Alaeddin Mergen

''This article follows a bilingual nomenclature. This individual's laqab is 'Alâ ad-Dîn (Arabic part) and the given name is Mergen (Turkic part).''

Alaeddin Mergen (1020-1080; Arabic: علاء الدين مرج العين; 'Alâ ad-Dîn Maraj al-'Ayn) was a slave, army soldier and later an Emir of Derenar.

Birth and Origins
It is said that he was born in 1020 A.D. However, the location of his birth is unknown. As a result, his origins are disputed. However, it is unanimously supported that he was of Turkic origins.It is claimed that he could have been from Oğuzoğullarlı, Hazaroğullarlı, Kumanoğullarlı, Tataroğullarlı or Üyğuroğullarlı.

Slavery
It is said that his uncle wanted to take over his inherited land and sold him to an Emir of Shiraz, who sent him as a tribute to the Abbasid ruler, Al-Qa'im.

In The Abbasid Service
He grew both in rank and stature. The Abbasid ruler got captivated with his talents and appointed him as chief guard, then the army chief and leader of the Mawali. It was then that he received the laqab 'Alâ ad-Dîn. When Derenari Island was discovered, he was sent to explore the Islands. On his return, he saved the Abbasid ruler and hence was appointed the Emir of Derenar. Turco-Arab settlements marked the beginning of the Era of Settling.

Reign
His reign was glorious and resulted in the rapid growth of Derenar.

The Pact of Eleven
Main article: The Pact of Eleven

Marriage And Family
He married Badr al-Budûr, his former master's daughter. The entire House Maraj al-'Ayn descends from the couple.