Somewhat reliable sources state that Tuqaq was in the Oghuz Yabgu State's military service in the latter stages of his life and held an important role among the Oghuz Turks. His nickname "Iron Bow" suggests that he was no ordinary soldier. Arrow and bow are considered a "sign of sovereignty" in Oghuz culture, and given his nickname—Duqaq—he was perhaps the commander-in-chief of the Oghuz army, or a powerful statesman.