Turkestan facts for kids
Turkestan is a large region in Central Asia. Its name means "Land of Turks" in Persian. This area is located around the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. Today, a big part of Turkestan is in China. In the 1900s, much of it was part of the Soviet Union.
Many different groups of people live in Turkestan. The main groups include Turks, Chinese, Mongols, and Persians.
Contents
What is Turkestan?
Turkestan is a historical and geographic area. It has been home to many different cultures for thousands of years. The region is known for its vast steppes, deserts, and mountains. It also has important trade routes, like parts of the ancient Silk Road.
Where is Turkestan located?
Turkestan is in the heart of Asia. It stretches from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Gobi Desert in the east. To the north, it reaches into Siberia. To the south, it touches the mountains of Afghanistan and Iran.
Different parts of Turkestan
Sometimes, people divide Turkestan into two main parts:
- West Turkestan: This part is also called Russian Turkestan or Soviet Central Asia. It includes countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
- East Turkestan: This part is mostly in China. It is known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Many Uyghur people live here.
Who lives in Turkestan?
The people of Turkestan are very diverse. Most of them are Turkic. This means they speak languages related to Turkish. These groups include:
There are also many Tajiks, who speak a Persian language. Other groups like Mongols and Chinese also live in the region.
History of Turkestan
Turkestan has a long and rich history. It has been a crossroads for many empires and cultures.
Ancient times
In ancient times, Turkestan was home to nomadic tribes. These groups moved across the land with their animals. They often traded with settled communities. The region was also a key part of the Silk Road. This famous trade route connected China with the Middle East and Europe.
Turkic migrations
Starting around the 6th century, many Turkic tribes moved into the area. They came from places like Mongolia. These tribes eventually became the main people in Turkestan. They formed powerful empires and kingdoms.
Russian and Chinese influence
In the 1800s, both the Russian Empire and the Chinese Qing Dynasty expanded into Turkestan.
- Russian Turkestan: The Russian Empire took control of the western parts. This area later became part of the Soviet Union.
- Chinese Turkestan: The Chinese Qing Dynasty took control of the eastern parts. This area is now the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.
Modern Turkestan
Today, Turkestan is divided into several independent countries and regions. These include the Central Asian republics and the Xinjiang region of China. The people of Turkestan continue to preserve their unique cultures and traditions.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
Map from Mahmud al-Kashgari's Dīwān ul-Lughat al-Turk, showing where Turkic tribes lived in the 11th century.
See also
In Spanish: Turquestán para niños
