The First Turkological Congress in Baku and the issue of orthography

Abstract

The First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926, was a significant event that examined the phonetic and orthographic issues of Turkic languages in a scientific framework. The second session, held on March 1 and titled “Discussions on Orthography,” featured speeches by researchers such as Ömerov, Manatov, Alparov, Aliyev, and Yumanqulov, who emphasized that the Arabic script did not fit the phonetic system of Turkic languages and created difficulties in both spelling and pronunciation. Kazakh representative Ömerov analyzed the advantages of the phonetic principle, noting that the etymological principle complicated pronunciation. He argued that phonetic writing facilitated the natural development of Turkic languages and that studying various affixes and word changes was necessary.
Uzmanov highlighted the connection between orthography and the alphabet, referencing Baytursun’s explanations of the difficulties caused by the Arabic script in Kazakh and proposing alternative solutions. The discussions also covered the use of punctuation and the application of vowel harmony in Tatar and Kazakh. Speakers such as Sherba, Ibrahimov, and Jirkov stressed that orthography was a national and cultural issue, showing that applying phonetic principles could simplify the language and promote its development. Ibrahimov noted the common phonetic and morphological features across different Turkic dialects and pointed out inconsistencies caused by regional variations in writing.
At the end of the session, a Congress commission was established, and resolutions were adopted. According to the principles proposed by F.Aghazade, all Turkic words should be written according to a unified rule, Arabic-origin words must conform to the phonetic rules of Turkic languages, and the adoption of the Latin alphabet must satisfy the requirements of phonetic writing. The application of phonetic orthography would standardize the writing system, eliminate regional discrepancies, and facilitate language development.
The study demonstrates that the principles adopted at the First Turkological Congress are not only of historical significance but also remain relevant for modern reforms and standardization of Turkic languages. The Congress materials continue to serve as a key source for the development of phonetic writing, scientific research, and establishing normative foundations. Consequently, the orthography discussions, the transition to the Latin alphabet, and the application of the phonetic principle at the 1926 Congress represent a turning point in the writing systems of Turkic languages.