This category is based on linguistics, not genetics. In other words, it incorporates people from diverse genetic backgrounds who speak a related group of languages. Some of these groups, such as the Azeris, are in part or in whole descended from non-Turkic peoples. Their inclusion here is as a result of their linguistic affiliation.

Many of these peoples' origins are still being debated. For example, while most linguists classify Proto-Bulgarian as a Turkic language, others have disputed this classification and point to Iranian and other linguistic features. Likewise, the Avars and Hephthalites are sometimes classified as Mongolic, Iranic or even Tocharian in origin. Finally, some people listed, such as the Golden Horde, were in part or in whole Mongolian in origin, yet are included in this category because they adopted Turkic languages.

Subcategories

Articles in category "Turkic peoples"