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Euro Asiatic Group
Fig. 1. Distribution of the Türkic written monuments in Eastern Europe
Don, Kuban, Don-Kuban scripts
1 - Mayak fortress, 2 - Khumarian and Karakent fortresses, katakomb burials, 3 - Salsk (conditionally, Salsk-Tsaritsyn),
4 - Novocherkassk (conditionally, village Krivyanskaya), 5 - Kermen-Tolga, 6 - Sedyar, 7 - Mayaks, 8 - Bilyar, 9 - Onoshat,
10-Afanasievo, 11 - Kirov burial ground, 12 - Jitkovsk burial ground
From the Eastern Europe comes one more rune-like inscription, a six-character note under the so-called "Kievan letter", the parchment manuscript, located in the library of the Cambridge University (code Ò - S (Glass) 12, 122). Written with a brush and black ink, publishers dated this inscription the first half of the 10-th c., and the characters are believed by O.Pritsak to be the Orkhon type letters. The offered reading ( HW1R1W2M - I have read (it)) is made with the help of some stretching and is somewhat arbitrary. An acquaintance with the published photo of the text allows to offer the following sketch of the inscription (Fig. 2). It is clear that it may not be ascribed to the Orkhon script, as O.Pritsa believesk, but it is also impossible to confidently attribute it to any known alphabet. The attribution is hindered by the specific shape of the first, fourth and fifth characters from the right. The preservation state of the inscription does not help to ascertain its graphs.
Fig. 2. Rune-like inscription on parchment manuscript of "Kievan letter"
Drawing by the author from N.Golb and O.Pritsak photo
Fig. 4. Ujbat chaatas. Findings of S.A.Teplouhov in the tomb 19
7 - bronze metal plate with gold leaf, 2 - silver vessel with inscription
SY 6 on bottom.
Fig. 5. Monument Edegey 2 - general view of the side of the
stone, 2 - inscription with earlier etchings, 3 - text.
Drawings by the author
Fig. 6. Altai Mountain inscriptions Kalbak-Tash 5 (1) and 4 (2).
By V.M.Nadelyaev
Fig. 7. Location of Achiktash and Isfar script monuments
1 - Achiktash, 2 - Tozbulak, 3 - Kuva, 4 - Kalai-Kafir, 5 - Kalai-Bolo, 6 -
Kizil-Pilyau, 7 - Osh-Hona, 8 - Aktepe, 9 - Altyn - asar
b - canals
Asiatic Group
Fig. 9. Location of monuments with Upper Yenisey script
(Numbers correspond to the Upper Yenisey Script Index)
Spectrum of Inscriptions
Handwriting
Two inscriptions in black ink were found in 1888 by P.S.Proskurjakov on the east wall of the entrance in a large cave in Toguz As (Khakass Toshs Aas) mountain above the same named Ulus on the right bank of the river White Iyus (Khakass Ah Iyus) 2,5 km from the village Efremkino. The same year N.M.Martyanov informed I.R.Aspelin about the find, and his expedition examined and copied the monument, and in the 1889 published an interpretive reproduction of one inscription consisting of five lines. P.S.Proskuryakov in 1890 published an eyeball sketch of both inscriptions, multi-lined and two-lined. In this drawing were also reproduced two groups of the red paint tracings, located to the left of the first line of the main text.
Fig. 12. Epitaph Oznachenoe 2 (Å 104)
Drawing by the author
Fig. 13. Cave Togus As inscriptions (Å
38). Black drawing ink. Drawing by the author
7-Å 38/1;2-Å 38/2
Fig. 14. Inscription with red ink on cliff K¸k Kaya,
r. Es. Khakassia.
Drawing by the author
Epitaphs
First of all
åratïm,
årerdämim,
adïrïdïm,
bökmädim,
jïta,
elim,
qanïm,
qujda
qunčujïm,
qadašïm,
oγlïm,
oγlanïm,
esizimä
Å 4
Transliteration
küč qïj(a)γ(a)n ičr(ä)ki
Translation
(His name-) Ichryaki Küch Kyiagan (literally, internal (rank)) Strong Kyiagan)
Fig. 15. Epitaph Saygyn (E 57)
(For medieval monument was used a deer stone - stela of the the early Iron
Age)
Transliteration
b(e)ηü čur
Translation
(His name-) Bengü Chur
Å 64
Transliteration
jük(ü)nč t(i)rig
Translation
(His name-) Ükünch Tirig (literally, Performance of Live Prayer)
Markers
Fig. 16. Kara Kurgan. Inscription Uybat 5 (Å 34). Drawing by the author
Transliteration
(t2?) öη j(e)rdä q(a)š (e)r t(a)š b(o)l-j(e) (i)j
Translation
Be the boundary stone on the eastern side (like a) hero - man! Observe (this) (you who read it)!
