Böri

Böri (Old Turkic: wolf; also spelled Börü) was an elite guard unit in early Turkic states, responsible for the close protection of the Khagan (ruler). The term derives from Chinese transcriptions fu-li (拂梨) in Tang‑dynasty records.

Böri (also Börü)
Active	6th–8th centuries
Country	Göktürk Khaganate; Kipchak confederation
Allegiance	Khaganate
Branch	Imperial Guard
Type	Elite guard unit
Role	Political and military protection
Garrison/HQ	Orkhon region

History

In the Göktürk Empire (6th–8th centuries), Chinese sources refer to the Khagan's personal guard as fu‑li (拂梨), rendered in Turkic as böri/börü (wolf).^[1] Selected from the most valiant nobles at the kurultay, they served as the sovereign's bodyguards during court ceremonies and military campaigns.^[2]

Among the Kipchak (Cuman) tribes, a similar concept appeared under the name Bori, often as a title or personal name linked to royal guards.^[3]

Roles and organization

• Protection of the Khagan: Forming the innermost defensive ring around the ruler.
• Reconnaissance and intelligence: Mounted scout detachments tasked with infiltration, surveillance, and communication.
• Ceremonial duties: Serving as symbols of authority during peace‑time rituals and occasionally performing administrative tasks.^[4]

Etymology

The Turkic word böri/börü means "wolf" and reflects the Chinese transcription fu‑li (拂梨).

1. Legendary origin: Chinese annals recount that the Ashina clan, founders of the Göktürk Khaganate, descended from a she‑wolf ("gök kurt"), symbolically linking the guard's name to divine ancestry.^[5]
2. Symbolic meaning: The wolf represents courage, loyalty, and endurance—virtues embodied by the guard unit.^[6]

Symbolic and mythological context

In Turkic mythology, the wolf is revered as a sacred creature.

• Depictions of a wolf's head on Göktürk standards evoked both the clan's divine origin and the guard's elite status.^[4]

See also

• Ashina tribe
• Göktürk Khaganate
• Cuman people
• Grey wolf (mythology)