The Chinese Wall was built throughout history to protect China from the attacks of nomadic tribes from the north, especially the Turkish tribes. Why was the Wall of China built? • For defensive purposes: the main reason was to protect…devamıThe Chinese Wall was built throughout history to protect China from the attacks of nomadic tribes from the north, especially the Turkish tribes.
Why was the Wall of China built?
• For defensive purposes: the main reason was to protect China against the attacks of nomadic communities in the north (especially tribes of Turkish and Mongolian origin).
• to draw the border: Chinese empires, thanks to this set, determined the boundaries of their own territory and provided management control.
• trade and migration control: it was used to protect and control trade routes from China to Central Asia.
By whom was it made?
• first foundations (7th century BC): first in the form of small walls, it was built by different kingdoms in the north of China (for example, the yan, zhao and qin states).
• Qin dynasty (221–206 BC): Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, combined these small walls into a large line of defense. This is considered the basis of today's Great Wall of China.
• Han dynasty (206 bc – 220 ad): further expanded and strengthened the greed.
• Ming dynasty (1368–1644): The most solid and magnificent parts of stone and brick, visited by tourists today, were built in this period.
When was it made?
• Its construction started in the 7th century BC.
• During the Ming dynasty (14th – 17th centuries), it was made close to its largest and current state.
• In other words, its construction continued in different periods for more than 2000 years.
Interesting information:
• The Chinese call this structure "wanli changcheng", that is, "10,000 long wall".
• Satellite images and archaeological studies have shown that the embankment reaches a length of more than 21,000 km with its arms.
• It is claimed that it can be seen from space, but this is unlikely to be seen with the naked eye (city lights or highways are more visible).
The legends, myths developing around the Chinese Wall and its relationship with the Turks are quite interesting both in terms of history and symbol.
1. Legends and myths about the mall of China
“The story of meng jiangnu” – the wall that collapsed with love, pain and tears
It is one of the most famous legends of Chinese folk literature.
• Meng jiangnu's wife is forcibly taken to the construction of the Great wall of China. The woman makes a long journey to take thick clothes to her in the middle of winter.
• When he arrives at the wall, he learns that his wife died due to cold, hunger and difficult conditions.
• bursts into tears with pain and cries so much that a part of the Wall of China collapses where he cries.
Symbolism: this legend criticizes the silent resistance of the people against oppression and tyranny, the power of human love and imperial tyranny.
2. Historical connection between the Chinese Wall and the Turks
The Chinese Wall actually rose with the "fear of Turkish".
• Great steppe tribes such as the Göktürks, Huns and xiongnu (Asian Huns) were very influential on the northern borders of China.
• Chinese empires constantly expanded and strengthened the wall to protect it from the raids of these tribes.
• In fact, in Chinese sources, the concepts used for huns and Turks are referred to as "barbarians of the north" (but of course this definition belongs to the China-centered point of view).
• Turks have crossed, surrounded and even captured some of them from time to time.
Escan culture vs settled culture
• The Chinese Wall became a symbol of the border between the nomadic-steppe culture and the established imperial culture.
• In this respect, it is seen not only as a defense structure, but also as a symbol of the conflict of civilization.
3. Deep meanings and interpretations of the Chinese Seddi
Border of civilization
• Although the sed is touted as the "border drawn by civilization against the barbarians", it is actually the state of China's fears turned into stone.
• In a way, it is also a symbol of China's historical distrust of the north and respect for the resistance of the steppe peoples.
Forced labor and labor tragedy
• Millions of people were forced to work in the construction of the wall.
• Thousands of workers died due to hunger, disease and ill-treatment.
• that's why some areas are called "the longest cemetery in the world" among the people.
What did the Turkish hakan who saw the Chinese Wall say?
• "If we were afraid of the wall, we wouldn't fight the Chinese anyway."