Turkish History Thesis and Revision of the Thesis

Turkish History Thesis

The Turkish History Thesis is a history thesis that Atatürk put forward to create a national consciousness and that benefits not only from archaeology but also anthropology. This is a thesis that contains such big claims that it has become quite difficult to substantiate and this subject has not been studied much in the literature. Today, many discoveries that changed the course of history dazzle us. There are sources that show that Atatürk's European trips when he was an aide to the sultan and his encounters with other nations during the wars were very effective in the formation of such ideas. Most historians and thinkers make it difficult to examine this thesis with their statements that it is impossible and a dream. For example, Fuat Köprülü describes it as "romantic-nationalist" while Nazan Maksudyan describes it as "science fiction". According to Büşra Ersanlı, the Turkish History Thesis should not be seen as a scientific project; it should be seen as a political project with the construction of a nation state. However, I predict that it is possible to reinterpret this thesis by evaluating today's developments. So what kind of views does this thesis contain:

1. It indicates that agriculture began, horses and other animals were domesticated, metals were first processed, and Central Asia was the cradle of civilization.

2. He states that these developments in Central Asia were the brachycephalic (wide round-headed) Turkish race and that the Neolithic - Chalcolithic period was marked by these developments.

3. He states that Turks are members of the white (alpine) race, not the yellow (mongoloid) race, and that they are superior in establishing states and building civilization with their natural abilities stemming from this gene.

4. The Turks are not a nomadic but a settled race. He states that the reason for the migration was the drought experienced in 7 thousand BC.

5. He mentions that as a result of these migrations, civilizations in Anatolia were established, and that among these civilizations, the Sumerians, Hittites, Trojans and even the Thracians were established as a result of this migration.

When we look at the claims we see, an understanding that puts the Turkish race at the beginning of everything stands out. This was a thesis that seemed possible considering the conditions of that day and it seems to have partially achieved its goal. Tayfur Sökmen said that Atatürk used the following words regarding the Alevis of Hatay in order to establish unity:

Atatürk saw the Alevis of Hatay as Eti Turks and for this reason they will no longer suffer the discrimination they have suffered until now.

This discourse is unifying and it would not be wrong to say that it is actually a political discourse. Now let's examine the 5 headings of the thesis one by one.

The Birth of Agriculture

A large part of the thesis is already refuted in the first heading. The lands known today as the Fertile Crescent, which includes countries such as Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, have now taken their place in history as the oldest known agricultural areas. Therefore, if we are going to talk about the Turks being here before the Battle of Manzikert, we must revise our thesis with different arguments. However, let's look at the claim in our thesis again:

Traces of Agriculture in Central Asia

• Tracing Agricultural Genes:

  Some areas of Central Asia (e.g. the Ferghana Valley and the Altai Mountains) are suggested as areas where cereal species (wheat, barley) and animals (sheep, goats) were domesticated. Genetic studies suggest that some crops may have diversified in this region.

• Anav Culture (4000-1000 BC):

  They are a settled agricultural community. Although it is claimed that they are related to the Proto-Turks, this is not a definite connection.

• Afanasyevo Culture (3500-2500 BC):

  The Afanasyevo culture near the Altai Mountains is associated with animal husbandry and primitive agriculture, suggesting that Central Asia may have been an important transition zone for the spread of agriculture.

• Botai Culture in Kazakhstan (3700-3100 BC):

  The Botai culture is considered one of the first places where the horse was domesticated. The co-development of agriculture and animal husbandry suggests that it supported a mixed lifestyle in Central Asia.

• Andronovo Culture (2000-1200 BC):

  Although some Turkology studies try to establish a connection between this culture and the Turks, the dominant view is that this culture is of Indo-European origin. Moreover, this culture belongs to a very early period compared to the others.

Even when we look at these dates, it is possible to understand that we are actually very far ahead. Today, we are talking about 12000 BC in Anatolia. Now that we have refuted this claim, it is time to turn our eyes back to these lands.

