Did Odin come from Türkiye? Swedish historian claims Turkish ancestry of Swedes
A Viking warrior in front of the Turkish flag, December 2, 2024. (Image created with the support of AI/Image via Türkiye Today)
A historical revelation by Professor Sven Lagerbring, one of the founders of Swedish history, suggests that the Swedish people have Turkish origins. In his 1764 book, Lagerbring draws parallels between Turkish and Swedish language and mythology, asserting that the ancestors of the Swedes were Turks.
According to Lagerbring, even Swedish folklore indicates that the god Odin originated from “Turkland” (Türkiye).
Professor Sven Lagerbring’s groundbreaking book on Swedish-Turkish connection
Lagerbring’s 58-page book, published nearly 250 years ago, offers a detailed argument that the Swedes are descended from the Turks. He points to linguistic similarities between Turkish and Swedish words as evidence of this connection.
The book was first brought to public attention in Türkiye by Ali Nuri Dilmec, a Swedish man who converted to Islam and took the name Ali Nuri.
Although the book did not gain much traction at that time, it sparked renewed interest when Dilmec wrote an article describing it as the “strange fate of a valuable book.”
Mysterious link between Swedish, Turkish words
Lagerbring highlighted words in Swedish that have striking similarities to Turkish terms, such as
- As / Asch
- Burc / Borg
- Emek / Omak
- Gol / Gidl, Sjp
- Yurt / Jord
- Kab / Kabbe
- Pusu / Puss, Krigpuss
- Su / Sio
- Sulu / Solig
It is surprising that the meanings of the words above are the same in both Turkish and Swedish. The linguistic connections between the two languages are interesting, according to Lagerbring. The Swedish historian’s work suggests that these similarities are not coincidental but a direct reflection of a shared ancestry.
From Malmo to Istanbul: Extraordinary journey of Swedish Viking Ali Nuri Dilmec
Ali Nuri Dilmec, born Gustaf Noring in Malmo, Sweden, in 1861, was a diplomat, writer, and book collector who embraced Islam and became Ali Nuri after moving to Istanbul in 1879.
Starting a career in the Ottoman Foreign Ministry, he quickly gained Sultan Abdulhamid II’s trust, tasked with spying on the Young Turks in Europe. However, he later sympathized with their cause, defected to their movement, and was sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia.
Ali Nuri Dilmec purchased the book at an auction, loaned it to a friend, and rediscovered it nearly two decades later. His subsequent article brought attention to Lagerbring’s theory and reignited interest in Sweden’s Turkish roots.
Appointed as consul general in Rotterdam before his defection, Ali Nuri later lived in exile, opposing the sultan’s rule. His life and work, blending Swedish and Ottoman identities, drew scholarly interest, including studies by Turkologist Gunnar Jarring. A passionate book collector and intellectual, his story highlights the cultural and political intersections of his time.
Despite the fact that Türkiye’s historical narrative was focused on the Turkish History Thesis during that period, the idea did not receive much attention until much later.
Odin: Turkish god of wisdom, justice
Lagerbring’s book also suggested that Odin, one of Sweden’s most significant gods, was of Turkish origin. In the “Herwarar Saga,” Odin is described as the leader of a group known as the Tirkiar (Turks) and Asiemaen (Asians).
The tale details Odin’s journey from “Turkland” to Sweden, where he established a kingdom marked by wisdom and justice. Odin is often depicted traveling with two wolves, adding to the mythological connection between the Turks and the ancient gods of Sweden.
Common goal: Unity through shared history
Journalist Abdullah Gurgun, who painstakingly translated Lagerbring’s work into Turkish years later, expressed his motivation for taking on the challenging task in 2008 with the book “Similarities Between Swedish and Turkish, The Turkish Ancestors of the Swedes.” He emphasized that the purpose was not to focus on divisions but to highlight the commonalities between the two cultures.
In his words, “The aim is not division, but the discovery and celebration of shared roots. It’s about building bridges between people who have been divided, manipulated, and set against one another.”
Sweden’s historical architect
Professor Sven Lagerbring (1707-1769) is considered one of the founding figures of modern Swedish history. By the age of 35, Lagerbring had become a history professor, and by 41, he had assumed the role of rector at Lund University, where he served until 1769.
His contributions to the field of history earned him a noble title, and his image is featured on the university’s logo. Lagerbring’s most significant work remains his four-volume history of the Swedish Empire, and his scholarship is regarded as foundational in the development of Swedish historical studies.
Professor Sven Lagerbring’s groundbreaking work continues to provoke discussions about the deep, historical connections between Sweden and Türkiye.
By emphasizing shared linguistic and cultural elements, Lagerbring’s theory challenges conventional narratives and offers an interesting argument for the shared ancestry of these two nations.
