdary, and all variants are used interchangeably in some families and regions.
The surname Bayrakdar has multiple origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. In the first instance it may refer to the Ottoman cavalry units known as the Bayraktar Corps who were responsible for carrying the royal banner under the peaceful rule of the Ottoman Empire. Alternatively, the surname could have originated among the many Turkish tribal groups that took part in military campaigns led by the Ottoman forces. Being a bearer of the flags of such groups was traditionally seen as a mark of valor and honor and would have led to people taking the surname Bayrakdar as a badge of honor.
Another source of the surname may be found among occupational groups such as weavers, sail makers, dressmakers, tailors, armorers, leather makers, and saddle makers. It was common during Ottoman times for such craftsmen to be known as “bayrak dar” or “flag holder” as they would weave or oversee the making of flags for royal and military campaigns. Over time these incentives would have been rewarded and the craftsmen associated with their activities would have taken the surname Bayrakdar to mark their distinction in the profession.
The Bayrakdar surname can also be found among Jewish and Armenian families in Turkey, through historical migrations and assimilation of the Ottoman Empire's various ethnic and religious groups. As part of their integration into the Ottoman Empire, many of these families and individuals adopted the surname Bayrakdar, connecting them to the Ottoman history of their adopted homeland.
In summary, the origins and variants of Bayrakdar demonstrate the complexity and diversity of Turkey's history and the contribution of many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Its prevalence among Jewish and Armenian families also attests to the extent of cultural integration that took place in the Ottoman Empire.
Famous people with the name Bayrakdar
- Burcu Bayrakdar: Burcu Bayrakdar is a Turkish model, actress, and author. She has been featured in several television series and films, notably Evim Sensin (You Are My Home).
- Ali Bayrakdar: Ali Bayrakdar is a Turkish painter, sculptor, and graphic designer who has won several awards for his exceptional work. His works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums in Turkey and abroad.
- Bedri Bayrakdar: Bedri Bayrakdar is a prominent Turkish poet and writer who has published several books throughout his career. His works often carry strong political messages due to his extensive involvement in social and cultural movements.
- Muge Bayrakdar: Muge Bayrakdar is a Turkish actress best known for her roles in television series like Kuzey Guney and Hafta Sonu. She has also been featured in several films such as The Day My Father Became a Bush and Hansen’s Children.
- Deputy Ali Bayrakdar: Ali Bayrakdar is a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. He was elected as an MP in June 2015 and has served as a member since then.
- Nazlı Bayrakdar: Nazlı Bayrakdar is a Turkish musician and composer who won the 29th Akbank Jazz Contest in 2014. She is also a renowned lecturer, giving seminars at several universities and conservatories in Turkey.
- Meral Bayrakdar: Meral Bayrakdar is a Turkish design blogger and influencer. She has been featured on numerous magazines and websites for her exceptional work on design projects.