SACRED GEOGRAPHY OF THE IRTYSH REGION OF THE TURKIC ERA

The unique natural objects in the Irtysh region, rich with sacred attributes, play a vital role in Kazakhstan's spiritual life. They serve as centers for worship, veneration, and various rituals, with properties linked to cosmology and healing dating back to antiquity. This article aims to systematize written and oral sources regarding the sacred view of these objects from the ancient Turkic era, and to reconstruct historical memory using the retrospective method. It demonstrates that modern Kazakh society is the spiritual successor to the ancient Turkic traditions and beliefs. The study of these sacred objects reveals the rituals and traditions of the ancient Turks, enriching our understanding of their cultural heritage. By analyzing sources and archaeological data, we illuminate the significance of these objects in Kazakh history and spiritual practices. This approach deepens our understanding of the ties between contemporary religious and cultural practices and their historical roots. Our research contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage, emphasizing the diversity of its spiritual traditions. This fosters connections between past and present, enhancing knowledge transfer and historical respect among the younger generation.

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