What was the name of the ancient Turkic people who inhabited Central Asia?

The ancient Turkic people who inhabited Central Asia were known as the Göktürks. They were a nomadic confederation of Turkic tribes that lived in the region during the 6th century CE. The Göktürks were originally composed of several tribes that spoke different languages and lived in different areas of Central Asia. The tribes were united by the rulers of the Göktürk Khaganate, which was one of the largest empires in the world at the time.

The Göktürks played a significant role in the history of Central Asia and beyond. They established a powerful empire that spanned from Mongolia to the Black Sea, and they were instrumental in spreading Turkic culture and language throughout the region. They also had a profound influence on the political and cultural development of China, particularly during the Sui and Tang dynasties.