RESEARCH INTO THE ETYMOLOGY OF ANCIENT TURKIC TOPONYMS IN EASTERN HISTORICAL SOURCES

The study of toponyms as a historical and cultural heritage has recently gained great research interest. It is essential to analyze the historical etymology of toponyms to communicate the cultural and historical significance of locations to future generations and to comprehend the role place names play in a country’s history. The aim of this research is to investigate the historical origins of place names associated with the territory of Turkmenistan and subsequently systematize these toponyms focusing on the historical and cultural data provided in ancient Eastern sources. Using the example of the toponym “Koneurgenish”, the features of the origin and historical development of Turkmen toponymy, described in historical sources from East Asia and the Middle East, are explored. The examination of these place names employs a range of research techniques, including historical-comparative, analytical-interpretative, historical-linguistic, functional-systemic, and etymological methods. This research is significant because it offers a comprehensive historical account of Turkmenistan-related toponyms, enabling the identification of Turkic roots in their naming. The originality of the study lies in its detailed etymological analysis based primarily on Eastern, especially Chinese and Arabic, historical documents, which reveal direct links to Turkic languages. The findings demonstrate a notable level of interaction and connection between different onomastic systems. The theoretical value of the work stems from its scientific generalization of the etymology and specific characteristics of Turkmen toponymy. Regarding the practical value, this research compiles consolidated materials on Turkic place names derived from Eastern sources, providing a useful resource for future research in linguistics, etymology, ethnography and language contact studies.