Summary of "Türklerin Evren Tasavvuru | Kökler | 3. Bölüm @trt2"

Summary of Türklerin Evren Tasavvuru | Kökler | 3. Bölüm @trt2

This video explores the ancient Turkish worldview of the universe, including their cosmology, mythology, and the symbolic and philosophical concepts that shaped their understanding of existence, order, and governance. It delves into myths, spiritual beliefs, the structure of the cosmos, and how these ideas influenced Turkish culture, art, and statecraft.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Ancient Turkish Cosmology and Mythology

The universe is created and ordered by divine beings such as the Sky God (Tengri), Ülgen (god of good), and Erlik (god of evil).
Myth of Erlik’s exile and creation of evil spirits on earth; Ülgen maintains cosmic order by combating Erlik.
The universe is viewed as a layered structure:
- Sky (Heaven): Composed of multiple layers (commonly seven), inhabited by good spirits and gods.
- Earth: Seen as a square or polygonal shape with a circular or polygonal village on top.
- Underground: Realm of evil spirits and ancestors.
The World Tree symbolizes cosmic order, with roots underground, trunk on earth, and branches in the sky.

2. Duality and Structure of the Universe

The universe is fundamentally dualistic: Sky (Blue Sky) and Earth (Dark Earth).
Elements are symbolically paired (e.g., sky = white/morning, earth = dark).
The universe has both a horizontal (directional) and vertical (layered) structure.
Directions are divided into four main cardinal points, each associated with specific constellations, colors, and symbolic animals:
- East: Symbolizes forward movement.
- South: Dragon constellation, color red.
- North: Black snake and turtle, color black.
- West: Rust constellation, color white.
The center of the earth/universe is the sacred land of the Turks, Ötüken, symbolizing the cosmic and political center.

3. The Role of Celestial Bodies

Sun, Moon, and Stars are sacred, each believed to have souls and spiritual significance.
The Sun is linked to fertility and life-giving forces (“Mother Sun”).
The Moon is associated with Tengri and has hermaphroditic qualities, reflecting duality.
Stars are viewed as alter egos of souls; falling stars symbolize death or birth depending on interpretation.
The Pole Star (Demirkazık/Iron Pole) is the cosmic center around which all celestial bodies revolve, symbolizing stability and order.
Celestial and terrestrial events are interconnected, reflecting the unity of cosmos and society.

4. Cosmic Order and Human Role

Humans occupy a central position between sky and underground, acting as a link in the cosmic order.
The cosmic order is hierarchical, balanced, and maintained through spiritual and social structures.
Light is a key element representing different layers and their functions, with each layer having distinct colors and speeds of light.

5. Symbolism in Art and Statecraft

Binary cosmic concepts (good vs evil, sky vs earth) are reflected in Turkish art, such as animal fight scenes symbolizing cosmic struggles.
The Red Apple (Kızıl Elma) symbolizes the ideal of world sovereignty and justice; it is not a literal apple but a golden sphere representing the world and order.
The sphere symbolizes justice, equality, and the ruler’s impartiality.
The political center (capital) is always aligned with the cosmic center, reinforcing the idea of divine order in governance.
Ancient Turks believed in a world state governed by justice and balance, with the ruler as the earthly representative of cosmic order.
The four main roads leading to the center reflect the cosmic directions and political unity.

6. Historical and Cultural Reflections

The worldview influenced state ideology, as seen in historical maps and texts (e.g., Divanü Lügatit Türk showing Balasagunlu as the center).
The concept of Ötüken as a sacred homeland and cosmic center persisted throughout Turkish history.
The idea of eternal order coexists with apocalyptic myths, indicating a cyclical or finite universe concept.
The Turks’ respect for celestial bodies is linked to their nomadic lifestyle and reliance on the sky for navigation and calendar systems.

Methodology / Key Points Presented

Cosmic Layers:
- Sky: 6–7 layers inhabited by gods and spirits.
- Earth: Square/quadrilateral with a circular village.
- Underground: Realm of evil spirits and ancestors.
World Tree:
- Roots underground, trunk on earth, branches in sky layers.
Duality:
- Sky (blue, white, morning) vs Earth (dark, black).
- Good vs Evil (Ülgen vs Erlik).
Directions and Symbols:
- East: Forward, beginning.
- South: Dragon, red.
- North: Black snake/turtle, black.
- West: Rust constellation, white.
Celestial Bodies:
- Sun: Life-giving, mother figure.
- Moon: Hermaphrodite, linked to Tengri.
- Stars: Souls, fate, and cosmic order.
- Pole Star (Demirkazık): Cosmic axis, center of universe.
Political and Social Order:
- Ötüken as sacred center.
- Four main roads symbolizing cosmic directions.
- Red Apple = Golden Sphere = World sovereignty and justice.
- Justice as the ultimate goal of governance.
Cultural Reflections:
- Animal motifs in art symbolize cosmic struggle.
- Maps and historical texts reflect cosmological worldview.
- Apocalyptic myths coexist with eternal order beliefs.

Speakers / Sources Featured

The video is narrated by a single presenter (unnamed in subtitles).
References to ancient Turkish myths and legends (Ülgen, Erlik, Bumin Kaghan).
Mentions of historical figures and texts, such as:
- Bilge Kagan (Turkish Khaganate ruler).
- Mahmut Muttaki (author of Divanü Lügatit Türk).
An anecdote involving a Russian medical student discussing star symbolism.
Islamic and Turkic cultural sources are referenced for contextual contrast.

This summary captures the key themes and teachings from the video about the ancient Turkish conception of the universe, its symbolic meanings, and its influence on culture and governance.