Fig. 17. Inscriptions on the mengirs of the kurgans -
Uzun Oba 1 (Uybat 4, Å 33), 2 - Ust-Sos(Å 134)
Drawings by the author
Å 33
Transliteration
1.okuz.
2.(å)ã kör
Translation
1 Okuz (proper name and personal tamga)
2. Hero-man, know (obey it)!
Å 134
Transliteration
k(ö)r b(e)ηkü : t(a)š b(e)ηk(ü) j(e)r (a)j kü
Translation
Know: (this is) an eternal stone (and) the eternal land! Explain (this) (to others) (and) safeguard (it)!
Pointers
Å 24/1
Transliteration
(e)š(i)l ög(ü)z
Translation
Running River (or river Esel/Isil)
Å 24/6
Transliteration
q(a)n(ï)m el(i)m b(ö)gu (i)ši q(a)ra s(e)η(i)r
Translation
Mine lord and my subjects (you shall know?): Kara-Sengir (ferry?) - is a wise man's thought
Å 24/16
Transliteration
q(a)ra s(e)η(i)r
Translation
Kara-Sengir (literally: Black Cliff of Mountain)
Å 111
Transliteration
b(e)d(i)zl(i)g q(a)ja
Translation
Cliff with images (inscription)
Å 112
Transliteration
t(e)ps(e)j k(e)č(i)g
Translation
Tepsey crossing
Å 114
Transliteration
t(e)bs(e)j k(e)č(i)γ qutl(u)r k(e)č(i)g
Translation
Tepsey crossing - blessed crossing
Å 115
Transliteration
t(ä)ηr(i)dä : qutluγ: t(e)bs(e)j : t(ä)ηri
Translation
From the Sky Tepsey possessed (emanating) blessings by Deity
Fig. 18. Enisey inscriptions of Suley writing 1 - Å 39/1, 2 - Å 39/2
Drawings by the author
Å 39/1
Transliteration
b(e)ηkü q(a)ja
Translation
Eternal cliff
Å 39/2
Transliteration
m(e)ηkü q(a)ja
Translation
Eternal cliff
Fig. 19. Inscription Khay-Baja 2 (Å 24/2). Drawing by the author
Å 24/2
Transliteration
q(a)ra s(e)ηir k(e)čig
Translation
Kara-Sengir crossing (literally: Black Cliff of Mountain crossing)
Prayers
Lexicon
qut
- blessing, live force
qut (beriη) - blessing (endow)
Å 24/10
Transliteration
isiz qul bitmiš (e)s(ä)n
Translation
Undeserving (God's) slave wrote (this) (and) (bacame) healthy
Å 36/2
Transliteration
t(a)ηr(i)m čök bizkä
Translation
God, come down to us
Å 116
Transliteration
t(e)bs(e)j k(e)č(i)g s2(??)q(?n2?)š1(s1, š2, s2)č (e)r(i)l ä t(ä)ηr(i)m ä čök ä j(e)rk(?)(ä?)
Translation
Tepsey crossing... (q(i)s (a)č? - "need and hunger"?)... disappear. My God, come down to earth
Fig. 20. Inscription Kres Khaya (Fyrkaly, Å 137). Drawing by the author
Å 137
Transliteration
b(a)rm (i)č ur(u)η
Translation
Inject a perfect soul (literally: insides)
(Inscription is followed by a personal tamga in lieu of written signature)
Fig. 21. Inscription Foxed 2 (Khakasia),
engraved between images of the Early Iron Age
Drawing by the author
Å ??
Transliteration
q(o)p čoq b(i)t(i)m(i)š : sök(ü)š(ü)η (a)r(ï)m(ï)š
Translation
Despicablest (literally: absolutely contemptible) (God's slave?) wrote (this) (and) your scourge (literally: abuse, curse) was cleared
Drawing by the author
E 138
Transliteration
k(e)z (i)š q(a)ja : uč(u)m : q(a)ja: qa b(i)t(i)d(i)m : j(a)lt : q(a)ja b(i)t(i)gi : t(ï)
Translation
On very benighted cliff, on (in highness) soaring cliff I wrote. (And) inscription on vertical cliff (is) eternal
Fig. 23. Text Uzun Oba 2
Drawing by the author
E ??
Transliteration
1. t(a)t(a)r:iγ (e)li.
