Monument in Mongolia reveals first written instance of word ‘Turk’ from Gokturk era
Experts pose with the inscription believed to belong to Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan's complex in Otuken, Mongolia, Aug. 24, 2022. (AA Photo)
The International Turkic Academy has confirmed that Mongolia’s Nomgon-2 Monument Complex dates back to the Gokturk era and was likely built in honor of Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan, the founder of the Second Turkish Khaganate.
Ongoing archaeological excavations reveal key findings
The International Turkic Academy, based in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, has been conducting archaeological excavations in Mongolia’s Arhangai region since 2019, in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. The excavations focus on the Nomgon Valley, where significant discoveries have been made.
In 2022, excavations uncovered the complex of Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan, the father of Bilge Qaghan and Kul Tigin, two key rulers of the Gokturk State. The discovery included a monumental inscription bearing 12 lines in the Gokturk script and six lines in Sogdian, providing strong evidence that the monument complex was built to honor a qaghan.
Ancient inscriptions unveil crucial details
The inscription’s upper part, which had been partially damaged, contains significant texts in both Gokturk and Sogdian. The message reads, “Qutlugh Qaghan Turk … Son of God …” in the Gokturk script. The Sogdian part also refers to “Qutlugh Qaghan … ” These findings are vital to understanding the historical context of the monument.
A further breakthrough came in 2023 when the lower part of the inscription was deciphered, revealing 15 more lines. Despite significant deterioration of the Gokturk script, part of the text was preserved in Chinese hieroglyphs on the back of the monument.
Important discoveries in Chinese texts
The Chinese portion, written from top to bottom and arranged from right to left, contains partially readable lines. The deciphered text includes mentions of “Turk” and “Qutlugh,” reinforcing the connection to the Gokturk era.
Confirmation of Gokturk era and Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan’s honor
The International Turkic Academy and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences confirmed that the Nomgon-2 Monument Complex belongs to the Gokturk period and was likely constructed in honor of Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan (682-692). This discovery marks an important chapter in the history of the Second Turkish Khaganate.
Collaboration with experts to further decipher ancient texts
The International Turkic Academy has included specialists from Inner Mongolia University to further analyze the Chinese text. Additionally, collaborative archaeological excavations in Nomgon Valley between the International Turkic Academy and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences will continue to shed light on this ancient site’s history.
The inscription of Ilterish Qutlugh Qaghan, dating back to the seventh century, is considered the earliest written document from the Gokturk period, and it marks the first recorded use of the word “Turk.” It is a pivotal find for understanding the early history of the Gokturk Khaganate and its rulers.
