TENGRISM

WHAT IS THE TENGRISM?

 Tengriism or Tengrism is a
shamanistic religion
practiced in Central Asia.
Tengriism was also
followed by many other
nationalities apart from
the Mongols such as the
Huns, Bulgars, Turkic, and
Altaic people.
 It is characterized by
shamanism, totemism
and animism. It is
both monotheistic and
polytheistic. Ancestor
worship is also a big
part of Tengriism.
 The chief deity in Tengriism is Tengri or the Sky
God, who is unknowable, infinite and timeless.
Followers of Tengriism believe that the universe
was created by Tengri. It also recognizes gods
such as Yer-sub, the goddess of the earth, Erlik,
the god of the underworld and nature spirits.
 HİSTORY OF TENGRİSM

 Tengrism has a rich past as it was among

the influential religion in central Asia. The
Bulgars and Huns who quickly spread the
religion in that region introduced the
religion to Eastern Europe.
 After the takeover by Uighuric khans,
Tengrism lost relevance since it was
overshadowed by Manicheism, which was
made the official religion.
 Genghis Khan was also
instrumental in
establishing this religion
in the Mongol empires
and in conquered nations.
However, his descendants
switched to the Islamic
faith and Tengrism faced
competition from Islam.
 SYMBOLS

 There are symbols that

define Tengrism and
have been proven
through scientific study.
Some symbols feature
prominently in countries
like Kazakhstan. The
Gun Ana represents the
sun, which is present in
most flags.
 The goddess of fertility and
virginity is given the name,
Umay while Tengrists
recognize Bai-ulgan as the
greatest after Tengri. Other
symbols include the flags
of Kazakhstan, Chuvashia
and Sakha republic. The
coins of Gokturk also act
as symbols of the religion.
 TENGRİSM BELİEFS

 The believers of Tengrism practice tolerance

towards other people who subscribe to
different religions. It meant that they did not
force their beliefs on other people by force or
coercion. Tengrists believed that if they lived an
upright life devoid of any evil, they will be given
the authority to rule for eternity.
 The people had to be subject to the complete
adherence to the laws of Tengri. In case they
fail to obey these laws, Tengri would take the
privilege away and they would become
desolate. While monotheism is the center
theme of Tengrism, other demi gods or spirits
have been placed alongside Tengri.
 In conclusion, Tengriism is a non-dogmatic,
monotheistic religion, born in the Central Asian.