Turkey to replace “Central Asia“ with “Turkestan“ in educational curriculum

Tengrinews.kz - Turkey's Ministry of National Education has announced fundamental changes to the history curriculum, stating that the term "Central Asia" will be replaced with "Turkestan." Experts note that this decision aims to strengthen national consciousness and patriotism among future generations, according to TRT Haber, a Turkish news channel.
The change has been supported by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“We will work side by side to make the upcoming period an era of the Turks, spreading our vision of the 'Century of Turkey' to the Organization of Turkic States,” he said.

Turkish professors have also endorsed the historical significance of the term 'Turkestan'. Professor Ahmet Tashagyl explained that the term, meaning 'homeland of the Turks', has been used since the earliest periods of history.

"Our reference to the concept of Turkestan and its inclusion in textbooks by the Ministry of National Education is a very correct decision. Both Turkey and Turkestan signify a region predominantly inhabited by Turks," added Associate Professor Ramin Sadyk.

The expert noted that this decision is significant, especially in light of ongoing efforts to create a shared history, geography, literature, maps, and alphabet for the Turkic world. He believes this transformation represents an important beginning and a valuable contribution not only for Turkey but also for all Turkic countries and their partners.
Experts highlight that this change is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties within the Turkic world, including the establishment of a common history, literature, maps, and alphabet.
Read also about the unified Turkic alphabet.