2. ig(ä) (ü)č(ü)n : berür.
3. (e)kimiz.
4. külür
Translation
1. Possession (literally: El) of Tatar (proper name)
2. As (to the Spirit-) Owner (here) are brought gifts,
3. Our crops
4. Are guarded
Repentance
Å 24/8
Transliteration
jul (a)pa : tulu (a)q (a)t
Translation
Widow of Yul Aly, detestable, ascend
Fig. 24. Inscription Khaya-Baja 11 (Å 24/11). Drawing by the author
Å 24/11
Transliteration
(a)nï b(i)t(i)gli (i)n(a)η ((a)n(i)η?) in
Translation
Writing this (inscription) Ynang (Anyng? proper name) - is sinful (literally: low)
Reverence
Å 24/5
Transliteration
jig (ï)š jig(i)n s(a)ηun b(i)t(i)d(i)m... [q(a)d(ï)r?] [b(i)l]gä : tutuq : b(e)g : ar(i)qï j(e)ri
Translation
Benevolent deed - I, Yigin Sangun (proper name and title), written: „ Aryk and the land [Kadyr?] [Bil]ge Tutuk Baga
Å 24/7
Transliteration
ïn(a)nču kül(ü)g : čigši: b(e)g : (å)r (e)rd(ä)m(i)m üčün (i)li : (à)lti b(a)γ- k(e)šd(i)mdä : b(e)n : j(e)g (e)rdük(ü)m ol (e)r(i)nč q(a)ra s(e)η(i)r(i)g : j(e)rl(e)d(i)m : udur : č(i)gši
Translation
(I-) Ynanchu Külüg Chigshi Beg (proper name and a title). For my heroic valour I descended (from mountains) (subject is a campaign through Sayan mountains). The best that I did in six-district Keshdim (probably, the ancient name of Tuva) was, perhaps, (that) I, Udur Chigshi, developed (location) Kara-Sengir
Å 24/14
Transliteration
alp (a)γ(i)š(i) n(i)z...
Translation
Your rise of hero...
Å ?? Inscription íà ð. Òýñ (Òýñ 2) â Ìîíãîëèè
Transliteration
tu*(o)p(e)k : (a)lp sol b(i)t(i)d(i)m (e)s(a)n ol(u)rt(I)m
Translation
(I-) Tüpek (Tëpek?) Alp Sol (proper name and title) written: uninjured (literally: safe) I (here) settled
Fig. 25. Inscription íà ñêàëå
Ãîðîäîâàÿ ñòåíà (Å 144) è èçîáðàæåíèÿ ðàííåãî
æåëåçíîãî âåêà
Drawing by the author
Å 24/11
Transliteration
1. (a)lp sol in (a)bγ(i)p ab(a)dγa t(ä)ηri (a)na kem q(a)tun q(a)b(ï)šip jeg àšï (esi?) (a)γ(i) qïlur biz (a)t j(i)r b(i)z.
2. b(a)j b(a)r (e)t(t)(i)m
Translation
1. (I-) Alp Sol (proper name). When (I) destroyed sinful (literally: low) (both) Sky and Mother Kem-river (Yenisei) (or: Divine Mother and river Yenisei) join in comfort, we (all), multiplying good, gain riches (literally: create valuables) (and) use ranks (titles)
2. (So) I (also) became rich
Fig. 26. Inscription Khaya-Baji 9 (Å 24/9)
Drawing by the author
Å 24/9
Transliteration
ji oηoq j(ü)tü t(a)j(a)gu
Translation
Use this share, bearing efforts as a support to governor (tayangu)
Fig. 27. Inscription Mugur-Sargol 1 (E 136). Drawing by the author
Å 24/9
Transliteration
1. b(i)η. bük(ä)dä (a)n(ï)da kü ud(ï)m(ï)z kem ög(ü)z
2. k2ul(u)n b(i)t(i)di
Translation
1. From thousand heroes on (river) Ana we succeded (taking? destroying?) glory. (This / here) is river Kem (Yenisei)
2. (It) wrote Kulun (proper name)
Fig. 28. Inscriptions Drawing by the author
1. Ó òûñÿ÷è ãåðîåâ íà (ðåêå) Àíå ñëàâó ìû ñìîãëè (ïåðåÿòü? óíè÷òîæèòü?). (Ýòî/âîò) ðåêà Êåì (Åíèñåé)
2. (Ýòî) íàïèñàë Êóëóí (proper name)
Visitation
Fig. 28. Inscriptions on the back (E 37/1) and nape
(E 37/2) of sculpture Bogatyr from r. Erba (Khakassia)
Drawing by the author
Å 37/1
Transliteration
1. q(a)raq : örgi b(e)n
2. bö[gä] t(?)(a)št(ï)η2q(?)ï b(e)n
3. tirg(i-e)s (?türg(i-e)s?) b(e)n č(a)ηšï b(e)n
Translation
I - Karak Ërgi (literally: High-ranking Karak)
2. I - Brge Tashtynky [literally: the Internal Hero (rank)
3. I - Tirgesh (? Türgesh?) (and) I - Changshi
Å 37/2
Transliteration
bičig
Translation
Inscription missing
Fig. 29. Yar Khoto (Eastern Turkestan). Yenisei
inscription on a cave wall plaster.
