The ancient Turks, including the Göktürks and Seljuks, played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Central Asia, the Middle East, and Anatolia. Originating from the vast steppes of Central Asia, they developed a nomadic way of life that emphasized horsemanship, warfare, and trade. Over time, they transitioned into settled societies, particularly during the Seljuk period, blending their nomadic traditions with Persian, Islamic, and Byzantine influences.
This article explores the social structure, homes, clothing, diet, economy, religion, governance, and military aspects of daily life among the ancient Turks.
1. Social Structure: A Hierarchical yet Mobile Society
The ancient Turks had a tribal society built around family, clans, and military alliances.
Key Social Classes
Khan and Nobles (Begs or Beys) – The rulers and aristocracy, responsible for governance and military leadership.
Warriors and Horsemen – Highly respected, forming the backbone of the military.
Craftsmen and Merchants – Engaged in trade, blacksmithing, and textile production.
Herders and Farmers – Nomadic pastoralists who raised horses, sheep, and camels or farmed in settled areas.
Slaves and Servants – Often captives from warfare, serving in domestic or military roles.
The Göktürks maintained a more nomadic and warrior-based society, while the Seljuks, influenced by Persian and Islamic culture, developed a more bureaucratic system.
2. Homes and Settlements
Göktürks: The Nomadic Lifestyle
Yurts (Ger) – Circular, portable felt tents made of wood and animal hides, suitable for easy relocation.
Encampments along rivers and grasslands – Set up near grazing lands for their livestock.
Fortified tribal centers – Some settled areas had wooden fortresses for protection.
Seljuks: The Transition to Settlements
Mud-brick and stone houses – Found in cities and towns, influenced by Persian and Byzantine architecture.
Caravanserais – Large roadside inns that accommodated merchants and travelers along trade routes.
Palaces and Mosques – Built in Persian and Islamic styles, often decorated with intricate tilework.
While Göktürks remained largely nomadic, the Seljuks embraced urbanization, developing cities like Isfahan and Konya as cultural and political centers.
3. Clothing and Personal Appearance
The Turks wore functional and durable clothing, suited for both riding and warfare.
Men’s Clothing
Long tunics with belts, often layered with fur-lined coats in winter.
Trousers and leather boots, ideal for horseback riding.
Metal or leather armor for warriors, including chainmail and lamellar armor.
Tall felt hats or fur caps, sometimes adorned with feathers.
Women’s Clothing
Embroidered tunics and robes, sometimes reaching the ankles.
Headscarves or veils, depending on cultural and religious influences.
Jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones, symbolizing status.
Grooming and Hairstyles
Men often had long hair and beards, sometimes braided.
Women wore their hair in long braids, decorated with beads or metal ornaments.
Tattoos and face paint were sometimes used for tribal identity.
The Seljuks, influenced by Islamic customs, favored more modest clothing, while Göktürks maintained steppe warrior styles.
4. Food and Diet: The Steppe and the City
The Turks adapted their diet based on their environment, whether nomadic or settled.
Nomadic Diet (Göktürks)
Meat – Horse, sheep, goat, and cattle were staple proteins.
Dairy – Fermented mare’s milk (kumis), yogurt, and cheese were essential.
Dried and smoked meat, preserved for long journeys.
Wild game, including deer and rabbits.
Settled Diet (Seljuks)
Grains – Wheat, barley, and rice became dietary staples.
Fruits and nuts – Dates, pomegranates, and almonds, influenced by Persian cuisine.
Spices and bread, including flatbreads and pilaf, became common.
Tea and sherbets, replacing fermented dairy as preferred drinks.
The Seljuks embraced Persian and Arabic culinary traditions, creating a fusion of flavors that influenced later Turkish cuisine.
5. Trade and Economy: A Thriving Commercial Network
The ancient Turks were skilled in trade, blacksmithing, and warfare, which shaped their economy.
Major Economic Activities
Livestock herding, including horses, camels, and sheep.
Blacksmithing, especially in crafting weapons, armor, and tools.
Silk Road trade, exchanging furs, textiles, and precious metals with China, Persia, and Byzantium.
Raiding and tribute, often extracting wealth from conquered regions.
The Seljuks, in particular, benefited from caravan trade routes, making cities like Baghdad and Isfahan wealthy commercial hubs.
6. Religion and Beliefs
Göktürk Religion: Tengriism and Shamanism
Tengri, the Sky God, was the supreme deity.
Nature spirits and ancestor worship played key roles.
Shamans acted as healers, spiritual guides, and diviners.
Seljuk Religion: Islam and Sufism
The Seljuks converted to Sunni Islam, adopting Persian and Arabic religious traditions.
Madrasas (Islamic schools) flourished, promoting science, philosophy, and theology.
Sufi mysticism, including poets like Rumi, shaped religious thought.
While Göktürks remained animistic, the Seljuks embraced Islam, influencing the later Ottoman Empire.
7. Governance and Law
The Turks followed tribal leadership but later adopted bureaucratic governance.
Göktürk Leadership
The Khan ruled with divine authority, claiming legitimacy from Tengri.
Tribal assemblies (Kurultai) made key decisions.
Laws were oral traditions, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and revenge.
Seljuk Governance
Sultans ruled in Persian-Islamic style, with viziers (advisors).
Sharia law and Persian administrative systems structured governance.
Local emirs governed provinces, maintaining military and economic order.
The Seljuks moved from steppe tribalism to an Islamic-Persian model, blending old and new traditions.
8. Military and Warfare: The Turkish Edge
Turkish warriors were feared cavalrymen, using hit-and-run tactics to overwhelm enemies.
Weapons and Tactics
Recurved composite bows, perfect for mounted archery.
Curved swords (Kilij) and spears for close combat.
Chainmail and lamellar armor, offering protection while allowing mobility.
Wolf-pack tactics, surrounding and harassing enemy formations.
The Seljuks, adopting Persian and Arab tactics, formed organized armies and elite slave soldiers (Ghulams), creating an early Islamic military model.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Conquest and Culture
From the nomadic Göktürks of Central Asia to the empire-building Seljuks, the ancient Turks shaped Eurasian history. Their daily life was marked by horsemanship, warfare, trade, and adaptation. While Göktürks remained steppe warriors, the Seljuks built cities, embraced Islam, and laid the foundation for the later Ottoman Empire. Their traditions continue to influence Turkey and Central Asia today.
