Abstract:

The Khwarezm region has been an important settlement and trade point since its known history. Different nations, languages, and civilizations gathered in this region for several reasons such as trade travels, migrations and wars. However, Islamic armies conquered the region in A.D. 717. The Byzantine, Armenian, Chinese, and Islamic literature has recorded the presence of Turks in and around Khwarezm since the period of the First Göktürk Khanate. Moreover, the presence of the Turkish population gradually increased since the 10th century such that Khwarezm became one of the most prosperous regions in the Islamic world especially during the 13th and 14th centuries. Khwarezm displayed substantial improvements in terms of science and culture, and was hosted by many scholars and thinkers as a result of the growing population, economic progress, and auspices of rulers of the region. The works, discoveries, and inventions established during these centuries have been observed at a level that will guide world history. The scientific and cultural developments in Khwarezm and gradual increase of Turkish presence in the region have served as a means for opening a field for Turkish language and literature. With translated works in this field, the Turkish literature has deepened in terms of Islamic subjects, whereas the Turkish language has been enriched with new concepts and terms. Thus, the present study aims to define the boundaries of the Khwarezm region, including historical records regarding the Turkish community in this area. It briefly cites subjects of works resulting from the concentration of the Turkish population as well as the manner in which these subjects were previously studied. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the contributions of such works to Turkish language and literature.

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