The Enigmatic Proto-Turkic Peoples: A Hidden Legacy of History

Who are these enigmatic Proto-Turkic peoples, and what is their hidden legacy? Many mysteries shroud these early peoples, much to Western academic circles who often bury or misrepresent findings from the Proto-Turkic civilization. However, recent discoveries and inscriptions suggest a profound and ancient connection between these early Turks and their modern counterparts.

Formation of Turkic Civilizations

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of the Proto-Turkic civilization by Western researchers sparked a fad of Turkophilia in Europe. However, these discoveries contradict the Western narrative of expelling Turks from Anatolia and push back the first entry of Turks in Anatolia to thousands of years earlier than previously thought.

The first state known as 'Turk' in world history, before the Gokturk Empire, was the Turukku Kingdom, which was founded in Mesopotamia and the Turki Kingdom in Anatolia between 4000-2000 BC. Proto-Turkic inscriptions have been found in various locations in Turkey, with many deciphered in recent years by scholar Kazm Miran, who has also found Proto-Turkic stamps and rock paintings that are similar to those found in Central Asia and Europe.

Proto-Turkic Invasions and Inscriptions

Proto-Turkic inscriptions have also been found all over Europe, including Scandinavia, suggesting a widespread presence of Proto-Turkic peoples. The most important traces of their migrations are tamga stamp inscriptions, which have been identified in various parts of Europe. For instance, an Etruscan golden plate discovered in Rome with Proto-Turkic inscriptions suggests an early Turkish influence on the Etruscan civilization.

Famous French Turcologist Jean Paul Roux argues that the Turkish presence in Anatolia can be traced back to centuries before Christ. Moreover, inscriptions written in Turkish in Byzantine script in the Greek church in Trabzon further support this hypothesis. In Turkey, two senior citizens of Gaziantep are even known to have ancient Turkish Tamga pictograms tattooed on their chins, highlighting the deep cultural roots of the Proto-Turks.

Archaeological Evidence

The archaeology of the region bears testament to the presence of the Proto-Turks. An altar in the Valley of the Phrygians with Proto-Turkic inscriptions, many rocks inscribed with Proto-Turkic texts, and the 4,000-year-old Turkish grave in Hakari all provide irrefutable evidence. The 13 obelisks found during excavations in Hakkari in 1998 by a team led by Prof. Dr. Veli Sevin, published by National Geographic and Archeology magazines, are further evidence of this ancient presence.

Specific inscriptions, such as those in Erzurum Mutki and Hakkari Yüksekova, serve as clear evidence of the Turkic presence in this geography for thousands of years. Notably, the inscriptions on the Yazlkaya monument near Afyon, previously attributed to the Proto-Greek alphabet, are actually written in the Proto-Turkic alphabet. Professor Servet Somuncuolu's work in documenting thousands of years old Turkish inscriptions in Hakkari Yüksekova Gevaruk plateau further confirms the ancient Turkish presence in Anatolia.

Conclusion

Despite attempts by some to conceal or mislead, the evidence of Proto-Turkic peoples and their influence on world history is clear. From Anatolia to Europe, these ancient peoples have left an indelible mark on history. The greater understanding of these Proto-Turkic peoples is not only important for academic historians but for all peoples who recognize their rich and shared cultural heritage.