Summary of "Türklerin Tanrı Tasavvuru | Kökler | 2. Bölüm @trt2"
Summary of “Türklerin Tanrı Tasavvuru | Kökler | 2. Bölüm @trt2”
This documentary explores the ancient Turks’ conception of God, the universe, and their spiritual beliefs as reflected in their mythology, inscriptions, and cultural practices. It draws heavily on historical texts such as the Orkhon inscriptions and integrates scholarly interpretations to present a nuanced understanding of Turkic religious thought and its influence on and from neighboring civilizations.
Main Ideas and Concepts
Creation Myth and Universe Origin
- The universe began with the creator’s magical words, forming the blue sky, dark earth, and mankind positioned between them.
- The ancient Turks believed in a divine order and harmony between earth and sky.
- The creator was called Sky Tengri, a supreme God distinct from the sky and earth, which were considered created objects, not deities themselves.
Orkhon Inscriptions
- These 8th-century inscriptions are the oldest written Turkish documents, created by Kultegin, Bilge Kagan, and Bilge Tonyukuk.
- They reveal Turkish state philosophy, social customs, military art, unity, and the concept of God.
- The inscriptions symbolically represent the universe: a turtle base (ground), a rectangular body (earth), and wolf-headed dragons (sky).
Monotheism vs. Polytheism in Ancient Turkic Beliefs
- Scholars like Mirsi Elyad argue the Turks had a monotheistic belief centered on Tengri (the Sky God).
- Jean Paul Roue suggests the term “Tengrism” is more accurate than “Shamanism.”
- The ancient Turks created gods based on natural elements, with some gods being supreme and others less exalted.
- The belief in a single God became especially prominent during periods of political unification under khanates or empires.
- Some tribes may have had polytheistic practices, but monotheism was generally dominant.
Relation to Other Religions and Cultures
- Influences and exchanges occurred between Turkic beliefs and neighboring cultures such as China, India, Iran, and Buddhism.
- The Turks influenced Chinese concepts of “Sky religion” (Tien) during the Co dynasty (1200s BC).
- Unlike polytheistic systems in China and India, Turks generally maintained a smaller pantheon with a monotheistic core.
- Buddhism, which lacks a god concept, differs fundamentally from Turkic beliefs.
- Zoroastrianism shares some similarities, such as the sacred fire cult, which influenced Turkic purification rituals.
Dualistic Cosmology: Ülgen and Erlik
- The universe originally consisted of boundless water. Ülgen (masculine creator spirit) and Agene (feminine inspiring spirit) represent dual aspects of creation.
- Ülgen created the earth and sky, and man was placed between them.
- Erlik, the god of the underworld, is a complex figure associated with evil, disease, and punishment but also discipline and order.
- Unlike Western myths with conflicting gods, Turkish myths portray Ülgen and Erlik as complementary forces maintaining cosmic balance.
- Erlik’s domain is underground, symbolizing darkness and evil, but he is respected and feared, sometimes even more than the Sky God.
- Shamans interact with Erlik to control evil spirits and diseases.
Philosophical and Cultural Significance
- The Turks’ conception of God and the universe is holistic, emphasizing harmony and balance rather than conflict.
- Their beliefs are deeply connected to their environment—vast steppes, mountains, rivers—and political structures.
- The understanding of God is intertwined with notions of statehood, social order, and the natural world.
- The legacy of these beliefs continues to influence Turkic identity and cultural memory.
Methodology / Key Points in Turkic Conception of God and Universe
Creation Process
- Universe initially boundless water
- Ülgen (masculine creator) and Agene (feminine inspirer) collaborate
- Creation of earth, sky, and mankind in harmony
Divine Figures and Their Roles
- Sky Tengri: Supreme God, creator, associated with the sky, goodness, and order
- Ülgen: Creator spirit, ruler of the sky, associated with good qualities
- Erlik: Underworld god, associated with evil, disease, and discipline, complementary to Ülgen
- Agene: Feminine spirit inspiring creation
Symbolism in Orkhon Inscriptions
- Turtle base = Earth
- Rectangular block = Earth’s body
- Wolf-headed dragons = Sky
- Represents the cosmos and social order
Religious Beliefs and Practices
- Monotheistic belief in Tengri, especially under unified political structures
- Respect for ancestral and nature spirits, sometimes interpreted as polytheism
- Fire purification rituals linked to Zoroastrian influences
- Shamans mediate between humans and spirits, especially Erlik
Influences and Cultural Exchanges
- Turkic beliefs influenced and were influenced by Chinese, Indian, Iranian, and Buddhist traditions
- The concept of yin-yang-like duality (masculine-feminine, earth-sky) in Turkish cosmology
- Differences from Buddhism’s non-theistic approach
Philosophical Outlook
- Universe as an integrated, balanced system
- No antagonistic gods, but complementary dualities
- Spiritual and political order intertwined
- Nature and environment deeply shape religious ideas
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Narrator / Documentary Voice (unnamed) – provides the main exposition and narrative throughout the documentary.
- Mirsi Elyad – expert in the History of Religions, cited for views on Turkish monotheism.
- Jean Paul Roue (Roe) – Turkologist who discusses Tengrism and political influences on religious belief.
- Ibn Fazlan – historical figure whose travelogue provides testimony on Turkic monotheistic beliefs.
- Ancient Turkic rulers and figures: Kultegin, Bilge Kagan, Bilge Tonyukuk (authors of Orkhon inscriptions).
This documentary offers a comprehensive overview of the ancient Turks’ spiritual worldview, emphasizing the harmony between dual forces, the primacy of a creator God distinct from nature, and the cultural-political contexts that shaped their religious beliefs.
Category
Educational
