How the Gokturk Alphabet, the First Written Document of the Turks, Was Discovered

The first written documents of Turkish history emerged with the Orhun Inscriptions
The oldest known writing system of the Turks, the Gokturk Alphabet, was discovered thanks to the Orkhon Inscriptions. The inscriptions were erected in the Orkhon River valley in the 8th century. These monuments, written in the name of Bilge Kagan, Kul Tigin and Tonyukuk, document not only historical events but also the intellectual and cultural structure of the period.
 
 
How were the Orkhon Inscriptions found?
The Orkhon Inscriptions were found near the Orkhon River in Mongolia towards the end of the 19th century. Discovered by Russian scientist Nikolay Yadrintsev in 1889, the inscriptions were later deciphered by Danish linguist Wilhelm Thomsen in 1893, revealing the existence of the Gokturk Alphabet.
 
Features of the Gokturk Alphabet
The Gokturk Alphabet consists of 38 letters and is written from right to left. The alphabet is both syllabic and phonetic. It was also called 'Turkish Runic Writing' for a while because of its shapes resembling runic letters. This alphabet is of great importance in that it contains texts reflecting the early state structure, legal understanding and worldview of the Turks.
 
Orkhon Inscriptions as historical and cultural heritage
The Orkhon Inscriptions are of great importance not only in terms of Turkish history but also in terms of world history and linguistics. Today, the inscriptions are under protection in Mongolia and are among the international archaeological heritage.
 
 
 
Source: CUMHA - CUMHURS NEWS AGENCY