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PRE-ISLAMIC BELIEF OF THE TURKS OF CENTRAL ASIA

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Ayubov A.R.

Abstract

The article examines the religious beliefs of the Turkic tribes of Central Asia before the arrival of the Arabs and the spread of Islam. According to written sources and scientific literature, the religion of the Turks of Central Asia was monotheistic. Their god was called Tengri and personified one god, the God of Heaven and the God of the Sun and Fire. The name of this god originates from the religious beliefs of the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. It is noted that the veneration of Tengri in Central Asia was enriched under the influence of local beliefs. Tengrism of the Turks, like Zoroastrianism, also included the ideas of Mithraism. Along with this, some of the Turks, under the influence of the Sogdians, adhered to Zoroastrianism. They also practiced some other religions, but did not accept them en masse.

Keywords

Central Asia, the religious of the Turkic tribes, the monotheistic religion, pre-Islamic religious belief,  Tengri, Zoroastrianism

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Publication date

Wednesday, 26 June 2024