In a significant move towards unity and cultural cohesion, the Turkic Academy has announced the adoption of a Latin-based Common Turkic Alphabet. This decision, which could pave the way for deeper cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations, is expected to enhance communication, preserve linguistic heritage, and strengthen the bond between these countries.
The initiative was finalised during the Turkic World Common Alphabet Commission’s meeting held from 9th to 11th September in Baku, Azerbaijan. The commission had been working for two years to develop this common alphabet, which includes 34 letters designed to accurately represent the phonetic sounds of the various Turkic languages. This new alphabet is seen as a crucial step in advancing linguistic unity while safeguarding the individual richness of each Turkic nation’s language.
Historic Roots of the Common Turkic Alphabet
The idea of a Common Turkic Alphabet is not new. It was first suggested by academics in 1991, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. At that time, many of the Turkic-speaking nations had regained independence and sought to reconnect with their historical roots. The adoption of this alphabet represents a continuation of that effort. According to the Turkic Academy, the decision is of “historic significance” as it promotes mutual understanding and strengthens cultural and political ties among the Turkic countries.
The Turkic Academy, headquartered in Astana, Kazakhstan, plays a pivotal role in this linguistic reform. Established under the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the academy includes founding members such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye, with Hungary and Uzbekistan having joined as observers. The adoption of the common alphabet is seen as a major milestone in the OTS’s mission to foster comprehensive cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations.
A Long Journey of Alphabet Changes
The issue of alphabet reform in Turkic countries has deep historical roots. During the Soviet era, the traditional Arabic-based alphabets used by Muslim minorities in these countries were replaced with Latin-based alphabets in 1929, only to be replaced again with Cyrillic in 1940. This shift to Cyrillic was part of the Soviet Union’s broader agenda to unify the region under Russian influence.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, many former republics took steps to revert to Latin-based alphabets as a way of reasserting their cultural identity. Countries like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan quickly made the switch, while Uzbekistan has maintained a dual system, using both Latin and Cyrillic since 1992.
Kazakhstan’s Linguistic Reform
In Kazakhstan, the push for alphabet reform gained momentum in 2017 when then-President Nursultan Nazarbayev ordered the development of a Latin-based alphabet for the Kazakh language. The transition was initially planned for completion by 2025 but was later postponed until 2031 due to the complexity of the switch. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Nazarbayev’s successor, has emphasised that such a linguistic transformation should not be rushed, given the profound implications for education and daily communication.
Of the post-Soviet Turkic nations, Kyrgyzstan remains the only one fully committed to the Cyrillic alphabet, reflecting its strong ties with Russia.
Political and Cultural Implications
The shift towards a Latin-based alphabet is not just a linguistic change; it is also deeply political. For many in Central Asia, the move away from Cyrillic represents a desire to distance themselves from Russian influence and forge a new, more independent path. This trend has caused concern in Moscow, which views the alphabet reforms as part of a broader effort by these nations to assert their sovereignty and reduce Russian cultural dominance.
Looking forward, this move by Turkic-speaking nations to adopt a common alphabet could be the first step in establishing stronger regional alliances, possibly including closer ties with the European Union. With shared linguistic and cultural heritage as a foundation, Turkic countries could work more closely with Europe, reducing reliance on external powers and fostering a more self-sufficient and prosperous Eurasia. This potential future cooperation could even open doors for countries like Ukraine to join such alliances, further strengthening the region.
In conclusion, the adoption of the Common Turkic Alphabet is a monumental step for the Turkic world. It not only solidifies cultural bonds but also signals a broader movement towards political and economic cooperation that could reshape the region’s future.
This article is based on reports from various news agencies, including the Turkic Academy and the Organization of Turkic States.
