Turkic Studies Journal

Ancient Turkic participle affixes preserved in the active vocabulary of the Kazakh language

Marlen Adilov — 2024-09-13

In the modern Kazakh language, there are morphological forms that deviate from the
established grammatical norms of the Kazakh language. These forms are characteristic of the ancient Turkic language and some other Turkic languages. They include the participial forms na ‘-asy, -agan, -azhak, -arman, -mysh’. The author examines the historical usage of these formative affixes, and in some cases their lexicalisation in Turkic languages, to elucidate the evolution of the form and semantics of the affix ‘-mysh’. The form in ‘-mysh’ is derived from the ancient proto-form ‘-bïs’, ‘-bït’. In the ancient Turkic language, the form in ‘-mysh’ expresses the meaning of the non-obvious past tense and is actively used in runic texts and in monuments of the early Middle AgesIn the process of historical development, the affix “-mïš” is substantivized, acquiring the meanings of the participle and the verbal name in texts of the late Middle Ages and modern times. This process is reflected in the Kipchak languages. In the Oghuz languages, the grammatical meaning of the form has been preserved, and the affix remains a productive morphological form. “-Mysh/mys” in the Kazakh language, being substantivized, becomes a word-formation affix of nouns: “turmys, kylmys, zhemis”.

Borrowed words in the oral speech of Mongolian Kazakhs

Aizhan Baigazh — 2024-09-13

The relevance of studying the languages of peoples living outside their own territory is determined by the peculiarities of their formation, functioning and preservation under conditions of interdialectal and interlingual contacts.Due to various historic, social, political, geographical and
cultural reasons, the Kazakhs have lived in different countries of the world. In the western part of the country, in the Bayan-Ulgii area, the Kazakhs have developed a multilingual dialect, saturated with foreign words, mainly Mongolian loan words. Despite the fact that Mongolian loanwords have been studied in Kazakh, their study is topical, demanding and requires a systematic approach. The author of the article uses the method of questioning to determine the most common loanwords in various spheres
of human life and to reveal the degree of Kazakh-Mongol bilingualism. The author concludes that 1)
The language of the compact Kazakhs living in Mongolia should be referred to as local colloquial or koine; 2) The sphere of use of colloquialism is oral communication, with rare penetration into written language; 3) The Kazakh loanwords retain their fundamental lexical meaning, but show phonetic changes in consonants and vowels as a result of differences in language typology and characteristics of language articulation.

An overview of research methods and topics used in Turkological studies

Burak Sözer — 2024-09-13

This study examines the past and current status of scientific research methods and topics used in Turkology. The study’s data were sourced from
Scopus, a database of prestigious journals and periodicals in the field of social sciences, and the sample of the study consists of studies conducted in the field of Turkology until 2024. In this context, the keywords ‘Turkish language,’ ‘Turkic,’ ‘Turkology,’ ‘Turcology,’ ‘Turcological,’ and ‘Turkish studies’ were searched together with the keywords ‘Quantitative’ and ‘Qualitative.’ As a result of this search, 413 studies were accessed. To reach a wider sample and to provide a general picture of qualified Turkology studies through the Scopus database, the studies in which the keywords ‘Turkish Language’ ‘Turkic’ and ‘Turkology’ were used in the article title, abstract, and keyword were also included in the study. Since the subject area and keyword range are more general, 3,284 studies were reached within the scope of this review. The bibliometric analysis method was used to obtain up-to-date and quantitative data on the studies conducted in the field, and Voswiever and RStudio programs
were used. The findings indicate that the significance attributed to scientific research methods in Turkology has continued to increase in recent years.

Historical aspect of Turkey’s multi-vector regional policy (Central Asia)

Azmukhanova Aiman — 2024-09-13

Turkey is seeking to enhance its influence within the Turkic world, which Russia views as a zone of its interests and China is rapidly entering it. This move by Turkey gives rise to concerns on the part of Russia and China. However, contradictory interests and geopolitical developments in the region render Turkey more prominent on the global stage. In particular, the geopolitical struggle for spheres of influence between the United States, Russia and China has created
opportunities for Turkey, which enhances its stature on the international stage. As a full member of the Organization of Turkic States, along with neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and with Turkmenistan and Hungary as observers, Turkey’s importance within the
organization is further reinforced, particularly in Central Asia. In this context, this article focuses on the position of Turkey, which is rapidly integrating in the Turkic world, enabling it to confront the interests of Russia and China. Based on specific analyses and agreements reached within the Organization of Turkic States, as well as the results of integration processes, the article attempts to
explore the role of the ‘Central Corridor’ as an alternative to the transcontinental trade route.

