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Tishin V., Nanzatov B. Numerical Ethnonyms Among the Turkic Peoples: An Overview and Systematization

V. Tishin
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the RAS
Ulan-Ude, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0001-7344-0996
E-mail: tihij-511@mail.ru  

 

B. Nanzatov
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the RAS
Ulan-Ude, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0001-8012-2515
E-mail: nanzatov@yandex.ru 

 

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ABSTRACT. This paper attempts to systematize the numerical ethnonyms used by the Turkic peoples. The communities identified by these names generally originated from associations formed through the deliberate efforts of a leading authority. The numerals in these names initially reflected the actual number of groups that were incorporated into the association. Over time, however, due to structural transformations — often driven by specific historical events — the numeral in the name, though preserved, no longer corresponded to the real number of autonomous economic units within the association. This paper summarizes sources spanning from the earliest mentions of such ethnonyms among the Turkic peoples, dating back to the second half of the 5th century AD, to the present-day ethnographic context. Using specific historical examples that are well-documented, the study examines the mechanisms behind the formation of associations designated by numerical ethnonyms. Two primary forms of formation are identified: one driven by the targeted actions of ruling authorities and another arising from the autonomous efforts of individual groups seeking consolidation. The paper also discusses problematic interpretations of these ethnonyms. Drawing from specialized registries, the authors propose a classification of Turkic numerical ethnonyms, categorizing them according to structural and semantic criteria. While the proposed classification remains open to debate, it offers a framework for refining the relative chronology and understanding the mechanisms behind the formation of these groups.

 

KEYWORDS: ethnonymy, Turkic peoples, ethnic identity, numerical markers, semantics, chronology

 

DOI 10.31250/2618-8600-2025-1(27)-36-55
UDC 316.723:296(55)

 

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