Place and role of toponyms in Azerbaijani ethnolinguistics Sheki

Azerbaijani toponyms, particularly those rooted in Sheki's ethnic history, serve as critical markers of cultural identity and linguistic heritage. This study reveals that etnotoponyms—place names tied to tribal origins—reflect deep-seated ethnolinguistic patterns, offering a lens through which to reinterpret the complex ethnogenesis of Azerbaijan's Turkic populations. By analyzing Sheki's toponymic landscape, researchers demonstrate how these names encode historical narratives, bridging gaps between linguistics, anthropology, and geography. The approach integrates onomastics (the study of proper names) with ethnolinguistic theory, drawing on frameworks established by pioneers like Franz Boas and Wilhelm von Humboldt to unpack the semantic layers of place names. Findings underscore the significance of Sheki's toponyms in reconstructing Azerbaijan's ethnic history, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting their role as living archives of cultural memory.

Ilyasova, J. (2024). Place and role of toponyms in Azerbaijani ethnolinguistics Sheki. Filologiya Məsələləri Journal of Philological Issues, (11), 247. https://doi.org/10.62837/2024.11.247