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Within the scope of the Rectorate Conferences at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), historian and Rector of the National Defence University Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu met with students and academicians and evaluated the historical development of the Turks from Central Asia to the present day through the lenses of state tradition, military organization, civilizational vision, and institutional continuity.

Prof. Dr. Afyoncu emphasized that Turkish history cannot be explained solely through conquests and wars, underlining that the primary driving force behind the Turks presence on the historical stage has been their capacity for state-building, their ability for political organization, and their capability to generate historical continuity.

Addressing the historical trajectory of the Turks from the steppes of Central Asia to the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republican periods, Afyoncu noted that Turkish history should be interpreted not as a history of ruptures, but rather as a history of restructuring and continuity.

“In the Rise of the Turks, State Wisdom Was as Decisive as Military Power”

Examining the emergence of the Turks on the historical stage from both historical and social perspectives, Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu stated that the Central Asian steppes constituted the fundamental geographical setting that shaped the political character, military capacity, and way of life of Turkish communities. He explained that the harsh conditions of the steppes fostered high mobility, resilience, discipline, and rapid decision-making skills among the Turks, and that this way of life gradually gave rise to a strong military culture and organizational structure.

Highlighting that mounted warfare techniques played a decisive role in the Turks effectiveness across vast geographies throughout history, Afyoncu explained that tactics such as swift movement on horseback, sudden raids, strategic retreats, and rapid regrouping provided Turkish communities with significant advantages on the battlefield. He also noted that these military capabilities not only enhanced their combat strength but also reinforced their capacity to unite different tribes and communities under a common political structure.

“The Turks Became a Founding Power in the Islamic World”

Highlighting the adoption of Islam as one of the most significant turning points in Turkish history, Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu stated that this process brought about a comprehensive civilizational transformation for Turkish communities. He emphasized that this development went beyond a mere shift in belief, repositioning the Turks on the historical stage within a new trajectory shaped by political organization, state-building practices, and the production of civilization.

Evaluating the historical role of the Turks in the Islamic world through the examples of the Karakhanids, Ghaznavids, and Great Seljuks, Afyoncu noted that during this period, the Turks evolved beyond frontier warrior groups into one of the principal actors who established major political centers, maintained order across vast territories, and assumed responsibility for the security of the Islamic world.

Prof. Dr. Afyoncu further stated that this historical phase represented a new stage in the development of the Turks, during which they assumed a founding role in the Islamic geography, shaped by military strength, administrative experience, and statecraft. Addressing the process through which Anatolia became a Turkish homeland, Afyoncu described the Victory of Malazgirt as a critical turning point. He emphasized that this victory was not limited to success on the battlefield, but also paved the way for long-term settlement, demographic transformation, and state formation in Anatolia.

Prof. Dr. Afyoncu noted that with the Anatolian Seljuk State, the Turks integrated their steppe-based political heritage with the experience of a settled state tradition. He underlined that this period played a decisive role in shaping Anatolia as a permanent Turkish homeland, both geographically and culturally.

“The Power That Expanded the Ottoman Empire Was Not Limited to Conquests”

Evaluating the historical role of the Ottoman Empire, Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu stated that interpreting Ottoman expansion solely through conquests would be an incomplete reading. He emphasized that the empire was built upon a bureaucratic structure that strengthened central authority, a well-organized fiscal system, and a disciplined military organization.

Prof. Dr. Afyoncu also underlined that the key factor behind the Ottoman rise was statecraft and institutional functioning. He noted that the empire’s long-lasting strength was sustained through a systematic administrative approach, a strong culture of record-keeping, and effective financial oversight mechanisms. He added that administrative continuity ensured by the defter, tahrir, and archival systems enabled the state to govern effectively across diverse geographies.

In his speech, Afyoncu also provided insights into the period of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, stating that the large-scale cannons and siege technologies used during the conquest of Istanbul marked a significant leap in Ottoman military power. He explained that these technological innovations transformed classical warfare methods and paved the way for imperial-scale expansion by enhancing both military and political capacity.

“Solidarity Among Turkic States is a Historical Necessity”

Pointing to the growing rapprochement among Turkic States as a historical necessity, Afyoncu emphasized that relations among Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and other Turkic republics should be further advanced at institutional, cultural, and academic levels in order to build a stronger present based on a shared past.

Highlighting that the Turkic World today, with 7 independent states and a population of approximately 250 million, is regaining strength across a vast geography through shared historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, Afyoncu stated that this great potential is not only a legacy of the past but also a strategic opportunity to shape the future. He noted that the increasing diplomatic relationships in recent years, cooperation in education and academia, cultural interaction, and the establishment of joint institutional frameworks are the most concrete indicators of this development. Prof.Dr. Afyoncu concluded that by preserving their shared historical memory, Turkic states can build a stronger foundation for unity through knowledge, science, economy, and youth.

Rector Ceylan: “History is the Memory of Nations”

Bringing renowned historian Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu together with students and academicians within the scope of the Rectorate Conferences, KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized the importance of strengthening interest in and awareness of Turkish history. Recalling Ziya Pasha’s famous statement, “History is the greatest teacher of politics,” Ceylan noted that Turkish history had long been studied largely through the perspectives of external sources. He added that, in recent years, the emergence of distinguished historians capable of interpreting the Turkic world through its own internal dynamics has been a significant achievement. Prof.Dr. Ceylan underlined that the strengthening of a native perspective in Turkish historiography is of great importance for reconstructing a shared historical memory. He further stated that historical knowledge is not only essential for understanding the past, but also plays a decisive role in interpreting the present and shaping the future.

Deputy Rector Ibraev: The Visit is a Valuable Gain for the University

Speaking at the opening of the conference, KTMU Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev emphasized that Afyoncu’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of history make a significant contribution to understanding the shared memory of the Turkic world. He described the visit as a valuable academic and institutional engagement for the university.

Who is Erhan Afyoncu?

Prof. Dr. Erhan Afyoncu was born in Tokat. After graduating from the Department of History Teaching at Marmara University’s Atatürk Faculty of Education, he began his academic career at the same university. He completed his master’s and doctoral studies in Early Modern History and was awarded the title of professor in 2014. Known for his studies on various periods of Turkish history, particularly Ottoman history, Afyoncu has held several administrative positions at Marmara University, including serving as Dean of the Siences and Humanities in 2016.  In the same year, he was appointed as the Founding Rector of the National Defence University, a position he continues to hold. A full member of the Turkish Historical Society, Afyoncu has authored numerous academic works, many of which have been translated into different languages, earning him recognition both in academic circles and the wider public for his contributions to the field of history.