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The Turkic peoples
The Turkic peoples are a vast and diverse group of ethnic communities who share a common linguistic heritage rooted in the Turkic language family. With a population of over 170 million people, Turkic-speaking populations are spread across a vast geographical area, including Turkey, Central Asia, Siberia, parts of the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. The origins of the Turkic peoples trace back to Central-East Asia, possibly in the Altai-Sayan region or Mongolia, where the Proto-Turkic language is believed to have developed. These early communities were initially hunter-gatherers and farmers, later becoming nomadic pastoralists, known for their mobility and horsemanship, which allowed them to expand across vast regions of Eurasia. Historically,…
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Eastern Iranian languages
Eastern Iranian languages are a subgroup of the Iranian languages, which themselves belong to the Indo-European language family. These languages have a rich history, emerging during the Middle Iranian period, roughly from the 4th century BC to the 9th century AD. The development of Eastern Iranian languages was distinct from that of Western Iranian languages, particularly in terms of phonetic evolution. One of the key differences is that Eastern Iranian dialects preserved word-final syllables, which were lost in many Western Iranian languages during the same period. The Eastern Iranian language family includes a variety of ancient and modern languages. Among the most notable ancient languages are Avestan and Sogdian, which…
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Tribes and Indigenous Peoples of Caucasus
The Caucasus region, nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas in the world. This region, comprising countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, along with parts of Russia, is home to a multitude of tribes and indigenous peoples, each with unique languages, cultures, and traditions. The Armenians are one of the most ancient peoples of the Caucasus. With a history that dates back to antiquity, the Armenians have a rich cultural heritage marked by their early adoption of Christianity. The Armenian Apostolic Church is a central aspect of their identity. Armenian culture is also known for its contributions…
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Tribes and Indigenous Peoples of Central Asia
Central Asia, a region comprising countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, is home to a rich tapestry of tribes and indigenous peoples. This area’s cultural diversity is deeply rooted in its history, geography, and the legacy of the Silk Road, which facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and traditions for centuries. The Kazakhs, one of the largest ethnic groups in Central Asia, are predominantly found in Kazakhstan. Traditionally nomadic pastoralists, the Kazakhs are known for their horsemanship and yurt-dwelling lifestyle. Their cultural heritage includes the national sport of kokpar, eagle hunting, and traditional music performed on instruments like the dombra. The Kazakh language, a member of the…
