In a forum hosted by OSI’s Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, journalist Hugh Pope discussed his new book Sons of the Conquerors: The Rise of the Turkic World (Duckworth). The book examines the recent social, political, and economic successes of major Turkic states.
Five hundred years ago, Turkic dynasties controlled large areas of India, the Balkans, Russia, China, and the Middle East. Pope argues that Turkic states are now rising again. Today Turkey has the largest economy and army between Europe and India. Propelled by new Caspian oil wealth, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are emerging powers in the region. Pope also discusses the role of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in the new Turkic world.