THE TITLE “ATA” IN THE TURKIC TITULATURE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52754/16948874_2025_2(6)_7%20Keywords:
Turkic history, Old Turkic, Turkic titulature, “ata” title, Atilla, atamanAbstract
The article presents and contextualizes the work of the prominent French orientalist and Turkologist Louis Bazin devoted to the title “ata” in Turkish history, originally published in 1981 in the scientific journal of Ankara University. Bazin’s study explores the origin, semantics, and functional role of the title “ata” within the socio-political and spiritual systems of the Turkic peoples. Special attention is given to the historical evolution of the title from a tribal and familial designation to an honorary title associated with authority, power, and sacred status. Based on the analysis of historical sources, epigraphic monuments, and Turkic linguistic data, the article demonstrates the stability and polysemantic nature of the title across different historical periods. It is shown that “ata” carries not only a nominative but also a symbolic meaning, reflecting patriarchal values, ideas of wisdom, responsibility, and cultural continuity. Despite its scholarly significance, Bazin’s article has remained largely overlooked in Kyrgyz historical and linguistic studies. To address this gap and make the research accessible to a wider audience, the article has been translated into the Kyrgyz language.
References
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