Turkism in the Caucasus and Turkestan in the 20th century

A nation is a social structure composed of individuals who share common values and memories, who aspire to live together, and who are determined to transmit their historical heritage to future generations. This structure is shaped not only by physical unity but also by unity of emotions, thoughts, and objectives. The reflection of nationalism in the Turkish world, known as Turkism, is an ideological system built upon an individual's strong sense of belonging to the Turkish nation. Turkism is not merely a sentiment of identity; it also signifies a conscious effort to ensure the development, strengthening, and preservation of the historical heritage of the Turkish nation.In line with this understanding, individuals strive to maintain national unity by supporting all activities that enhance the welfare of their communities. The Russian occupation of Turkish lands in the 16th century led to the emergence of a common sense of identity and resistance among Turkish communities, thereby increasing awareness of the idea of Turkism. The Russian attempts to seize and control Turkish territories were not limited to military and political dimensions; rather, various oppressive policies were implemented against Muslim Turkish communities in the occupied regions. These policies generally manifested as religious oppression and efforts to erase cultural identity. Initially, the Russian administration aimed to integrate Turkish communities into Russian culture by secularizing them. However, in later stages, they sought to reshape them according to Soviet ideology. Nonetheless, these pressures had the opposite effect, leading Turkish communities, especially from the second half of the 19th century onward, to embrace and safeguard their identities more strongly. Nationalist intellectuals and politicians conducted various efforts to awaken national consciousness, which contributed to the spread of Turkist thought.This study will examine the struggles waged in the Caucasus and Turkestan for the cause of Turkism, as well as the efforts undertaken in this context in a detailed manner