Turkic mythology
Myths of the Turkic people blending Tengrism, shamanism, and later religions.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Turkic mythology refers to the myths and legends told by the Turkic people, featuring Tengrist and Shamanist beliefs along with constructs related to the nomadic and warrior way of life of Turkic and Mongol peoples in ancient times. It shares numerous ideas and practices with Mongol mythology and has influenced other local Asiatic and Eurasian mythologies.
- field
- Mythology and religion
- known_for
- Tengrism, mythical creatures (e.g., Tulpar, Tepegöz), and the Irk Bitig manuscript
- nationality
- Turkic peoples
Lore & Background
The oldest recorded belief-system of the Turks is Tengrism, attested by the Kül-Tegin-Stele, which mentions Sky (täŋri), Earth (Yer), and human (kişi). Over time, specific Turkic groups adopted various religions—such as Tibetan Buddhism among the Uyghurs, Nestorian Christianity among the Naimans, Judaism among the Khazars, and Manichaeism among the Uyghurs—before the majority's conversion to Islam through Persian and Central Asian culture and Sufi preaching. The Irk Bitig, a 9th-century manuscript found in Dunhuang, is a key source for Turkic mythology and religion.
Reader's Guide
Turkic mythology is significant for preserving the pre-Islamic beliefs of the Turkic peoples, including the worship of Tengri, the sky god, and other deities like Umay and Erlik. It reflects the nomadic lifestyle, with the horse as a central symbol, and includes mythical creatures such as the winged horse Tulpar and the cyclops Tepegöz. The mythology also shows syncretism with Buddhism, as seen in the Turkish phrase 'güneş tutulması' (solar eclipse) derived from a Buddhist story. After conversion to Islam, many elements were integrated, with figures like Erlik becoming associated with Şeytan. The mythology continues to influence modern Turkish culture and language.
Did You Know?
- The Irk Bitig, a 9th-century manuscript found in Dunhuang, is one of the most important sources for Turkic mythology.
- The Turkish term 'güneş tutulması' (solar eclipse) literally means 'the sun is seized,' a phrase that likely entered Turkic languages through later folk etymology or borrowing from Indian mythology, not from native Turki
- According to the Altai Turks, human beings are actually descended from trees.
- The dragon (Ejderha; Evren) is often malevolent or ambivalent in Turkic mythology, not consistently a symbol of blessing and goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkic mythology?
Turkic mythology is the collective body of myths, legends, and spiritual traditions passed down among Turkic peoples across the steppe and beyond. It blends Tengrist sky-worship, shamanic ritual, and later religious influences into narratives deeply rooted in nomadic and warrior culture.
What are the core beliefs at the heart of Turkic mythology?
The tradition centers on Tengrism—the reverence of the supreme sky god Tengri—alongside shamanic practices that mediate between the human and spirit realms. Together these beliefs shaped how Turkic and Mongol communities understood creation, fate, and humanity's place in the natural order.
What is the Irk Bitig and why does it matter to fans of Turkic myth?
The Irk Bitig is a manuscript tied to Turkic mythological tradition that preserves cosmological ideas and narrative material from the Turkic peoples. It is one of the principal textual anchors scholars and enthusiasts use to reconstruct the wider mythic canon.
Which mythical creatures are most iconic in Turkic mythology?
The Tulpar, a winged horse symbolizing speed and divine favor, and Tepegöz, a towering giant hero celebrated for his strength and cunning, are two of the most recognizable figures in the tradition. Their stories form some of the most widely retold legends across Turkic and neighboring cultures.
How does Turkic mythology relate to Mongol mythology?
The two traditions share a deep reservoir of common deities, motifs, and narrative structures forged through centuries of steppe coexistence, trade, and intermarriage between Turkic and Mongol groups. This mutual influence also radiated outward, leaving echoes in other Eurasian mythological systems.
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