Abstract:

This study was aimed to check whether there is a relationship between Alawism and Old Turkish Traditions and Shamanism or not. Turks believed various kinds of religion in their long history. Manichaeism, Buddhism, Nestorism, Orthodox and Catholic Christianity, Judaism can be given as some examples. Old Turkish Traditions came from Animism, Shamanism and Totemism. Some items were holy such as water, fireplace, and some animals were also holy such as wolf, tortoise and mountain wild goat. Although Shamanism is not a religion, some spiritual rules are applied by Shamans. It is believed that Shamans have superior power unlike other people and they use this power to treat some disease and to keep people healthy. Turks started to become Muslim after Talas War (751), but they have kept some beliefs from their old religions. In Anatolian Mohammedanism some sects, orders or life styles have been created. Alawism was one of them. Unlike Sunni Muslims, Alawi Muslims have rejected Arabian effects of Islam. Alawi Muslims have integrated some of their old Middle Asian religion into Islam. As a result it can be said that there is a close relationship between Alawism and Old Turkish Traditions and Shamanism.

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