Interaction of the Altai Fire Cult with the Turkic Peoples and Buryats
Chapter from the book:
Tansü,
Y.
E.
(ed.)
2024.
Selected Articles in the Field of History -VII.
Synopsis
Since ancient times, people have believed that fire contains a divine power. Many features of fire, such as protecting them from the cold, being used to cook food, and burning and destroying, aroused admiration in ancient societies. This admiration, combined with experiences over time, formed the fire cult. There is no information about when this cult was born. As a result of the research, it is thought that the fire rituals performed since the Late Bronze Age are mainly related to women and children. Based on these views, it would be appropriate to say that the history of the fire cult is very deep. Fire symbolized purification in many forms, from birth to death. In shaman rituals, it has gained some new values as a protector of fire and hearth. There are many legends about fire in Turkish mythology. According to the Altaians, the great god Ülgen discovered fire. For this reason, they show great respect towards fire. Many Turkish people, especially the Altai Turks, and communities such as the Buryats have many common features of the fire cult. It is seen that the first examples of the common roots of the fire cult are found among the Altai people and the Buryat people living in the Altai region. Both communities have created many common traditions regarding this cult. The effects of the Fire cult, which spread to the Turkish generation, are clearly seen not only in the Altai region and its neighbors, but also in the Anatolian geography today. Among the Altai Turks, the tradition of neighbors bringing fuel to the newlywed bride's house and praying that the stove never goes out can be cited as an example of this situation. Today, the same logic is observed in many Turkmen villages of Anatolia. In our study, we will focus on the effects of the fire cult among the Altai Turks, other Turkish peoples and the Buryats, and will try to convey the meaning of Fire for the Turks from early times to the present and the many features of the fire cult that continue to be kept alive.