Info about Turks Travel
History of Turks
Typically we associate Turks with people living in Turkey which is logical and to some extent the fact too. However, Turks have been one of the most enterprising and outgoing race of people in the world. History shows their influence in shaping Asia and Middle East has been phenomenal. Even today, there are Turks found in several parts of the world in good numbers too.
• Present Day Turks
Today most of the central Asia is dominated by Turk majority nations. The Turkish nations include Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These are nations where majority of the population is Turks.
However, there are significant populations of Turks in many other parts of Asia too. Russia has 9 federal sub divisions where Turks are dominant. These sub divisions have a level of autonomy and hoist their own flag along with Russian flag. The Xinjiang province in China too has a big Turkish population and is an autonomous region.
Besides these parts if Afghanistan, Pakistan, Georgia, Iraq, Bulgaria, Tajikistan and western Mongolia too have a good population of Turks. Interestingly though the second largest nation in the world – in terms of population has a negligible Turks representation.
• Historical Turk Empires
Historically, Turks have been known for some of their popular empires. By far, the most popular empire has been the Ottoman Empire. Led by the powerful and shrewd Ottomans, the empire was in power for nearly six centuries and during this time became the trade and economy hub of the world. Spreading three continents from southern Europe to Northern Africa and Central Asia, this was one of the longest reigning empires in the world.
Besides the Ottomans, it is believed that even the Mughals who ruled Indian subcontinent were also part Turks. The reign of Mughal Empire is well known around the world. For nearly 200 years, Mughals conquered and expanded their kingdom from Bengal to Baluchistan and from Kashmir to Cauvery.
Prior to the Ottoman Empire, the most powerful Turkish empire was the Seljuk Empire, extended from the dangerous Hindu Kush to present day Turkey all across the Central Asia. This was one of the first empires in Central Asia to form stable families and cities from nomadic warriors. However, the empire was destroyed under the juggernaut of rampaging Mongolians.
Besides these two major empires, Turk warriors were quite popular in many other places as soldiers, army men, cavalry and in the society as people of higher standard and status. Some popular Turkish warrior clans include Kumans, Kipchaks, Avars, Seljuks, Mamluks, Timurids, and Khazars among others.
While today, there are no empires as such, the influence of the Turkish empires of the yesteryears can be seen in many aspects of modern life. On striking example is the official language in Pakistan – Urdu. This word is actually derived from Turkish word for army. Besides, there are still many Turkish dominated regions in Asia which are reminiscent of the vast empires that rule the region in the past.