Some aspects of the social structure and authority of the Ancient Turks in written sources of the 8th-11th centuries

Nicolaus Boroffka — 2024-09-13

The ancient Turkic script, which became the foundation for the writing systems of the Turkic-speaking peoples of the Eurasian steppes and Transcaucasia, was developed in the 6th-7th centuries. Written documents from the ancient Turks have been preserved in the form of stone stelae, brief inscriptions, and personal notification. The analysis of these texts provides insights into the political, economic, and social history of the ancient Turkic era. This article examines aspects of the state structure of the Turkic peoples from the 6th to the 15th centuries as indicated by written monuments displayed at the National Museum
of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The sources for this article include copies of the stelae of Kul Tigin, Tonyukuk, El Etmish Bilge Khagan, as well as monuments from the ancient Uighur period, specifically the Doloodoyn monuments. Additionally, translations of Mahmud al
Kashgari’s “Diwan-i Lughat al-turk” and Yusuf Balasaguni’s “Kutadgu Bilig” are considered to discuss the political structure of the Turkic
states. These sources are available in the Ancient Turkic Civilization exhibition halls and the Hall of the History of Kazakhstan from the 13th to the 20th centuries at the National Museum of Kazakhstan.

Al-Omari’s information on the historical geography of the Golden Horde

Zibagul Ilyassova — 2024-09-13

The written information by the Arab historian al-Omari, due to its authenticity, is a highly valuable source for the history of the Golden Horde.
As new archaeological and historical data about the Golden Horde emerge, there is a need to
critically reassess classical sources and analyze them in light of modern research. The article examines Al-Omari’s data within the framework of recent research on the historical geography of the Golden Horde, including its borders, medieval cities’ topography, urban growth dynamics, historical toponymy, and economic geography. The Ark Tag/Uruktag oronym, mentioned by al-Omari, is considered to be the Turkic name of the Ural Mountains. Additionally, al-Omari’s information regarding the economic geography of the Golden Horde is viewed as reflecting the regularities in the organization of nomadic pastoralism, migration routes, caravan paths of the nomads, as well as the ecological nature of the
organization of the nomadic husbandry. In the article, historical-comparative methods are employed, along with new modern methodologies. Among these is the method of logical positivism, enabling new conclusions about the state, political and administrative structure of the Golden Horde, as well as the nature of nomadic pastoralism and the lifestyle of that era’s people.

The Kyrgyz of the Fergana Valley (Uzbek part of the Fergana Valley, second half of the 20th century)

Olzhobay Karataev — 2024-09-13

This article examines the Kyrgyz diaspora residing outside the territory of Kyrgyzstan, particulary in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley. The article examines the settlement patterns, distribution across the valley, tribal structure, and cultural practices of the Kyrgyz diaspora. The Fergana Valley, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the independent states (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
and Tajikistan), has long been known by an additional name, ‘Golden Valley’. The history, culture, language of the Kyrgyz and the Kyrgyz ethnic group are closely related to the population and culture of the Fergana Valley. It is a well-established fact that the Kyrgyz have inhabited the valley, its foothills and mountainous areas since time immemorial. Some historical sources and research works indicate that the Kyrgyz inhabited the Fergana Valley and adjacent areas during the 10th-11th centuries AD. In addition to historical sources, this is also evidenced by toponymic names related to the names (ethnotoponyms) of Kyrgyz tribes and clans, which are densely settled in the region. It is evident that comprehensive studies of the ethnic history, ethnogenesis, ethnic culture, language, material and spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz living in Uzbekistan have yet to be conducted.

