Abstract
This article uses an interdisciplinary approach to analyze textual sources from nomadic civilization. Linguistic analysis has been increasingly used due to the emergence of a huge array of autochthonous and authentic written sources. It is impossible to extract the necessary historical information from those sources without using a new research method. This study aims to apply discourse analysis to medieval textual sources called edicts published in 1400–1635 by the leaders of the Central Asian states. This approach is expected to enable a detailed study of the structure of edicts, as well as speech patterns and terms used in the text. The results of the study revealed the structure of the examined edicts, as well as socio-cultural, economic, and communicative features of the nomadic society. First, the discourse repertoire of Edicts from Sygnak is rather unique, as evidenced by comparative analysis of patents from the cities of Sygnak, Sayram and Turkestan located in the Syr Darya basin. Second, edicts in this study reflect the result of the mutual influence of sedentary and mobile lifeways. Third, the arguments behind certain speech patterns used in the examined edicts emerged under the influence of Turkic traditions.
Highlights
One of the major challenges of nomadic research is the insufficient number of textual sources, which hinders historical criticism
As the number of written artefacts expands, it becomes evident that some categories of textual sources are exclusive and require other approaches to studying them, including the interdisciplinary method
This section presents the results of heuristic search, namely a list of previously unstudied textual sources, as well as the results of comparative structural analysis applied to edicts of the XIV–XVI centuries
Summary
One of the major challenges of nomadic research is the insufficient number of textual sources, which hinders historical criticism. There are two possible solutions to this problem. The Nomads developed a system of edicts, a formal written command from the ruler, which historians can address in their research. The inscriptions, issued by local authorities, were determined by the ethnic ways of life. By their nature, these edicts were the Ibrayeva et al Herit Sci (2021) 9:90 and information about certain events that took place at the time. Edicts rarely became the focus of historical research
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
