Unveiling the Enigma of the Orkhon Monuments: Treasures of Turkic History
Hidden amidst the vast steppes of Mongolia lies an archaeological treasure that unlocks the secrets of Turkic history and language—the Orkhon Monuments. These ancient stone inscriptions, dating back over a millennium, have revealed a rich tapestry of Turkic culture, language, and historical significance. In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the mysteries, origins, and enduring importance of the Orkhon Monuments.
Discovery and Attribution:
The Orkhon Monuments were discovered in the late 19th century, near the Orkhon River in present-day Mongolia. These inscriptions, composed of large stone slabs, were erected by the Göktürks, a prominent Turkic Khaganate, during the 8th century. The most renowned of these monuments are the “Two Göktürk Inscriptions” and the “Orkhon Inscriptions.”
Why Are They Important?
- Preservation of Turkic Language: The Orkhon Monuments provide one of the earliest known examples of the Old Turkic script, which played a foundational role in the development of Turkic languages. These inscriptions offer a glimpse into the linguistic evolution of the Turkic family of languages.
- Historical Insights: The inscriptions narrate the history, politics, and alliances of the Göktürk Khaganate, shedding light on their interactions with neighboring states, such as the Tang Dynasty in China.
The Old Turkic Script:
The Old Turkic script used in the Orkhon Monuments is an alphabetic script that was crucial for recording the Turkic languages. It consists of runic characters and is written from right to left. The script has 38 characters and served as the precursor to various Turkic scripts, including the Orkhon-Yenisei script and the Uighur script.
Notable Writings:
One of the most famous inscriptions on the Orkhon Monuments is the Tonyukuk Inscription. It is dedicated to Tonyukuk, a trusted general and statesman of the Göktürk Khaganate. The inscription narrates the life and achievements of Tonyukuk and his contributions to the empire.
Current Location:
The original Orkhon Monuments were moved to the National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar to protect them from the elements. However, replicas have been erected at their original sites, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these inscriptions in their natural settings.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
The Orkhon Monuments hold profound historical and cultural significance:
- Cultural Heritage: They stand as a testament to the Turkic-speaking peoples’ cultural heritage and their role in shaping the Eurasian landscape.
- Linguistic Legacy: The inscriptions are vital for understanding the development of Turkic languages and the evolution of the Turkic script.
- Historical Records: The inscriptions provide valuable historical records, shedding light on the politics, diplomacy, and alliances of the Göktürk Khaganate.
Sample text from Orkhon monuments
Here’s an excerpt from the Orkhon Monuments, specifically from the Tonyukuk Inscription:
Bu oba Tardu Kagan yabgun-yabıgug bıirıg budunıŋ altına itilmişi.
Tonyukuk Kagan,
İlteriş Qağan Bilge Türüg budunıŋ ulıġu.
Moŋγo Čor budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tardu Uluğ Budunıŋ Türüg budunıŋ,
Kurča Türüg budunıŋ, Soŋqur Türüg budunıŋ,
Bašqurt budunıŋ, Oγuz budunıŋ ulıġu.
İlteber Türiŋ budunıŋ ulıġu.
Bolmış Qağan Moŋγo dačı budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tardu budunıŋ ulıġu,
Ol bajı baş budunıŋ ulıġu.
Yabgu Yiltawar Budunıŋ,
Ol bajı baş budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tonyukuk, budunıŋ bolmış,
Kük bödüń az balïq budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tonyukuk budunıŋ bajı baş budunıŋ ulıġu.
Men Kük balağu,
Men Tardu yabgu, yabıgug budunıŋ qata budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tonyukuk budunıŋ, Tardu budunıŋ ulıġu.
Oguz budunıŋ,
Bügü qaγan budunıŋ ulıġu.
Tonyukuk, budunıŋ qut budunıŋ ulıġu.
Here’s the English translation :
“This tribe, under the command of Tardu Khagan, was subdued. Tonyukuk Khagan, the wise servant of Bilge Khagan, Ulug Khan of the Turks, and the ruler of the Mongol-Chor people. He was the ruler of the Tardu Great People, the Kurja Great People, the Songur Great People, the Bashkurt People, the Oghuz Great People. He was the ruler of the Ilteber-Turi Great People, the ruler of the Bolmish Khagan of the Mongol-Dachi people, the ruler of the Tardu Great People, the ruler of the Bajï Bask People, the ruler of the Yabgu Yiltawar People, the ruler of the Bajï Bask People. Tonyukuk was the ruler of the Bolmish Khagan, the ruler of the Kuk Bodun, the few fish people. Tonyukuk was the ruler of the Great People, the Bajï Bask Great People. I am Kuk Balagu. I am Tardu Yabgu, the ruler of the Yabiguk People. Tonyukuk was the ruler of the Tardu People. The Oghuz People, the subjects of Buqu Khan. Tonyukuk was the ruler of the Qut People.“
The Orkhon Monuments, with their ancient inscriptions and rich historical content, are treasures that bridge the gap between the past and present. They celebrate the enduring legacy of Turkic languages, cultures, and history, offering a window into the world of the Göktürks and their contributions to the Turkic-speaking world. These enigmatic stones continue to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike, ensuring that the stories they tell will echo through the ages.