Turk

Turk is a term that can refer to a person who is a citizen of Turkey, or to a person of Turkish ethnicity. In a broader sense, it may also denote a member of the Turkic peoples, a large family of cultures and languages spanning Eurasia. In English usage, Turk most often refers to the Turkish nation or to ethnic Turks, while Turkish refers to the language and to things associated with Turkey.

Origins and scope: The Turks originated in Central Asia and over centuries formed several states and empires, including the Göktürks, the Seljuks, and the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire governed much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa for about six centuries. The modern Republic of Türkiye, established in 1923 after the empire’s collapse, defines its citizens within a Turkish national framework, while Turkish national identity has been shaped by language, secular reforms, and a plural society.

Language and culture: The Turkish language is the official language of Turkey and belongs to the Turkic language family. It underwent significant reform and modernization in the early 20th century under Atatürk, leading to standardized spelling and vocabulary. Turkish culture blends influences from ancient Anatolian civilizations, Ottoman traditions, and modern European and global interactions. The broader Turkic world includes many other languages and cultures across Central Asia and parts of the Caucasus and Siberia.

Geography and demographics: Turkey is a transcontinental country with territory in both Europe and Asia. Its population includes ethnic Turks and a variety of minority communities; there is also a substantial Turkish diaspora in Europe and other regions. The term Turk, depending on context, thus encapsulates ethnicity, nationality, language, and cultural heritage.