Fertile Crescent

These areas are indeed fertile. The abundance of water resources and the climate being suitable for agriculture also strengthen the possibilities. When you look at the settlements in this region, it is crazy to see how many different cultures it hosts and how far back the carbon c-14 analyses go. Moreover, these date back to the Neolithic period. Let's take a look at the important settlements, many of which are located in our country and neighboring the fertile crescent:

1. Göbeklitepe (Şanlıurfa, Türkiye)

   It dates back to 9600-8000 BC and has very similar characteristics to Karahantepe, which was found in the same period. The most important discovery here is that it shows that religious beliefs could organize communities when settled life was not widespread in the world. It is known as the oldest temple complex discovered in the world so far and is one of the most beautiful examples of the transition to settled life, which makes it even more special. Because it is stated that hunter-gatherer groups built this place and organized rituals. Although some say that satanic rituals were performed here, the point we should pay attention to is that there is a worship rather than who the worship is for.

   

   
   

2. Karahantepe (Şanlıurfa, Türkiye)

   It is dated to 9500-9000 BC. Like Göbeklitepe, T-shaped obelisks and animal depictions are also seen here. Human and animal figures are engraved on the stones. This is a discovery at least as important as Göbeklitepe. Because it is considered to be the complement of Göbeklitepe.

3. Çatalhöyük (Konya, Türkiye)

   It dates back to 7500-5700 BC. It is a very well-planned settlement. The houses were built side by side and the entrances were opened from the roof. There are clear traces of agriculture (wheat and barley) and animal husbandry (sheep, goats). This place is considered one of the first cities. and when looking at the layout of the houses, they inferred that the understanding of social equality was dominant.

   
   

4. Hacılar (Burdur, Türkiye)

   It dates back to 6000-5400 BC and features advanced pottery and agricultural activities. The social structure and artistic development of the society are noticeable.

   
   

5. Tell Abu Hureyra (Syria)

   It dates back to 13,300-8000 BC. There is evidence of the first domesticated grains and animals. Even a transition to a nomadic lifestyle is observed due to climate change. It is one of the most important settlements that shows that agriculture began in the Fertile Crescent. However, this settlement has been submerged under the waters of Lake Assad. Unlike the examples in our country, I believe it is the most important settlement in another country and within the Fertile Crescent.

   
   

6. Jericho (Eriha, Palestini)

   Traces have been traced back to 9600 BC and it is thought that the first defensive walls were built here. The settlement supported by underground spring water and the first examples of advanced settlement organization and irrigation systems are in this settlement. This is still a settlement. This makes it a little more special because it is very difficult to come across a settlement like this that continues.

   
   

7. Jarmo (Northern Irak)

   It dates back to 7000-6000 BC and contains traces of agriculture and animal husbandry. The first traces of ceramic production are in this region. It is the first example of agriculture on the fertile crescent.

   
   

8. Ayn Ghazal (Jordan)

   It dates back to 7250-5000 BC. It has similarities to the Çatalhöyük settlement. It is famous for its tomb figures represented by human figures. Traces of the first sculpture art are also here.

   
   

9. Mehrgarh (Belucistan, Pakistan)

   It dates back to 7000-2600 BC. It is the oldest settlement in South Asia. Advanced agricultural techniques, domesticated animals and ceramic production are observed. It is considered the forerunner of the Indus Civilization.

   
   

10. Beidha (Jordan)

    It dates back to 7200-6500 BC. It is a rural settlement and the houses have stone foundations. There are findings indicating that agriculture was practiced. It is considered one of the first village examples showing that people adapted to agriculture.

