Common factors that cause changes in toponym names (in the material of Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Turkish languages)

Abstract

This article investigates the reasons behind the changes in toponyms in Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Turkish languages. Comparative studies of Turkic onomastics based on materials from related languages are scarce. A focused examination of onomastic units—such as personal names, place names, ethnonyms, and tribal names—within the framework of Turkic languages is a pressing and relevant area of research. The paper explores the formation and development of toponyms in the territories inhabited by Turkic-speaking peoples, with particular attention to the factors that have influenced changes in place names in neighboring countries.
Toponyms have historically emerged and evolved in close connection with the socio-economic history of a given region. Consequently, many names trace their origins back to ancient times. Over time, toponyms may be forgotten, altered, or replaced due to various historical, cultural, or political factors. This study highlights the relevance of examining the influence of Arabic-Persian, Iranian, Mongolic, and Russian elements on the toponymic systems of border regions. Understanding these processes is crucial, as any toponymic system with linguistic and cultural significance must be studied within its historical and cultural context of formation and evolution. The research possesses both theoretical and practical value. Identifying the factors that contributed to the modification of place names facilitates a deeper understanding of historical ethnic migrations and the interaction processes between different ethnic groups in border regions. The main methods employed in the study are descriptive analysis and comparative-historical analysis. The use of historical methodology allows for obseving of the emergence of ancient toponyms, their transformation, and the incorporation of newly assigned names. The aim of the article is to conduct a systematic historical-linguistic analysis of the formation, transformation, renaming, usage, and development of toponyms in border regions.