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History of Turkmenistan

Origins of the Turkmen

© HistoryMaps

History of Turkmenistan

Origins of the Turkmen

750 Jan 1
Turkmenistan
Origins of the Turkmen
Origins of the Turkmen © HistoryMaps

The Turkmen trace their origins to the Oghuz confederation, a union of nomadic Turkic-speaking pastoral tribes that initially inhabited the steppes of Mongolia and the Lake Baikal region in present-day Siberia. The Oghuz played a prominent role in Inner Asia’s early medieval history, forming the backbone of powerful steppe empires. Around the second half of the 8th century, components of the Oghuz began migrating westward through Jungaria into Central Asia, eventually settling along the middle and lower Syrdarya River.


By the 10th century, the Oghuz had expanded their territories north and west of the Aral Sea and into the Kazakh steppe. This migration brought them into contact with Iranian and other Turkic groups like the Kipchaks and Karluks, contributing to a blend of cultures and languages. By the 11th century, as described by the renowned scholar Mahmud al-Kashgari, the Oghuz were distinguished by their language and organized into 22 clans, some of which would become foundational in Turkmen genealogies.


Oghuz Yabgu State, 750–1055. © Adaykz

Oghuz Yabgu State, 750–1055. © Adaykz


The Oghuz tribes were diverse and lacked centralized authority, governed instead by multiple chieftains and local leaders. They were referred to by various names in historical sources, such as the Guzz in Arab accounts, and were associated with regions like the Oghuz steppe, stretching between the Caspian and Aral seas. Their political cohesion began to fray by the late 10th century, setting the stage for the rise of Seljuk, a prominent Oghuz leader who established the Seljuk Empire. This empire, centered in Persia, became a launching point for further Oghuz migrations into Azerbaijan and Anatolia.


The term Turkmen first appeared in the 10th century to describe Muslim Oghuz who migrated southward into regions under Seljuk control and embraced Islam. Over time, "Turkmen" evolved from a designation of religious affiliation to an ethnonym, distinguishing these groups from Oghuz who remained in the steppe. By the 13th century, "Turkmen" had entirely replaced the term "Oghuz" in describing this population. While the etymology of "Turkmen" is debated, it likely reflects a sense of purity or authenticity in Turkic identity.


The Oghuz and their Turkmen descendants played a central role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Central Asia, eventually becoming one of the most significant Turkic-speaking groups in the region. Their migrations and interactions laid the foundation for the rich Turkmen cultural identity that continues to endure.

Page Last Updated: 12/30/2024

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