KHOREZM TURKIC AND ITS HISTORICAL-LINGUISTIC FEATURES: FORMATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND SCHOLARLY INTERPRETATIONS

Abstract

This article examines the historical-linguistic features of Khorezm Turkic, focusing on its formation, development, and scholarly interpretations within the broader context of Turkic language history. It traces the linguistic situation of the Khorezm region from the ancient period, when Eastern Iranian languages predominated, to the gradual process of Turkification between the 11th and 13th centuries. Particular attention is given to the emergence of Khorezm Turkic as a mixed linguistic system shaped by the interaction of Karakhanid, Oghuz, and Kipchak elements, reflecting the complex ethnic composition of the region. The study highlights the role of Khorezm as a major cultural and literary center, especially during the Golden Horde period, and its contribution to the development of a new written Turkic language within the Kipchak branch. It also discusses the transitional nature of Khorezm Turkic between Karakhanid and Chagatai Turkic, emphasizing its significance as a distinct stage of the Middle Turkic period. Various scholarly perspectives—particularly those of Bartold, Samoylovich, Köprülü, and others—are analyzed to demonstrate differing approaches to periodization and classification. Furthermore, the article addresses debates concerning the linguistic attribution of key literary monuments and introduces the concept of “Khorezm–Golden Horde Turkic” as a unified historical-linguistic framework. It argues that, due to the lack of clearly defined criteria distinguishing these closely related linguistic layers, a comprehensive and comparative approach is necessary. Overall, the study underscores the importance of Khorezm Turkic in bridging earlier and later stages of Turkic literary language development and in shaping the foundations of classical Chagatai.