Shamanism in Turkic Tradition

Introduction

Shamanism holds a central place in the traditional spirituality of Turkic peoples. Long before the arrival of major religions, shamans (kam or baksi) served as intermediaries between the human world and that of spirits, ensuring cosmic balance and community health.

The Role of the Shaman

The Turkic shaman, called kam, baksi, or bahshi depending on the region, is a specialist of the sacred capable of entering trance to travel between worlds. Their main functions include healing the sick, divination, accompanying the souls of the deceased, and communicating with spirits for the community's benefit.

Unlike a priest, the shaman does not officiate according to codified ritual but enters into direct contact with the spiritual world during ecstatic trances.

Shamanic Cosmology

The Turkic shamanic worldview divides the universe into three levels: the celestial world (domain of Tengri and benevolent spirits), the terrestrial world (of humans), and the underworld (domain of Erlik and spirits of the dead).

The tree of life connects these three worlds, and the shaman symbolically uses this cosmic axis during spiritual journeys, climbing toward the sky or descending to the underworld as needed.

Rituals and Tools

Shamanic ritual generally involves beating the sacred drum, songs, and dances that induce trance. The shaman wears a ritual costume adorned with cosmic symbols and representations of auxiliary spirits.

The drum is considered the shaman's "horse," allowing them to ride to other worlds. Other instruments include the kopuz (stringed instrument) and various sacred objects transmitted through initiation.

Survival and Legacy

Despite the Islamization of most Turkic peoples, many shamanic elements have survived in folk practices. Healing rituals, protective amulets, and certain traditional festivals retain traces of the shamanic heritage.

Today, a renewed interest in Turkic shamanism is manifesting in Central Asia, particularly in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.