Turkish people

Turkish People

The Turkish people or the Turks (Turkish: Türkler ), are a Turkic ethnic group and nation living mainly in Turkey and speaking Turkish, the most widely spoken Turkic language. They are the largest ethnic group in Turkey, as well as by far the largest ethnic group among the speakers of Turkic languages. Ethnic Turks are the main element of the majority, and are the reason for the name of the country.

History

The history of the Turkish people extends back to the Oghuz Turks, who in the 9th century AD inhabited parts of present-day Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The Oghuz Turks began migrating westward into the Islamic lands and into the now modern-day Turkey during the 11th century. The migration was largely spurred on by the Seljuk Empire, which was an empire of Turkish origin that controlled a vast area stretching from the Hindu Kush to eastern Anatolia and from Central Asia to the Persian Gulf.

Culture

Turkish culture has its roots in the city of Istanbul, which has been the capital of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey for many centuries. The culture is a mix of the traditions of the Turkic peoples of Anatolia, the Middle East, and the Balkans. The culture is marked by a high degree of flexibility and diversity, with a strong emphasis on family and community ties, respect for elders, and hospitality.

Religion

The majority of Turkish people are Sunni Muslims, with a significant Alevi minority. There are also small communities of Christians and Jews in the country, reflecting Turkey's diverse cultural heritage.

Language

The Turkish language is a member of the Turkic language family and is one of the oldest known languages in the world. It is the official language of Turkey and is spoken by the majority of the population. The language is known for its complex grammar and rich vocabulary.

See also

• History of Turkey
• Culture of Turkey
• Religion in Turkey
• Languages of Turkey