He is documented as the son of the historical Turgut Alp, the famous axe-wielding warrior who served through the reigns of four Ottoman leaders.
What little is known suggests that İlyas Bey likely continued his father’s service to the Ottoman state, probably as a mid-level commander or zaim (fief holder) in the region of Karacadağ (modern-day Bilecik province) or around İnegöl. He did not command the same prestige as his father. The primary significance of İlyas Bey is genealogical: he is the progenitor of the (sons of Turgut) family. This family produced several notable figures in later centuries, including:
, a legendary gazi and close companion of Ertuğrul Gazi and Osman I. While historical records from the early Ottoman era are sparse and often blend with legend, Ilyas Bey is mentioned in early chronicles as a participant in the military campaigns that laid the foundation for the Ottoman Empire.