raʾīs

Arabian chieftain

Also known as: rais

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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The term "rais" (plural: rais or reis) is an Arabic word that has two primary meanings. Firstly, it can refer to a Muslim ship's captain. Secondly, it denotes a Muslim chief or leader. The word originates from the Arabic term ra's, meaning "head".1

It is important to distinguish "rais" from similar-sounding terms. "Raka" (plural: rakas or rakahs) refers to a fixed series of ritual movements and formulas in Muslim daily prayers. "Raya" (plural: rayas or rayahs) was a term used in the Ottoman Empire for a subject Christian peasant. "Raiyat" is a variant spelling of "ryot".234

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Crusades
Legal practices
…a court overseen by the rais (raʾīs), a chieftain of importance under the Frankish regime. An important element in the kingdom’s army, the corps of Turcopoles, made up of lightly armed cavalry units, was composed largely of native Christians, including, apparently, converts from Islam. The principle of personality of law…
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…a court overseen by the rais (raʾīs), a chieftain of importance under the Frankish regime. An important element in the kingdom’s army, the corps of Turcopoles, made up of lightly armed cavalry units, was composed largely of native Christians, including, apparently, converts from Islam. The principle of personality of law…
Read More