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The Albanian Roots of Turkish "YILDIZ" (Star).

The Albanian Roots of Turkish "YILDIZ" (Star)
Abstract
This article challenges prevailing etymologies of the Turkish word "YILDIZ" (star), proposing an Albanian origin. Contrary to Proto-Turkic and Old Uighur theories, the Albanian connection provides a more plausible explanation.
Introduction
The Turkish word "YILDIZ" (star) has sparked intense etymological debate. This article reexamines prevailing theories, presenting a compelling case for Albanian roots.

The Turkish-Albanian Linguistic Exchange: A Historical Perspective
The Turkish pastoral tribes' migration into Byzantine urban areas facilitated linguistic borrowing. Without existing words, they adopted local terms, particularly from Albanian.
Historical Context
- 11th-14th centuries: Turkish tribes entered Byzantine territories
- Albanian-speaking populations inhabited regions surrounding Constantinople
- Linguistic exchange occurred through cultural and trade interactions
Linguistic Evidence
- Turkish adoption of Albanian words:
    - YILDIZ (star) from Albanian "yll" (star) and "n'diz" (to burn)
    - Other loanwords: e.g., Turkish "köy" (village) from Albanian "kjotë"
Prevailing Theories
Etymologists suggest:
1. Proto-Turkic *yulduŕ (star)
2. Old Uighur ywlʾ (yula, torch)
3. Proto-Turkic *yal (to burn, flame)
However, these theories have limitations, lacking concrete linguistic evidence.
The Albanian Connection
The Albanian word "yll" (star) and "n'diz" (to burn) offer a compelling etymological explanation:
"Yll" + "n'diz" → "YILDIZ"
This borrowing likely occurred during the Ottoman Empire's interactions with Albanian-speaking populations.
Linguistic Evidence 2:
1. Phonological similarity: Albanian "yll" and Turkish "yıldız"
2. Semantic connection: "star" and "to burn"
3. Historical context: Ottoman-Albanian linguistic exchange
Challenging Ideologo-Etymologies

Prevailing theories are ideologo-etymologies, lacking linguistic rigor. The Albanian connection provides a much more plausible explanation.
Conclusion
The Turkish word "YILDIZ" (star) has Albanian roots, derived from "yll" (star) and "n'diz" (to burn). This etymological revelation highlights the significance of Albanian-Turkish linguistic exchange.
The Albanian word "yll" (star) and dialectal variations of "to burn":
- N'dez (standard)
- Dez
- Dhez
- Kalle
offer a compelling etymological explanation:
"Yll" + "N'dez"/"Dez"/"Dhez" → "YILDIZ"
References
- Albanian Language and Literature Institute. (n.d.). Albanian Etymology.
- Nişanyan, S. (2017). Turkish Etymology Dictionary.

Author
Fatmir Iliazi is a linguistics enthusiast exploring language and culture.




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