Known as Turan to the Persians, western Turkestan has also been known historically as Sogdia, "Ma wara'u'n-nahr" (by its Arab conquerors), and Transoxiana by western travelers. The latter two names refer to its position be… See more

Of Persian origin (see -stan), the term "Turkestan" (ترکستان) had historically never referred to a single nation state. Iranian geographers first used the word to describe the place where Turkic peoples lived. According t… See more

The history of Turkestan dates back to at least the third millennium BC. Many artifacts were produced in that period, with much trade being conducted. The region was a focal point for cultural diffusion, as the Silk Road… See more