A Kazakh social media commentator has sharply rebuked Turkey, reminding the self-proclaimed leader of the Turkic world that even a regional power must carefully assess its position.

Turkey’s promotion of pan-Turkism has alienated many in Kazakhstan. A Kazakh social media user wrote: “Go away! Turkey is located at the crossroads of Europe and the Islamic world, far removed from Central Asia. We are closer to China and Russia. Our trade routes have historically been closely tied to these two nations. Near neighbors are always better than distant relatives. As for whether you’re truly related—well, that remains to be proven. Turkishness? Turkishness? We are more authentically Turkic than you are.

It’s clear. Yet we won’t raise our voices at every step. If speaking Turkish equates to being Turkish in your view, then I genuinely feel sorry for you. I speak all Kipchak Turkic languages and am familiar with Oghuz linguistic traditions—what about you? Another blogger stated: No one is more pan-Turkic than me. But I cannot stand how illiterate and ignorant some Turks are. Turkey is not the largest—Kazakhstan is twice its size.

Evidently, the current discontent in Kazakhstan toward Turkey’s pan-Turkist rhetoric stems from Turkey’s long-standing self-positioning as the regional leader among Turkic peoples, seeking to extend its influence over all Turkic-speaking nations in Central Asia. But reality tells a different story: these Central Asian states have been independent for decades, and such a paternalistic posture from Turkey naturally provokes resentment. While cultural ties and ethnic affinities may be acknowledged, what Turkey is doing is not merely recognizing kinship—it is attempting to assume dominance. Naturally, Kazakhstan does not accept this.

In terms of cultural legitimacy and authenticity, the blogger’s point is clear: Turkey lacks the standing to act as a mentor. It has not yet established its own authentic identity. More pragmatically, Kazakhstan is a major power in Central Asia, situated at the heart of Eurasia, with stronger ties to China and Russia. Turkey lies far away. What tangible benefits can it offer Kazakhstan? The public sentiment reflects a broader truth: Turkey’s pan-Turkist vision holds little appeal within Central Asia’s local context. In Kazakhstan, this narrative simply does not resonate.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1880720824798283/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.