Bek
/bɛk/noun
A historical title of rank or respect used in parts of Central Asia and the Muslim world.
Did you know?Bek is a variant of Turkic beg or bey, titles that could denote a tribal chief, governor, aristocrat, or military commander rather than a personal name.
Etymological Timeline
Old Turkic, c. 6th–8th Century
Old Turkic
bäg
“A lord, chief, or nobleman”
Medieval Turkic
Turkic
beg
“A title for a ruler, commander, or aristocrat”
Medieval Persian
Persian
beg
“A title adopted for local governors and nobles”
Medieval to Early Modern South Asia
Persian/Urdu
baig
“A title of rank or honor, also used in personal names”
19th Century
English
bek
“An English-recorded variant of the Central Asian title”
Modern English
English
bek
“A historical or regional title equivalent to bey or beg”