The Beginning of Writing Culture among Steppe Nomads

Talgat Moldabay — 2024-09-13

The present study focuses on the prerequisites for the periodization of writing in the culture of steppe nomads, the stages of development of
pictographic subject and ideological writing are analyzed. Many petroglyphs, symbols left by steppe nomads, probably reflect their desire to understand the world around them. Authors of articles as part of several expeditions to the complex petroglyphs of Shiveet Khairkhan, Arshan Khad, Khoit-Tsenkher, Baga-Oygur in Mongolia; Bichikt-Bom, Karakol, Bizhikt-Khaya, Bii-Khem,
Karasuk in Russia; Ak-Baur, Zhetysu, Tamgaly, Terekti in Kazakhstan. Based on written sources, as well as outdated creativity, commercial from generation to generation, the article analyzes the origins of written nomadic culture.
The authors believe that some historical events are captured in the tradition of the Turkic chronology, such as “Koyan zhylgy ashtyk” (Famine in the year of the rabbit), “Meshin zhylgy sogys” (War in the year of the monkey) and
are a reflection of the subject nomadic culture. In the process of research, it was established that the heritage of many petroglyphs and symbols with the ancient Turkic alphabet confirms the cultural and cognitive continuity of the written culture of the nomads.

The results of research at the Zhailautobe settlement in the Talas Valley in 2023

Akhan Onggaruly — 2024-09-13

Kangyu settlements of the «tobe with a platform» type are known in the Talas Valley. They appeared at the turn of the millennium and represent the first sites of early agricultural culture in the area. These settlements consist of two parts: the main mound with a flat top and an adjacent section with a lower platform. The Chol-tobe and Kzyl-Kainar-tobe settlements were investigated in the 1960s. Excavations at the Bak-Tobe site were conducted from 2015 to 2019 and in 2022-23.Monumental cross-shaped and square structures were found. In 2023, the Margulan Institute of Archaeology conducted the first excavations at the Zhailautobe settlement. An excavation with a total area of 73 square metres was carried out on the lower platform. No intact structures were found, but a collection of pottery and osteological material was recovered. A stratigraphic trench revealing massive adobe
structures was found on the main upper mound. The pottery from the site has numerous parallels in the sedentary agricultural settlements of the Talas Valley and southern Kazakhstan. Bone analysis in an archaeozoology lab allowed to identify species and calculate quantitative statistics. On the basis of the research results, the settlement was dated to the Late Kangyu period of the II-IV centuries.

Alash Theoretical and Methodological foundations for Creating a Historical Exhibition in the Museums of Kazakhstan

Akmaral Ibrayeva — 2024-09-13

This article addresses significant issues in museum work, a key aspect of implementing Kazakhstan’s cultural policy. The study and promotion of history in museums are conducted through expositions and exhibitions. One of the primary tasks of modern museums is to emphasize the importance of tangible culture in the era of digital communication as a crucial resource for national competitiveness and global
recognition. As cultural institutions implementing state strategic policies, museums present Kazakhstan’s historical and cultural values to the world through National Exhibitions of the country in particular, and of Turkic culture in general. This academic article discusses the conceptual framework for creating a historical exhibition covering periods from ancient times to the Kazakh Khanate, using unique exhibits from the National Museum’s collection.
The methodology for creating a world-class national exhibition is based on civilizational principles. The authors aim to to present a comprehensive image of Kazakh history through museum exhibitions, reflecting the cultural code of the steppe civilization.
The authors view museums as cultural, educational, scientific institutions that play a crucial role in popularizing and preserving national values. They provide scientifically grounded concepts for national exhibitions by addressing theoretical and methodological issues and methods of exhibition creation.

Literature of the Golden Horde in the context of historical and cultural discourse

Alimzhan Khamraev — 2024-09-13

The literature of the Golden Horde era was the most important source of ideology for the consolidation of the state system. There was a growing need to portray socio-cultural problems related to the times and needs of a vast empire. This was essential to prevent endless conflicts between different social and ethnic groups that could undermine the foundations of society. Objectively, it was argued, it was expedient to establish moral principles to strengthen the foundations of Empire. Such a mission was
entrusted to verbal art, which had a considerable impact on state foundations. The scientific world has received information about the functioning of religion and the degree of development of the spiritual culture of the Golden Horde thanks to the works of Mukhabaratname «Revandi Khorezmi»,»Qisas st anbiye» Rabguzi,»Khosrow and Shirin» by Qutb,»Gulistan bit-Turki» and «Suheil and Guldersen» by Saif Sarai, «Jumjuma Sultan» by Husama Katib and others. The need to establish a single government and uniform laws over a vast territory arose from the diversity of races, languages, socio-cultural and religious beliefs. In the era of the formation of the Golden Horde, religious and cultural leaders could clearly and rationally explain the origin of the concept of the «Ilakh».