Ulukayın
Tree of Life in Turkic mythology connecting earth and sky.
Ulukayın is the Tree of Life in Turkic mythology, folk belief, and shamanism, serving as the cosmic link between earth and sky. It was planted by Kayra at the same time the world was created, and it stands at the exact center of the Earth, extending through the underground and into the sky. Its branches support the heavens, while its roots pass through every layer of the Earth and reach into a subterranean ocean. The Öksökö bird circles and flies around the tree, sometimes perching at its peak. The nine branches of Ulukayın gave rise to the nine tribes—either the nine Turkic tribes or the nine great human races on Earth. Umay Ana is the tree’s guardian and uses it when descending to the world. Kübey Hanım dwells within it. From its roots flows the water of life, known as Bengüsu. The tree holds a vital place in Turkish mythology, piercing the sky and rising to unknown heights. One of its branches reaches toward the Sun, the other toward the Moon. Ülgen sits on the hill of the tree. It is sometimes considered a pine tree, with the Moon on one side and the Sun on the other. In some accounts, Demirdağ stands upon it. Eight shadows are referred to as nine roots. People’s souls, resembling small birds, fly among the branches. The practice of tying cloth (ragut) to a tree to make a wish is also linked to this tree. Under the influence of Manichaeism, a Tree of Death—opposite to the Tree of Life—entered Turkish culture but never became widespread. Ulukayın is sometimes described as two trees from the same root, fitting its two peaks, known as Mount World.
Çalama refers to the act of tying a rag to a sacred object or entity in Turkish folk belief, especially to trees, and is connected to faith in Ulukayın. The word is expressed with the verb “to steal” in Turkish, and in this context it can mean the fermentation of a thought or wish offered to a holy place. Tying ribbons to sacrificial rams also relates to this practice. One meaning of “stealing” is to cut fabric, and the term may be linked to the concept of Yal/Al.
Turuğ is the shaman’s tree in folklore. When Qurmusta Tengri crea
- field
- Turkic mythology, folk belief, shamanism
- known_for
- Tree of Life connecting earth and sky; source of nine tribes; associated with Umay Ana and Kübey Hanım
Lore & Background
Ulukayın was erected by Kayra and created with the world. It stands at the very center of the Earth, underground and sky, with branches that hold up the sky and roots that pierce all layers of the Earth, extending into the subterranean ocean. The Öksökö bird spins around and flies, sometimes landing on its top. The nine tribes—either the nine tribes of the Turks or the nine great human races on Earth—are derived from the nine branches of this tree. Umay Ana is the owner of the Tree of Life and uses it while descending to the Earth, and Kübey Hanım lives in this tree. From its roots flows the water of life (Bengüsu). One of Ulukayın's branches extends to the Sun and the other to the Moon, and Ülgen sits on its hill. It is sometimes considered a pine tree. People's souls fly
Reader's Guide
Ulukayın holds a very important place in Turkish mythology as the cosmic axis that pierces the skies and rises to unknown heights. It symbolizes the connection between the earthly and divine realms, serving as a bridge for spirits and deities. The tree's nine branches represent the foundational tribes or races of humanity, linking cosmology to social structure. Its association with Umay Ana and Kübey Hanım underscores its role in fertility and life. The practice of tying cloth to trees (Çalama) as a wish-making ritual derives from faith in Ulukayın, reflecting a living tradition that persists in folk belief. The tree's resin, ilge, is said to grant power, and its imagery influenced the dream of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire, suggesting a lasting symbolic legacy. The related concepts of Turuğ (the shaman's tree) and Serge (the holy pole) further illustrate the centrality of trees and poles in Turkic cosmology as markers of spiritual authority and connection to the cosmos. Ulukayın remains a key symbol of life, continuity, and the sacred order of the universe.
Did You Know?
- Ulukayın was erected by Kayra and created with the world.
- The nine tribes of the Turks or the nine great human races are derived from its nine branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ulukayın in Turkic mythology?
Ulukayın is the great Tree of Life that serves as the cosmic axis binding the underworld, the earth, and the heavens into one structure in Turkic shamanic belief. It stands at the precise center of the world, its roots plunging into a subterranean ocean while its branches hold up the sky.
Who planted Ulukayın and when did it come into existence?
Kayra planted Ulukayın at the very instant the world was created, making the tree as old as the cosmos itself. Its existence is therefore inseparable from the origin story of all things in Turkic myth.
What role does the Öksökö bird play around Ulukayın?
The Öksökö is the divine bird that perpetually circles the tree and at times perches at its highest peak. Its constant flight around the trunk reinforces the tree's function as the meeting point of all cosmic layers.
How are the nine Turkic tribes connected to Ulukayın?
The nine major branches of the world-tree are said to have given rise to the nine tribes, making Ulukayın their mythic ancestor and unifying symbol. This origin narrative ties tribal identity directly to the cosmic tree at the center of the earth.
Which other figures are linked to Ulukayın in Turkic folk belief?
Ulukayın is closely associated with Umay Ana and Kübey Hanım, who are connected to the tree's life-giving and protective aspects within the broader shamanic cosmology. Together they form a triad of sacred figures surrounding the world-tree.
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