The Ancestral Legacy of Turks: A Century of Conquest and Cultural Transformation in Anatolia
Five hundred years ago, a small band of real Turks conquered the historical region of Anatolia, profoundly altering the socio-cultural fabric of the region and forcing local Greeks to consider themselves Turks today. This transformation was not merely a result of military conquest but also a complex interplay of political, economic, and cultural factors. This article delves into the historical and genetic legacy of Turkish peoples, exploring the reasons behind the successful conquest and the lasting cultural impact on Anatolia.
Historical Context and Genetic Legacy
The Turkic word for 'farm' is 'iftlik,' which is derived from 'ift,' meaning a pair, and 'lik,' a suffix indicating a related location. This word exemplifies the early economic practices of Turkic peoples. Iftlik farm refers to an area that can be ploughed by a pair of oxen, reflecting the agricultural advancements of the time. Turks gifted a pair of oxen and a farm to families formerly enslaved and serfs of Byzantine nobles called tekfurs, thus offering a glimmer of economic and social mobility. However, there was no right of succession, and families would continue to farm in the same area until new families were provided with the same benefits.
Even religious sects such as the tarikat, including the Bektashi order, promoted a more egalitarian society. Notably, Sheikh Bedreddin, born in Kyprinos in 1416, aimed to establish communal ownership of property and equality among Muslims and Christians, reflecting a spirit of inclusivity and social reform. The Bektashi merchants and artisans, known as the Ahis, established a republic in Ankara in 1290. This republic was later conquered by the Ottomans in 1354, marking the beginning of the Islamic expansion in the region.
Turkification and Cultural Transformation
The process of Turkification, which involved altering the farming systems and incorporatingTurkic cultural aspects, was integral to the transformation of Anatolia. The Ahis and Muslim women missionaries, known as 'Bakiyan-i Rum,' or 'Roman Sisters,' played pivotal roles in spreading Turkic language, customs, and religious practices. This transformation was not confined to the early years of the Ottoman Empire but continued during the Seljuq and Beylik periods, leading to a lasting impact on the region's demographic and cultural landscape.
Modern-day Turkish people possess approximately 40% of proto-Turkic genetic heritage. It is important to recognize that this is a significant amount, given the vast timespan between proto-Turks and present-day Turkish people. It is crucial to understand that the historical and cultural transformation of Anatolia was complex and multifaceted.
Ancestral Legacy and Cultural Contested
The term 'Asiatic' is an ancient Indo-European term for autochthonous Indo-European West Asian IraniC peoples, encompassing both Anatolia and Caucasasia. This cultural designation highlights the deep-rooted connection of Anatolian peoples to West Asian history. Kords, including Kurdish, and Sorani peoples are Northwest Indo-European inhabitants of West Asia, as evidenced by their names in ancient Roman and Greek mythology.
By the end of World War II, the majority of these peoples were still autochthonous Indo-European West Asians, with up to 60% of the Kurdish population being autochthonous, up to 13 million in total. The brainwashing of these cultural identities began with the fascist Turkish regime's policies in the last 100 years. This process has led to a significant cultural and linguistic shift, particularly among the Kurds in Anatolia, who are now often seen as ethnic Turks by the Turkish state.
Conclusion
The conquest and transformation of Anatolia by Turkish peoples five hundred years ago were not isolated events but part of a larger historical and cultural narrative. The Turkic language, agriculture, and religion combined to create a significant impact on the socio-political landscape of the region. This legacy is not merely historical but continues to influence contemporary politics and cultural identity.
The story of the Turks in Anatolia is a complex one, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultural and genetic heritage. Understanding this transformation requires a nuanced approach, one that appreciates the intricate interplay of economic, political, and cultural factors that shaped the region's history.