A "Turk" typically refers to a person from Turkey, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The term can also relate to the Turkic peoples, a group of ethnicities that share linguistic and cultural ties. The Turkish language is the most widely spoken among these groups. In a historical context, "Turk" can refer to the Ottoman Empire, which was founded by Turkish tribes in the late 13th century and lasted until the early 20th century. The empire played a significant role in world history, influencing culture, trade, and politics across multiple regions.