The nickname (El Turco) given by members of Coronado's expedition in 1540-1542 to a Pawnee Indian who acted as a guide, because of a type of turban headdress he wore.
The Turk had been a slave in New Mexico and wanted to return to his own people. Therefore he told Coronado a mythical story of much gold which might be found to the north, and offered to lead the Spaniard there. however, he took the expedition on a wild goose chase and finally Coronado realized what he was doing.
The Turk was placed in irons and later strangled to death.
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