Bayat (tribe)

The Bayat are a Turkic tribe with historical presence and influence across various regions of the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe. They are considered one of the 24 original Oghuz Turkic tribes, as described in the Divân-ı Lügati't-Türk by Mahmud al-Kashgari.

Historically, the Bayat tribe played significant roles in the formation and expansion of various Turkic empires and dynasties. They contributed to the Seljuk Empire, the Aq Qoyanlu, and the Qara Qoyanlu confederations. Branches of the Bayat tribe migrated and settled in areas including modern-day Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

The Bayat people often engaged in pastoral nomadism and agriculture. Over time, they integrated into the broader societal fabric of the regions they inhabited, often adopting the cultural and linguistic characteristics of their host environments. Today, descendants of the Bayat tribe can be found in various communities, often retaining a sense of tribal identity and heritage, although specific cultural practices and traditions may vary depending on their location and historical experiences. Their lineage is often traced through oral traditions, genealogies, and the recognition of shared ancestral origins. The name "Bayat" itself can also be found as a surname in several countries.