Oya ÇETİN
Yusuf ALBAYRAK
As a belief system, Shamanism is generally recognized as one of the earliest religious traditions of the peoples of Central Asia, and more specifically, of the Turkic peoples. Animistic and totemistic Turkic communities attributed a soul to every being, and those who communicated with these spirits were the shamans, who were also considered the leaders of their communities. In Shamanism, the shaman enters a trance state to travel between different realms, to communicate with gods and spirits, and to act as an intermediary between the divine and human worlds. In this state, the shaman attempts to persuade the deities to act in favor of humans, thereby seeking to gain their support.
In performing these rituals, shamans utilize various objects that accompany them on their spiritual journeys. The most significant of these items is the drum, which, with its symbolic decorations and rhythmic sound, becomes an indispensable instrument for the shaman. Utilizing the rhythm of the drum and other instruments like the gong, the shaman achieves a spiritual elevation. Shamans also derive strength from animals they regard as spirit helpers, and these animals aid them in crossing into the spiritual realm.
Shamans were historically regarded as healers of both soul and body, and as guides during significant life events, directing rituals accepted by their societies. This perspective has led to efforts to adapt shamanic traditions to contemporary life. The term “shaman” is primarily associated with individuals who maintain a connection with spirits, and for this reason, they are often referred to as “spirit specialists.” Only the shaman is believed to perceive spirits and experience their transformations. The relationship between the shaman and the spirits may involve spirit possession or spiritual/astral journeys. Among the shaman’s core responsibilities are offering the souls of sacrificial animals to divine entities, escorting the souls of the deceased to the afterlife, determining burial places, and performing healing rituals.
Keywords: Shaman, Shamanism, Ritual, Trance, Shamanic Objects
