Türkcülük

Türkcülük, also known as Turkism or Pan-Turkism, is a political ideology that promotes the cultural and political unity of all Turkic peoples. It emphasizes shared linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage among these groups. The movement emerged in the late 19th century in the Ottoman Empire, a period marked by rising nationalism and a desire for self-determination among various ethnic groups.

Early proponents of Türkcülük sought to foster a sense of shared identity and solidarity among Turkic populations, many of whom were under Russian or other imperial rule. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey provided a new context for the ideology. While officially discouraged by the Turkish state for much of the 20th century, Türkcülük has seen resurgences in popularity at various times, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability or when questions of national identity and foreign policy are prominent.

Türkcülük advocates for closer cooperation and potentially political union among Turkic states, which include Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as Turkic communities in other countries like Russia, China, and Iran. The extent of its influence and the specific goals of its adherents vary, ranging from cultural exchange and linguistic standardization to more ambitious political integration. The ideology is distinct from Pan-Islamism, though there can be overlap in some historical contexts, as its primary focus is on ethnic and linguistic kinship rather than religious affiliation.