As can be seen in the 10 examples I have chosen, the dates go back to 13000 BC, unlike the examples in Central Asia. So the first article in the Turkish History Thesis is in vain. Okay, let's not despair and look at the second article:

Anthropological Approach

Brachycephalic (wide and round skull) structure is a biological feature seen in many societies, including the Turks. In Central Asia, where human groups constantly moved, differences in skull typology can be observed in different periods. Considering that the name Turk emerged in the 2nd millennium BC, we should examine the concepts correctly when going back even further. All aside, concrete genetic data, linguistic or archaeological evidence is insufficient today to investigate typologies. In fact, this approach was used by Nazi Germany in World War II and had terrible consequences. I think that the issue of skin color should be evaluated in this context and not discussed further.

Diffusion Theory

The Theory of the Spread of Civilization from a Single Center (Diffusionism) is a theory that argues that human history developed at one point and that all civilizations spread from this main center to other regions. According to this theory, elements of civilization such as science, technology, culture and social organization emerged in one place and were transferred to other societies over time. This theory is actually an acceptable theory in terms of religious approach. However, unfortunately, it is difficult to substantiate with today's science. Because the traces of people we accept as hunter-gatherers are found in various parts of the world and similar movements are encountered in different places at different times, which reduces the acceptability of this theory.

Basic Principles of Theory

1. Starting Point: Civilization emerged in one or more centers (e.g. Mesopotamia, Egypt, or India).

2. Diffusion Process: Elements of civilization (agriculture, writing, technology, etc.) spread to other regions through migration, trade, conquest, or cultural interaction.

3. Passive Diffusion: People in new regions acquired this knowledge and technology, usually through learning or copying.

Observations Supporting the Theory

• Common Cultural Elements: Similar technological advances, religious beliefs, or social structures are seen in different cultures around the world. For example:

  • Pyramids: The emergence of similar structures in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Central America.

  • The Beginning of Agriculture: The idea that agriculture originated in the Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia) and spread to other regions.

  • The Development of Writing: The invention of writing by the Sumerians and its spread to surrounding societies.

• Archaeological Evidence: Traces of dense settlements and technological developments in certain regions, especially from the early Neolithic period onwards, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China.

The Thesis That Anatolian Civilizations Were Founded by Turks

In fact, the most crucial part of the thesis begins here. Because no matter how far back you go, it is impossible in today's history science not to mention hunter-gatherer, that is, nomadic life. If you do not interpret it together with religious beliefs, you can never put it into a logic and you cannot make observations without excavations and new arguments. Some groups do not accept history as a science just because observation is not repeatable. Of course, we do not make such a claim. If we return to our subject, we will actually witness the inadequacy of history. There are other theses that support this thesis, but today's historians do not accept it in the vast majority. That is the Scythians, or in other words the Sakas. These communities were nomadic communities, but they were active in the 8th century BC and the 3rd century AD. The Scythians lived in the Northern Black Sea and entered Anatolia via the Caucasus. However, it still does not contain sufficient claims to support the Turkish History Thesis. It is not enough to do more work for this, it is necessary to keep foreign archaeologists away from the excavation areas as much as possible and to pave the way for archaeologists trained in these lands. In one way or another, the Turks who settled in these lands can talk about their presence in this region for at least 2000 years. Apart from these, other arguments are also made to support this theory. For example, to say that there are similarities and synonyms between Turkish and Sumerian.

Conclusion

There are many places waiting to be discovered in all these theses. Especially when you consider that there are places in Göbeklitepe that have not been excavated yet and that there will be many more important discoveries. I think that it is very likely that we, the Turks, came here in B.C., but even if we did, we came here with a different name, not with the Turkish name. Because although the DNA says different things about the Sakas and Scythians, we see that we are very similar in terms of society and culture, and that they came from the north and affected Europe as they did in the migration of tribes and affected Anatolia. Personally, my opinion, which is an Islamic believer, is exactly as in the video I will upload below.

As seen in the video, it is thought that the human race spread from Africa to the world. We are just blinking at this, albeit with the latest academic studies and developments. It is quite natural for a human race, which has achieved so much, to be divided into races. We must protect Anatolia no matter what and protect these lands, which were warm and suitable for life even during the ice age, against all kinds of threats. Stay healthy.