YDK 947

“Bun-Turks” in Georgia – Myth or Reality?Medea GogoladzeAccording to Georgian historical sources, in “Mokcevai Kartlisai”(The Conversion of Georgia) by anonymous author andLeonti Mroveli’s “Mepeta Tskhovreba” (The Lives of Kings) “BunTurks” are mentioned in connection with Alexander III of Macedon’scampaigns in Kartli.These data of Georgian sources were discussed by historiansfrom the different aspects: weather these people lived inGeorgia or not and on the other hand to which ethnic group “Bun-Turks” were belonged. One group of scientists thinks that “Bun-Turks” were not living in Georgia and it is only a legend, othersbelieve it was a true historical fact. Most of the scientists supposethat “Bun-Turks” are people of Iranian - Scythian origin.In our opinion, the data of “Conversion” and “The Life ofKartli” about Bun-Turks’ coming in Kartli should have been a reflectionof historical reality. It also should have been that mentioned“Bun-Turks” belonged to those people of Turkish originwho were living to the north-east of the Caspian Sea.54