Definition: The word "Altaian" is a name used for individuals or groups who speak a language spoken in the region known as Altaic, which encompasses parts of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) to Iran and beyond. This term comes from the Ancient Greek words "Aloka" ("to talk") and "Aniathos" ("mountain"). It indicates that these people are speakers of an ancient and distinct language spoken in a region where modern languages can be traced back. The exact language is not known, but it seems to have been primarily used for religious and cultural purposes. The use of the word "Altaian" likely dates from the Middle Ages when Altaic was one of several languages in which written records were not available. However, its pronunciation and use became more prominent during the 19th century with the rise of various European immigration to the region. The term "Altaian" is often used colloquially or among scholars for historical purposes to denote speakers of an ancient language spoken by a distant people in present-day Turkey, Iran, or beyond.

Altaian