Turkish Connections: Arrows Pointing to Iranians, Arabs or Pakistanis?
The relationship between Turks and Arabs, Pakistanis, and Iranians is complex and multifaceted, influenced by historical, cultural, and religious factors. Let's delve into this intricate web of connections and explore why certain groups might resonate more with Turks.
Why Turks Feel Closer to Certain Groups
Just as DNA maps can help us trace our ancestry, cultural and historical ties can guide us toward understanding why some groups feel more akin to Turks than others. For western Turks, Lebanese Assyrians, Jews, and Tunisians are often closer connections due to shared characteristics such as skin color, food cultures, traditional clothing, and a less religious lifestyle.
Specifically, Turks often feel a strong connection to Iranians for several reasons. Firstly, Turks learned Islam from Iranians, not from the Arabs. Iranians also have a rich Sufi culture, reminiscent of modern Turkish life. Iranian women and men I've met were not Conservative at all, and they view religion with a nuanced understanding similar to that of the Turks. Arabs, on the other hand, share similarities in lifestyle with Turkey's eastern regions, yet Arabs are second to Iranians in relation due to historical conversions and less pronounced cultural familiarity.
Pakistan, being a relatively new nation-state formed in 1947 from the remnants of Afghan empires, Mughal empire, and British India, ranks last in terms of closer cultural and historical ties. While Pakistan has a history with Turkic races like Uzbeks and Mamluks, the modern Turkish state does not share this historical connection. However, attitudes are evolving, and in the 21st century, Pakistanis are gaining more popularity in Turkey due to modern interactions.
Public Opinions on Connections
The general public in Turkey views Iranians, Arabs, and Pakistanis differently. They often look more like Greeks, Armenians, or Georgians/Slavs, and some even resemble Asians. Iranians, being predominantly Shia Muslims, are seen as different from the Sunni-majority in Turkey.
Militant secularist Turks and purebred ultranationalists do not consider any of these groups close. They often see themselves as Europeans, Greeks, and never Middle-Easterners. Turanist Turks and ultranationalists maintain a stance that they are superior to others, particularly Iranians, whom they perceive as primitive and backward.
However, educated Turks, especially those with a historical background and secularist leanings, consider Iranians first and then Pakistanis. They acknowledge shared Iranian ancestry and the same religion. Hardcore religious Turks predominantly feel a closer connection to Arabs, who they associate with strict religious practices and cultural norms.
Historical and Cultural Influences
The Seljuk and Ottoman Empires left indelible marks on Turkish history. Turks have relations with Iranians from the Seljuk era and are influenced by Persian culture due to their conversion to Islam. Ottomans and Seljuks further enhanced this influence with Persian art, linguistics, and philosophy. The Arabs have had less success in converting Turks, with notable exceptions like Ziyad Ibn Salih and the infamous general Qutayba Ibn Muslim. The Persian sort of Islam was more compatible with the ancient Turkic religion Tengrism, leading to a rich tapestry of cultural and religious fusion.
Conclusion
The cultural and historical ties between Turks, Arabs, Pakistanis, and Iranians are intricate and dynamic. Each group holds a unique place in the hearts of Turks, shaped by shared histories, religions, and cultures. Understanding these connections can offer valuable insights into the complex cultural landscape of the region.