THE HISTORICAL ORIGINS OF TURKISM IDEOLOGY IN AZERBAIJAN

ELGUN ASLANOV MAHAMMADALİ; TURKAN AHMADOVA YUSİF

ELGUN ASLANOV MAHAMMADALİ Mingachevir State University, Associate Professor, Azerbaijan http://orcid.org/0009-0003-9856-1219
TURKAN AHMADOVA YUSİF Lankaran State University, doctoral student,Lankaran, Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Agricultural University, senior teacher http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9797-2716

Abstract

The formation of the Turkism ideology in Azerbaijan dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its emergence was closely linked to national awakening, enlightenment, and imperial pressures. Intellectuals such as Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Ali bey Huseynzade, and Ahmad bey Agayev emphasized the preservation of Turkic identity, language, and culture as a primary objective. The idea of “Turkification, Islamization, Modernization” became the conceptual framework of national development. The press, schools, and public organizations played a crucial role in disseminating Turkism. During the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Turkism was further consolidated through the principles of statehood. In subsequent decades, this ideology exerted a strong influence on the formation of national self-consciousness and the pursuit of independence.

Keywords: Turkism, intellectuals, press, solidarity, national bourgeoisie, people