Orkhon inscriptions

The Orkhon Inscriptions are two monumental steles erected by the Göktürks in the early 8th century CE in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley. These inscriptions, written in Old Turkic and Chinese, commemorate the achievements of the Turkic leaders Kul Tigin and Bilge Khagan. They provide a valuable historical account of the Göktürk Empire's legendary origins, political struggles, and interactions, including conflicts and diplomacy with the Chinese Tang dynasty. The inscriptions are vital for understanding the early use of the Old Turkic script, showcasing a transition from rune-based writing to a structured alphabet influenced by the Sogdian script. These steles are considered significant artifacts reflecting the cultural and political dynamics of the Turkic nomadic society during the Early Post-Classical Period.