How did the migration of Turkic-speaking peoples spread their languages across Eurasia?

The spread of Turkic languages across Eurasia was driven by the gradual migration and expansion of Turkic-speaking groups from the Eurasian steppes. Historically, this process involved the movement of distinct branches—such as the Uyghur, Oghuz, and Kipchak—into diverse regions.1

The Oghuz peoples migrated primarily southeastward into Iran, Anatolia, and the Caucasus, while the Kipchak groups moved toward the Pontic steppes. Other migrations were spurred by the rise of powerful nomadic confederacies, such as the one established in the 6th century in the Altai Mountains, which extended from the borders of China to the Caspian Sea. This expansion often triggered further displacement, funneling various groups toward Europe.12

Over time, these migrations led to the extensive Turkicization of regions like Turkistan and Tatarstan, particularly from the 13th century onward. As these groups settled in new territories, the interaction between different populations resulted in the mixture and leveling of various Turkic varieties, creating major contact areas in regions such as the Oxus and Crimea.1