Turkic sagas, such as the Ergenekon legend, and written sources such as the Orkhon Inscriptions state that Turkic peoples originated in the nearby Altai Mountains, and, through nomadic settlement, started their long journey westwards.
Kisah-kisah bangsa Turki, seperti legenda Ergenekon, dan sumber-sumber tertulis seperti Prasasti Orkhon menyatakan bahwa bangsa Turki berasal dari wilayah dekat Pegunungan Altai, dan, melalui para nomaden, memulai perjalanan panjang mereka ke arah barat.