The Orkhon Inscriptions: History and Meaning of the Göktürk Monuments

Background of the Stone Monuments in the Orkhon Valley

The Orkhon Inscriptions are among the most critical written stone monuments surviving from the Second Turkic Khaganate. Located today in the Orkhon Valley in central Mongolia, these structures highlight the rich historical heritage of the region.

Dating and Structural Details

Historical evidence dates the period of the Second Turkic Khaganate between 682 and 745 AD. The two largest monuments in the area were erected in memory of Kül Tigin and his brother Bilge Kağan.

Cultural and Archaeological Significance

The inscriptions provide invaluable historical data regarding state structure, culture, and language. Standing in the Orkhon Valley, these stelae remain essential reference points for researchers studying Central Asian history and archaeology.