The ethnocultural and sociological analysis of migrations documented in Shajara-i Tarākima (Turkmen genealogy)

Abstract

More studies have been conducted in the field of language and literature regarding historical Turkic texts. However, these studies also represent invaluable sources for the ethnocultural and sociological characteristics of the Turks. Therefore, it is essential to undertake research focusing on the content of historical Turkic texts to identify the ethnocultural features of the Turks through local written sources. This study specifically examines the migrations documented in Shajara-i Tarākima. Consequently, an ethnocultural and sociological approach to Shajara-i Tarākima will be adopted, shedding light on the cultural characteristics of the Turks in the context of the migration phenomenon. In this research, the migrations detailed in Shajara-i Tarākima are scrutinized, revealing that Turks predominantly migrated when faced with concerns related to life and property. A distinctive feature of Turkish migration is their intent to settle permanently rather than temporarily in the places they migrate to. The findings indicate that, in the integration of migration policies, Turks have adopted a complex approach encompassing both a selective inclusion model and features of a multicultural model. While Turkic migrants have generally demonstrated a strategy more inclined towards integration and less towards assimilation, they have shown a preference for the segregation strategy over multiculturalism or melting pot strategies when dealing with immigrants.