A 6th-century bronze coin with the Sogdian inscription "Twrk x'γ'n" has been found in Tashkent, according to the "Oyina" publication.
It is said that the coin belonged to the Western Gokturk Khaganate and may have been a descendant of Istemi Khagan, the founder of the Turkish Empire. The inscription on it is translated as "Turk Khagan," and the coin may be the oldest, first find in history where the word "Turk" is recorded.
This find was made by a researcher at the National Archaeological Center of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Professor, Doctor of Sciences Gaybulla Boboyorov.
According to the publication, among the many ancient coins found near Tashkent, this coin, although seemingly simple, stands out with a worthy basis - the reflection of the word "turk" in the Sogdian script. The first mention of this term was previously associated with the monuments of Kul-Tegin and Bilge-Kagan. The discovered coin dates back to 580-610 BC, indicating its connection to a previous period.
