Are Turks and Mongols Relatively Turkic People?

Many people ask if Turks and Mongols are considered fellow Turkic people. In this article, we will explore the historical and linguistic differences between the two groups and their origins.

Historical Background and Split of the Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire, a large and powerful state, experienced significant fragmentation after 1259 A.D. This event led to the division of the Mongol populace into two distinct groups, each with its own path of development.

One faction, known as the Golden Horde, settled in the northwestern part of the empire. Over centuries, this group gradually assimilated with the local peoples and adopted Turkic cultural and linguistic traits. The other faction remained more coherent in the northeastern part of the empire, maintaining a distinct Mongol identity.

These two groups never reunited, leading to a permanent split between the Turkicized Mongols and the Mongols that remain more ethnically and linguistically Mongol.

Genetic and Phenotypic Differences

Like the analogy of a family where siblings marry into different ethnic groups, the genetic and phenotypic differences between Turks and Mongols are significant. Over generations, descendants from these mixed marriages will show less and less ethnic or genetic connection to their ancestral origins.

For instance, a full-blooded Korean from my family will, over many generations, become primarily East Asian and Korean in both genetic and phenotypic characteristics. Similarly, a Turk with a small Mongolian genetic origin will have a minimal connection to Mongolian ancestry and culture, given the significant time and geographical separation.

Linguistic and Genetic Disconnect

The supposed genetic link between Mongolian, Korean, and Turkic languages has been debunked by linguists. Studies on Altaic languages have also dispelled the theory of a common origin among these groups. The linkages asserted earlier were based on faulty assumptions and have been dismissed by experts in the field.

Linguistically, the different regional pressures and influences over centuries have led to the development of distinct languages and cultures. This, in turn, has created a lack of identifiable linguistic connections between Turks and Mongols.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there may be a small genetic overlap between certain individuals of Turkic and Mongolian descent, this does not imply any significant genetic or cultural relation for the groups as a whole. The historical and linguistic differences between Turks and Mongols are substantial, leading to their distinct identities in modern times.