Drawing by the author per impression D.A.
Klements
Å ??
Transliteration
(e)s(a)n b(i)tid(i)m
Translation
I, Esen (literally: Uninjured/Healthy), wrote (this)
Exorcise
Fig. 30. Inscriptions on objects
1,2 - bronze mirrors, 3 - iron dagger
(1 - Minusinsky museum (E 127), 2 - village Old Knyshi, 3 - village
Beyskoe)
Drawings by the author
Å 127
Transliteration
(a)sur q(a)c
Translation
Asury, go! (Evil spirit, disappear!)
Å ?? 2 - bronze mirror
Transliteration
(e)n (a)r (i)k...
Translation
Lowly dissociate, illness... (expel?)
Å ??
Transliteration
ku
Translation
Protect (guard)!
Fig. 31. Inscription Kunya mountain (Khakassia)
Drawing by the author
Å ??
Transliteration
(a)z(ï)p (a)q(i)t
Translation
Lose way! Be averted!
Explanationary
Å ?? inscription from Hovd-Somon (Mongolia)
Transliteration
tuγčï borγ(i)čï j(a)γ(ï)z čur tuγr(à)γi
Translation
(This) tamga of flag-bearier and trumpeter Yagyz Chur
Fig. 32. Inscriptions on bronze coins
1 - Minusinsk museum (E 78), 2 - village Kaptyrev (E 79)
Drawings by the author (1 - without scale)
Å 78
Transliteration
b(i)η i ur(u)m (a)qča
Translation
Ping and (?). Minted (cast?) money
Å 79
Transliteration
b(a)qïr : b2či(ä?) kič(i)g : ur(u)q a
Translation
Money - bakyr... (?).-Small mint
Fig. 33. Inscriptions on bronze coins (7,3) and tip
of a belt (2).
Drawings by the author
1 - village Kamenka, 2-village Bellyk (E 80), 3 - Krasnoyarsk
Å ?? village Kamenka
Transliteration
(e)d
Translation
Riches, property
Å 80 village Bellyk
Transliteration
čur2
Translation
Chur (proper name or title)
Å ?? Krasnoyarsk
Transliteration
idi
Translation
Owner, possessor
Ownership
Å 76 Messershmidt mirror
Transliteration
küd (a)ruq b(e)k : küzküsi
Translation
Küd Aruk Beg's Mirror
Å 77 Martin mirror
Transliteration
å(ã) (a)ηq(a)s töš(e)k : küzk(ü)m : öz(ü)k(i)
Translation
Person Ankas Tyoshek, a piece of my mirror
Å ?? Silver vessel found by V.V.Radlov in Katandin kurgan on Altai
Transliteration
(å) Hi) g c(a)ij
Translation
Governor-chang (or: Governor in "chang" rank)
Blessing
Fig. 34. Signs and inscriptions on bottom of silver
vessel from Hakass-Minusinsk depression (State Hemitage, cat. ¹ SK-590)
7 - general view, 2 - wish inscription
Drawings by the author
Å ?? State Hemitages, inv. ¹ SK-590
Transliteration
(a)tl(ï)γ bol : (i)nl(i)g bol(u)η
Translation
Be (those) with name, be (with) tamga
Fig. 35. Tamgas on stella, accompanied memorial
fencing with inscription Edegey 1.
Drawing by the author
Fig. 36. Composition types of epitaph monuments
1,2-first type (orhon script: 1 - Second Eastern-Türkic Kaganate, 2 Uigur
Kaganate),
3 - second type (Yenisei script: Ancient Khakass state)
Fig. 37. Epitaph monuments of Tuva's Chiks
E 2 - third composition type, E 51 - transit variation from third to
second type, E 109 - second type
Fig. 38. Fourth composition type of epitaph monuments (Talas script)
ηγčšöïäü