Understanding the Terms: Turks and Azerbaijanis

The use of terms like ‘Azerbaijani Turks’ might confuse those unfamiliar with the nuances of the Turkic world. This article aims to clarify why Turks and some Azeris refer to themselves and each other as ‘Turkish’ or ‘Azerbaijani Turks’, despite the historical and linguistic complexities surrounding these terms.

Introduction to Turkic Peoples

The Turkic world is vast and diverse, encompassing many peoples and nations. Most people, regardless of their ethnic or racial background, use a Turkic term before their own identity. For instance, an English person might be called an 'Englishman' or 'Scot,' while a Turk might be called a 'Turk' or 'Turkish'.

However, in English and other non-Turkish speaking contexts, the term 'Turk' can sometimes be mistakenly understood as exclusive to the largest and most influential Turkish-speaking state, the Ottoman Empire. This has led to confusion when referring to Turkic peoples in general.

The Turkification of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s history is marked by the Turkification process, which occurred in three stages:

During the Seljuk period, nomadic Turks settled in Azerbaijan due to the availability of grazing lands. The Ilkhanid period saw further Turkic influence, especially through the nomadic nature of the ruling dynasties. The Post-Mongol period solidified Turkic dominance in the region.

Azerbaijani Turkish, derived from Old Anatolian Turkish (OAT), is spoken in Azerbaijan and is closely related to the Ottoman language. It is a Turkic language that represents a significant part of the Turkic linguistic landscape.

Linguistic and Genetic Diversity in the Turkic World

Within the Turkic world, there is a spectrum of linguistic and genetic diversity. Terms like 'Oghuz Turks', 'Hun Turks', 'Altay Turks', and 'Kazak Turks' reflect the various groups and sub-groups within the Turkic language family.

It is important to understand that not all Turkic peoples claim direct descent from the Seljuk or Ottoman states. Some groups, like the Uighurs and Uzes, have their own unique histories that predate these larger empires. Even modern-day Azeris have a complex history, with influences from Caucasian, Iranian, and Turkic peoples.

Historical Context: Soviet Era

Historically, Azeris were more commonly referred to as 'Turks' in the early 20th century. This aligns with the broader Turkic identity in the region.

During Soviet rule, in 1936, Azerbaijanis were given a new, more localized identity to counteract pan-Turkist tendencies. This renaming was part of Stalin’s strategy to maintain control over Azerbaijan's valuable oil and gas resources. The policy was aimed at encouraging assimilation into a local Azerbaijani identity, rather than linking them directly to Turkey or the Turkic world.

From 1936 to 1992, Azeris used the term 'Azerbaijanis' or 'Azeris'. This decision was part of a broader strategy to suppress pan-Turkist sentiments and maintain control over the region. In 1992, with the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan once again embraced the term 'Turks' and 'Turkish', but this usage was short-lived, lasting only two years.

The current leadership under Aliyev has maintained a somewhat ambiguous stance on national identity, continuing to use the more localized term to avoid complex diplomatic issues with Russia, which still views the term 'Turks' as a Pan-Turkist symbol.

Modern Context and Identity

Today, the use of the term ‘Azerbaijani Turks’ is more of a cultural and linguistic construct than a racial or ethnic one. It reflects historical, linguistic, and cultural ties to the broader Turkic world. While Azerbaijanis have historical and linguistic connections to Iran and the Caucasus, they also have deep connections to the Turkish world.

Conclusion

The term 'Azerbaijani Turks' is not about race or ancestry but rather a cultural and historical identity. It is a testament to the region’s complex history and identity, where linguistic and cultural ties are as important as ethnic origins. Understanding these complexities is essential for grasping the multifaceted nature of national and cultural identities in the Turkic world.