In a significant policy shift, Turkey’s Ministry of National Education has announced that the term “Central Asia” will be replaced with “Turkestan” in the national history curriculum. The change, which aims to reinforce national identity and promote patriotism among younger generations, is part of a broader strategy to unify the Turkic world.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of strengthening ties among Turkic nations, stating, “We will work shoulder to shoulder to make the coming period the era of the Turks, spreading our vision of the ‘Turkish Century’ through the Organization of Turkic States.”
Historical Context
Professor Ahmet Taşagıl, a prominent historian, highlighted the deep-rooted historical significance of “Turkestan.” He explained that the term has been used since ancient times to denote the “homeland of the Turks.” The name “Central Asia” only gained prominence in the late 19th century during Russian expansion into the region.
A Move Toward Unity
Experts view this decision as part of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to foster unity within the Turkic world. Associate Professor Ramin Sadik praised the Ministry’s decision, noting that both Turkey and Turkestan refer to regions predominantly inhabited by Turks. The inclusion of “Turkestan” in textbooks is seen as a step toward creating a unified Turkic history, geography, and identity.
The policy shift comes amid a series of initiatives led by the Organization of Turkic States, including efforts to standardize a single Latin alphabet and create common historical, literary, and geographical resources. This educational change, experts believe, is a vital contribution not just to Turkey, but to the entire Turkic world.