An Evaluation of the Inscription in Princess Bilgä’s Tomb

Abstract

In the tomb of Princess Bilgä, who held a prominent position in the Second Turkic Khaganate, an extraordinary inscription spanning 23 lines, each containing 23 characters, extolled her beauty and wisdom. This monumental inscription, measuring 7.5 cm in thickness and 60 x 60 cm in dimensions, is adorned with intricate floral motifs on all four sides. Discovered in 1983 within the residence of a local farmer residing in the town of Luozhou, located in the Fujou district of China’s Fujian province, known as Dayan Qian, this historical artifact is now carefully preserved within the Fujou County Museum. Remarkably, the inscription concludes with a dedication, etched in bold characters, declaring it as the “Memorial Stone of Jichu (激秋) Palace, distinguished for its exquisite calligraphy and artistic significance.” Researchers have subsequently affirmed that this marks the ownership of Chen Chenshi, the father of Chen Bao Chen, who was a mentor to Puyi Emperor. In this comprehensive study, our aim is to shed light on the significant historical narrative encapsulated within the monumental inscription found in the tomb of Princess Bilgä of the Second Turkic Khaganate. We also endeavor to translate this inscription into Old Turkic and present it to the global scientific community, contributing to our collective understanding of this remarkable historical artifact.

Keywords

• Princess Bilgä
• Old Turkic History
• Second Turkic Khaganate

Prenses Bilge’nin Türbesindeki Yazıt Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme

Öz

In the tomb of Princess Bilgä, who held a prominent position in the Second Turkic Khaganate, an extraordinary inscription spanning 23 lines, each containing 23 characters, extolled her beauty and wisdom. This monumental inscription, measuring 7.5 cm in thickness and 60 x 60 cm in dimensions, is adorned with intricate floral motifs on all four sides. Discovered in 1983 within the residence of a local farmer residing in the town of Luozhou, located in the Fujou district of China’s Fujian province, known as Dayan Qian, this historical artifact is now carefully preserved within the Fujou County Museum. Remarkably, the inscription concludes with a dedication, etched in bold characters, declaring it as the “Memorial Stone of Jichu (激秋) Palace, distinguished for its exquisite calligraphy and artistic significance.” Researchers have subsequently affirmed that this marks the ownership of Chen Chenshi, the father of Chen Bao Chen, who was a mentor to Puyi Emperor. In this comprehensive study, our aim is to shed light on the significant historical narrative encapsulated within the monumental inscription found in the tomb of Princess Bilgä of the Second Turkic Khaganate. We also endeavor to translate this inscription into Old Turkic and present it to the global scientific community, contributing to our collective understanding of this remarkable historical artifact.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Princess Bilgä
• Old Turkic History
• Second Turkic Khaganate

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