This article examines the etymology and naming origins of two significant toponyms in West Azerbaijan: Sulduz and Naqadeh. Employing an interdisciplinary approach—drawing upon mythology, historical linguistics, ancient astronomy, and ethnography—the author critiques the popular and folkloric interpretations of these names and traces their older roots to the mythological and cosmological layers of Proto-Turkic peoples. In the first section, the name "Sulduz" is analyzed not as meaning "watery plain" (Sulu Düz), but rather as a mythological compound of the components "Su/Şu" (light, radiance, water-deity) and "Ulduz/Duz" (star, cosmic origin). The author associates it with the concept of the "Shepherd's Star" or "Water Star" (Mercury) and emphasizes its connection to sun-worship and star-cults among the Saka and Oghuz Turks. In the second section, the name "Naqadeh" is introduced as an evolved form of the ancient Turko-Sumerian goddess "Anahita/Inanna" (goddess of water, fertility, and the planet Venus). Citing phonetic evidence, the author regards Naqadeh as a survival of forms like "Nahida" or "Naqida" and compares it with the ancient city of Naqada in Egypt and the Hasanlu Tepe in Sulduz to illustrate the cultural-mythological links between ancient civilizations. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the key role of mythological and cosmological thought among the ancient Turks in shaping the toponymic system of Azerbaijan, and deems purely historical or political interpretations of these names as insufficient and misleading.
Javadi Yekan Saadi (Abdullah Oglu),F . (2026). Etymology of "Sulduz" and "Naqadeh". Studies on Azerbaijan and Turk's History
Azərbaycan və Türk tarixi araşdırmaları, 1(11), 23-346.
MLA
Javadi Yekan Saadi (Abdullah Oglu),F . "Etymology of "Sulduz" and "Naqadeh"", Studies on Azerbaijan and Turk's History
Azərbaycan və Türk tarixi araşdırmaları, 1, 11, 2026, 23-346.
HARVARD
Javadi Yekan Saadi (Abdullah Oglu) F. (2026). 'Etymology of "Sulduz" and "Naqadeh"', Studies on Azerbaijan and Turk's History
Azərbaycan və Türk tarixi araşdırmaları, 1(11), pp. 23-346.
CHICAGO
F Javadi Yekan Saadi (Abdullah Oglu), "Etymology of "Sulduz" and "Naqadeh"," Studies on Azerbaijan and Turk's History
Azərbaycan və Türk tarixi araşdırmaları, 1 11 (2026): 23-346,
VANCOUVER
Javadi Yekan Saadi (Abdullah Oglu) F. Etymology of "Sulduz" and "Naqadeh". Studies on Azerbaijan and Turk's History
Azərbaycan və Türk tarixi araşdırmaları. 2026;1(11):23-346 (In Persian).
