The Turks had a massive impact on much of Europe. Owing to their nomadic tribal lifestyle, the ancient Turks came into contact with a diverse array of cultures and ideologies.
Because Turkish gods and mythological animals are not indigenous to Europe, their mythologies are very different from one another. Still, they’ve influenced and been influenced by the cultures around them.
We’ve put together all the most well-documented and fascinating ancient Turkic mythology, gods, and legends. Read on to learn more about this unique culture and the beliefs that helped shape it.
Turkish gods are comparatively straightforward and uncomplicated, in contrast to the complex god-myths of Greece, Turkey’s modern neighbors. The Turks were a nomadic people who rarely built statues and temples to their deities, so many of their gods and legends have been lost to time and conquest.
It is rare to find a single, unchanging god myth because the stories were adapted and changed by the nomadic Turkish tribes to suit their own social structures and beliefs. With that in mind, let’s delve into the ancient Turkish people’s most important gods!.
Tengri, the great sky god, is the most important Turkish deity. Tengriism has existed as a monotheistic religion for entire centuries, despite the fact that polytheism has dominated Turkish history for the majority of its history.
Tengri, Kök Tengri, or Gok Tengri, is the first primordial deity, and the creator god. We don’t know what he looks like, only that he is all-powerful and fair. Later views of the god also see him as the force of good rather than Erlik’s evil, which was probably influenced by more modern ideologies.
The name is also synonymous with the sky, and can be used to refer to any gods nowadays.
In the Turkic pantheon, Erlik—also known as Yerlik and Erlik Han—is the god of evil and the underworld. Depending on where you live, Tengri or Ulgen tampered with the creation of humanity, and as a result, he rules over death.
Similar to the Christian devil, Erlik tricked the first humans into eating the forbidden fruit, and as a result, he was assigned to rule over hell. He has nine daughters and nine sons, and sits on a silver throne.
Although there are numerous legends pertaining to Kayra Han, this male- or female-only deity is unquestionably one of Tengriism’s most important gods. In some myths, Kayra is the father of Tengri while in others he is his son.
If the sky were a tree, Kayra Han would reside on the top branch, or story, which would be the seventeenth floor. He flies over the earth like a pure white goose, surveying his creation. He is the ruler of the air, water, and land.
Ulgen is a deity often conflated with both Kayra Han and Gok Tengri. He is the protector of humanity, and can be seen as a kind of archangel figure. Ulgen gifted fire to humans, and protects us from his evil brother Erlik.
Ulgen is characterized as strong, with long hair, and with a white sun shining on both sides of him. He resides in a golden palace. He can also throw lightning and presides over the weather. He is the patron god of shamans, and provides them with their knowledge. He symbolizes goodness and abundance.
The son of Ulgen (or Kayra), Mergen is the god of wisdom, reason and abundance. He is quick-witted and wise, as well as an excellent archer. Because of his wisdom, he is regarded as the god who banished evil from the world, though it is unclear how the evil was able to return.
The god of war, Kizagan was an important deity amongst the warlike Turkish tribes. He rides a red horse or camel, and is depicted as a strong young man in armour.
The only goddess on this list is the good-hearted Umay. She is the Turkish goddess of fertility and virginity, protecting women, children and mothers.
Along with being Gok Tengri’s favorite wife, Umay gives the Turkish people their strength and victories. She is symbolised by the colour yellow, and is often associated with the sun, radiating divine power.
There are legends from all over Turkey that either explain the beginnings of things or encapsulate the characteristics and ideals of people. These are just three of the most widespread and celebrated legends in Turkey.
Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of Turkic mythology, where celestial deities, mythical creatures, and epic legends intertwine to paint a vibrant tapestry of ancient beliefs. From the omnipotent Tengri to the benevolent Umay, we delve into the pantheon of Turkic gods and goddesses, exploring their roles, attributes, and significance in shaping the cultural landscape of Turkic peoples.
Tengri: The Supreme Ruler of the Sky
At the apex of the Turkic pantheon stands Tengri, the all-encompassing sky god. Revered as the ultimate creator and ruler of the universe, Tengri embodies the boundless expanse of the heavens wielding immense power over celestial phenomena human destinies, and the very fabric of existence. His name, echoing through the ages, resonates with the profound respect and awe that Turkic people held for the celestial realm.
Umay: The Nurturing Earth Mother
Umay, the benevolent earth mother goddess, embodies the fertile embrace of the earth, nurturing life and ensuring prosperity. Associated with childbirth, fertility, and the protection of children, Umay is often depicted as a compassionate figure, showering her blessings upon the land and its inhabitants. Her name, derived from the Turkic word for “placenta,” underscores her intimate connection with the cycle of life and renewal.
Kayra: The Spirit of God and Creator
Kayra, the enigmatic spirit of God, reigns supreme over the celestial realm. As the creator deity, Kayra is responsible for shaping the universe and imbuing it with life. His name, shrouded in mystery, hints at his transcendental nature, transcending the limitations of mortal comprehension.
