ABOUT US

About

The Utiguri is a group devoted to the study of Hunno-Bulgar culture and involvement in Hunno-Bulgar sport. Emphasis is on the identity  of nomadic horsemen living in the Balkan Peninsula during the absence of Khans up to the reign of Kana Subigi Omurtag (between 500 and 820 ce.).

Leadership Ranking

In matters of tribal leadership, the Utiguri abide by the verning hand of the counsel of elders, known as the Boylar. There is no chain of command among the Boylar; they are equal in all matters of governance.

Boylar: The Boylar are the appointed counsel to the Khan. By tradition, this includes all ranks of Bagain and above. Among the Boylar, the Hierarchy of Leadership is equal. The decisions of the Boylar are carried out by the Khan.

Military Ranking

The military order of the Utiguri is an interpretation of historical data. On the Field of Battle, the chain of command shall be:

Khan: Chief of the Tribes and the hand of Tangra on Earth. To become Khan you must be judged by tribal elders to lead the Utiguri and you must undergo a grand ordeal of ritualistic burial from dusk until dawn. The Khan wears a White sash or adds White to an existing sash.

Kavkhan: The Kavkhan is the appointed right hand of the Khan (Vice-Khan) who serves the tribe in the absence of the Khan.

Toghlu:  The Toghlu is the appointed banner carrier and chief general of the Khan.

Tarkhan: A former Khan who has yielded to a new Khan.

Bagain: A general of the Khan in their absence. To become a Bagain, you must demonstrate superior discipline in war and leadership as judged by their elders, giving significantly to the tribe over many years. The Bagain wears a Red sash or adds Red to an existing sash.

Vatragan: A veteran warrior who has undergone their sacred ordeal, and who is filled with the Spirit of the Fire. This symbolizes the spirit of the Warrior becoming part of the hearth that is the tribe. To become a Vatragan, you must have served the tribe for two years as a Tesigan. You must undergo a spiritual ordeal under the guidance of the Khan or a Koloboor. The Vatragan wears a Gray sash or adds Gray to an existing sash.

Tesigan: A newly initiated warrior, who is filled with the Spirit of the Chalice, which holds the blood of the tribe that welcomes new initiates in body and spirit. To become a Tesigan, you must create your sash of black natural fabric (cotton, wool, linen, silk),  your caftan, and have your own weapons. You must have fulfilled 1 year as a Pelterene. The Vatragan wears a Black sash.

Pelterene: An outsider who is petitioning to be a member of the tribe of the Utiguri. A Pelterene is identified by a black sash of wool that is unfinished - no stitching or embroidery is evident upon their sash. This symbolizes the Pelterene's preparation for their Tesigan ceremony.

On top of this military hierarchy, there is a second layer of stratification for tribes of the Utiguri within geographical localities.  The above system is for when all the Utiguri get together at a united event where multiple tribes are together such as "The Pennsic Wars" or  "Ragnarok".  When a given tribe are in their geographical locality (ex. Ohio, California, Bulgaria, et cetera), the Khan overrides the local leader's decisions.

Laws of the Utiguri

Tori Ger - Laws of the camp

Every person is expected to contribute towards work around the camp.  Such work would include such things as guard duty, preparation of food for feasts, chopping firewood, setting up the camp, taking down the camp, etc.

Every person takes a fair share of food presented at feasts and other events. This would especially apply to foods which are in limited amounts such as meat and alcoholic beverages.  No seven lobster tails for one person, and one for everybody else!

Every person will get a fair share of the wealth we get as a tribe in terms of mercenary pay.

Whatever property is borrowed at the permission of the owner is to be given back in the same state that it was borrowed.  If the property is damaged, it will be repaired in full or a debt to the owner will be made in equal with the damage.  If property is accidentally destroyed, the debt will be paid back in full to the owner.

No urinating into the fire or the ashes of a previous one.

No kicking or stumbling over the threshold of anyone's Kooshta, nor placing of one's feet on the threshold.

No entering into anyone's Kooshta without their permission.

Tori Utiguri - Laws of the people

The active Utiguri must try to attend all Dagorhir Battles and the Spars that are arranged by your Kopan (local leader).

If you cannot make it to a Battle or Spar, you must try and contact someone (via e-mail or phone call) who will be there at the event.

No one is allowed to wear foreign garments without the approval of the Khan or Kopan.  Foreign garments would include non-nomadic horseman clothing and examples would be kilts, cloaks, tights, sneakers, etc.

No disobeying an order from a higher ranking Utigur. This applies to the battlefield and the division of chores around the camp.

Repair your own equipment and clothing between spars and battles such that it is completed before the next time we meet.   If you do not know how to make the repairs, feel free to ask one the Utiguri.

To become a Tesigan (Initiate Warrior of the Chalice), one must have their clothing and basic fighting equipment (ex. Caftan, Trousers, Sash, Boots, Spear and Knife) as well as spend one year as a Pelterene (Initiate) and come to one war (ex. Ragnarok, Pennsic, etc.).

Every Utigur is expected to have a minimum of two years of time from becoming a Tesigan to the time they wish to become a Vatragan (Warrior of the Fire).  They must propose ahead of time a Warrior's Ordeal for the Khan's approval, construct their Warrior's Plates on their Caftan, create their Vatragan Sash, and be able to complete 55 push-ups for men and 35 push-ups for women.  Finally they must perform the Warrior's Ordeal to become a part of the Vatraganar.