مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - INSCRIPTIONS IN THE ARABIC LETTERS AROUND KARAKURUM REGION

Abstract :

Southern slopes of Hangai Mountains covered with woods and Karakurum are the most advantageous regions in Mongolia in terms of climatic characteristics, water sources, international routes, defence and security. Turks and Mongols who were aware of these advantages in the region used this geography as a centre for ruling throughout the history. People from Sogdiana during Turkish periods and Farsi and Iranian people during Mongolian period came to this region through Silk Road and dominated trade for a long time in Karakurum. Because of the rivalry between the dominion in Karakurum and Mongolian Dynasty in China, Muslims who were the most peaceful inhabitants of the city were able to build two mosques and bring their belief systems, cultures and alphabets to the city until it completely lost its charm. There are two inscriptions in the region which could reach today thanks to Muslims and they are written in Arabic letters. The first one (because the symbols of Mongol flag above the writing, and flower motifs under it were carved and it was plastered with oil for many years) lost its original look and it has been substantially worn off. The second inscription, which was found on a tombstone of a person named İmam Yunus who died in 1338, was able to keep its sound condition despite being outside and unprotected. In this study called “Inscriptions in Arabic Alphabet around Karakurum Region”, first the state of Karakurum region during Turkish and Mongolian period was explained and then information was given about the inscriptions in the Arabic Alphabet around the region.