Other Deities: A Tapestry of Divine Powers
The Turkic pantheon is a rich tapestry of deities, each with their unique attributes and domains. Öd Tengri, the god of time, governs the relentless march of time, while Boz Tengri, the god of the steppes, watches over the vast plains. Kyzaghan, the fierce war god, embodies the strength and valor of the Turkic people, while Erlik, the god of the underworld, presides over the realm of the dead.
Mythical Creatures: Guardians and Harbingers
The world of Turkic mythology is populated by an array of fascinating creatures, each with their own unique role in the grand narrative. Archura, the malevolent forest demon, lurks in the shadows, while Qarakorshaq, the elusive shape-shifting creature, tests the courage of those who dare to venture into its domain. Tepegöz, the cyclopean giant, embodies the dangers of the unknown, while Tulpar, the winged horse, symbolizes freedom and swiftness.
Epics: Tales of Heroes and Legends
The epic tales that have been passed down through the generations, each narrating the exploits of legendary heroes and the struggles of the Turkic people, are woven throughout Turkic mythology. The Turkic people’s origin story is told in the Grey Wolf legend, and their amazing escape from a prison beneath the earth is described in the Ergenekon legend. The stories of Korkut Ata honor the bravery and wisdom of the fabled bard, while the Oghuz legends recount the exploits of the Oghuz Turks.
With its intricate web of gods, fantastical animals, and epic stories, Turkic mythology provides a deep window into the religious and cultural beliefs of the Turkic people. These myths and legends, which depict everything from the celestial world of Tengri to the earthly embrace of Umay, stand as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the human imagination, and they continue to inspire and shape the identity of Turkic communities around the world.
Basty and Al Basty
Not a very pleasant mythical creature, Basty is the spirit of nightmares. It sits on peoples’ chests, giving them bad dreams.
This creature is a little different to Al Basty, a succubus-like figure who personifies guilt. In some communities, she’s also known as the ‘red mother’. A connection spied between mothers and guilt, perhaps?.
This unusual creature is a malicious swamp demon. She is violent and ruthless, and she lives close to the kinds of bodies of water you would advise your children never to approach without a guardian.
Archura is a shapeshifting woodland spirit. He protects the forests and the animals, and usually appears as a peasant man. But he can change his size from that of a blade of grass to a tall tree. His hair and beard are living grass, and he has no shadow.
As wonderful as the Archura sounds, they are seldom friends of man. They’re defensive of their forests, and mischievous beings. So while they’re not evil, they’re not great neighbours either.
A devilish and fascinating Turkish myth is the Karakoncolos. This hairy, malevolent goblin appears at the coldest time of year.
They stand on murky corners, and set riddles or ask random questions of passers-by. These people have to answer any question using the Turkish word for ‘black’, otherwise they are struck dead. No doubt there was some reasoning behind this once, but that’s lost now.
The Karakoncolos would also imitate the voices of loved ones, luring people out into the cold and snow.
The king of snakes, Erbüke is a wise and kindly man with the lower body of a serpent. His (and sometimes her) name is a combination of the words for human and dragon. According to legend, he ruled what was once a kingdom of intelligent and peaceful snakes.
Turkish mythological creatures and monsters
Turkish monsters and creatures are varied and dark, often interacting with humans and causing tragedy and loss. You’ll also see some interesting similarities to mythical figures from Portugal’s past.
It is believed that Bichura, a house spirit, resides in every home and can transform between the forms of a dog or cat and a human. When in human form, it wears red dresses. Bichuras pull on hair or make noise to warn their household members of impending danger, but you’re not likely to see them—if you do, it’s a death omen!
The creature will trick its household when it is unhappy; to restore order, you must determine what is wrong and make the required adjustments.
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FAQ
Who is Tengri god?
What myth is in Turkey?
What are the names of the Turkish gods?
Who is the Turkish god of air?
What are the major gods and goddesses in Turkish mythology?
So, let’s take a look at some of the major gods and goddesses in Turkish mythology. Tengri : Tengri (or “Tanri” nowadays) basically means “God” in Turkish. In those days, there were multiple gods, however, so Tengri was just used as a generic name. Gok Tengri was used to refer to the sky god, while Turk Tengri referred to the god of the Turks.
Who is the god of Heaven in Turkish mythology?
At the core of Turkish mythology stands Tengri, the supreme sky god. Revered as the ruler of the heavens and the creator of all things, Tengri embodies cosmic harmony and is associated with celestial phenomena. 2. Ülgen: Known as the god of goodness and wisdom, Ülgen plays a vital role in Turkish mythology.
Who is the god of war in Turkey?
The god of war, Kizagan was an important deity amongst the warlike Turkish tribes. He rides a red horse or camel, and is depicted as a strong young man in armour. The only goddess on this list is the good-hearted Umay. She is the Turkish goddess of fertility and virginity, protecting women, children and mothers.
Who are the three gods in Turkic mythology?
Kayra (or Kaira) – Supreme God of universe. He is the Spirit of God and creator god in Turkic mythology. Sources describe them both as father and mother, thus neutral. Usually not depicted in anthropomorph form. Erlik or Erlik Khan – God of the dead and of the underworld. Ulgan (or Ulgen) – God of benevolence. Son of Kaira.