Etymology Map
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Yarlyk

3 stages from Old Turkic to English.

Today it means a decree or patent issued by a Mongol or Tatar khan

Where does the word "yarlyk" come from? It comes from Old Turkic yarlıq, passing through Russian before entering English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
yarlıq
Old Turkic · medieval
"decree"
a ruler's written order
2
Stage 2 of 3
yarlyk
Russian · 1200s-1400s
"khan's patent"
Russian princes had to travel to the Golden Horde's capital at Sarai to receive a yarlyk confirming their right to rule
3
Stage 3 of 3
yarlyk
English · 1800s
"a khan's decree"
used by historians of Russia under the Mongols
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Read the full story

Yarlyk’s story begins in Old Turkic: yarlıq meant “decree.” A ruler's written order. By 1200s-1400s, the word had taken hold in Russian as yarlyk. Russian princes had to travel to the Golden Horde's capital at Sarai to receive a yarlyk confirming their right to rule. It reached English by 1800s as yarlyk. Used by historians of Russia under the Mongols. Today, yarlyk means a decree or patent issued by a Mongol or Tatar khan.