The Origins of the Zorbaşi (Sobaşi – Subaşı) Tribe
The story of a family built on honour and solidarity, reaching from the ancient peoples of the Zagros to Anatolia.
“Those who do not know their past cannot shape their future.”
Preface
The aim of these lines is not any tribalism, discrimination or emphasis on ethnic origin, but to pass on to future generations the knowledge entrusted to us by our elders, with people at the centre. With boundless respect for every race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, language and belief, we humbly seek to record this heritage.
The Neder Clan and Lor Origins
In the Sharafnama, written by the Kurdish historian Şerefhan of Bitlis in 1597, the Neder clan to which our tribe belongs is listed among the “Lor” tribes. The clan's “Neder” affiliation is also recorded on the gravestone of our eldest forefather in Norşin, Halil Ağa.
The true Lor people descend from the Lulubi, one of the ancient peoples of the Zagros mountains, and were made up of clans under the Cengrewi and Otri tribes. Neder was one of the seventeen clans belonging to the Cengrewi tribe.
Our Journey
- BCE — Ancient Times
Ancient Peoples of the Zagros
The ancestors of the Lor descend from the Lulubi, one of the ancient peoples of the Zagros mountains — among the oldest places where humankind settled into a sedentary life.
- 1155 – 1597
Lesser Loristan (the Lor State)
The Cengrewi and Otri tribes descend from the Zagros and take the region; Şücaeddin Hurşidî declares independence and founds an atabegate. For centuries Loristan was governed by rulers of the Cengrewi tribe.
- 1534 – 1623
Baghdad and Bekir Paşa
While Baghdad was under Ottoman rule, our great ancestor Bekir Paşa served as the city's guardian. For securing the city in war and collecting taxes in peace, he was given the title “Subaşı” — the source of our family's name today.
- 1623
The Price of Honour
Despite every kind of pressure, Bekir Paşa never compromised his honour. Enduring seven days of severe torture without yielding, he resisted for the sake of his faith and dignity, leaving a heroic legacy to his family.
- Migration
Refuge in Anatolia
After these events, the surviving family members settled first in Şanlıurfa (Siverek, Viranşehir), then in the village of Sinan near Batman on the banks of the Tigris. They are remembered for the struggle they waged to protect their honour.
- Norşin (Güroymak)
Halil Ağa and New Roots
Halil Ağa and his relatives settled, by way of Ahlat, in the Erentepe (Taxarez) quarter of Norşin. Today the Subaşıs of Norşin all trace their line back to Halil Ağa, descending from the same ancestor.
The Story of the “Subaşı” Title
Bekir Paşa was chosen from among the kapıkulu cavalry responsible for both the internal and external security of Baghdad; he secured the city in times of war and collected taxes in times of peace. For this duty he was given the title “Subaşı” in Ottoman Turkish. It is also said that the tribe was earlier known as “Zorbaşi” — a name of Kurdish origin combining “zor” (much) and “başi” (goodness).
Surnames Descended from Halil Ağa
Today our family lives on under the following surnames, listed alphabetically. Click a surname to see the people descended from it.
Click a surname for details
This heritage is carried forward today — as stated in the purpose of the Subaşı Foundation — with the desire to keep the name of the “Subaşı family” alive forever and to strengthen family unity.