# Tengrism

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Religion of the Eurasian steppe nations

Not to be confused with [Tenggerese people](/source/Tenggerese_people) or [Tenrikyo](/source/Tenrikyo).

Part of a series on Tengrism A Central Asian–Eurasian Steppe and partly Siberian–East Asian religion Supreme deity Tengri Mythology Turkic Mongolic Movements Aiyy Faith Burkhanism Mongolian Tengerism Tengir Ordo Vattisen Yaly list Related movements Hungarian Native Faith Korean shamanism Manchu shamanism Siberian shamanism Shinto Chinese folk religion Wuism Bön Vietnamese folk religion Ông Trời People Askar Akayev Nihal Atsız Shagdaryn Bira Grigory Gurkin Mongush Kenin-Lopsan Dastan Sarygulov Olzhas Suleimenov Galsan Tschinag Priests Qam/böö Táltos Mudang Scriptures Orkhon and Bain Tsokto inscriptions Irk Bitig Epics Holy places Belukha Burkhan Khaldun Jengish Chokusu Otgontenger Ovoos Toponyms Khan Tengri Tangra Mountains Tengger Desert Related concepts Heaven worship Sky deity Animism Festivals Yılgayakh Yhyakh Religion portal v t e

Peak of [Khan Tengri](/source/Khan_Tengri) at sunset

**Tengrism** (also known as **Tengriism**, **Tengerism**, or **Tengrianism**) is a belief system originating in the [Eurasian steppes](/source/Eurasian_Steppe), based on [shamanism](/source/Shamanism) and [animism](/source/Animism). It generally involves the titular [sky god](/source/Sky_god) [Tengri](/source/Tengri). According to some scholars, adherents of Tengrism view the purpose of life as to be in harmony with the universe.[1]

It was the prevailing religion of the [Göktürk](/source/G%C3%B6kt%C3%BCrks), [Hun](/source/Huns), [Xianbei](/source/Xianbei), [Bulgar](/source/Bulgars), [Xiongnu](/source/Xiongnu), [Yeniseian](/source/Yeniseian_people), and [Mongolic](/source/Mongolic_peoples) peoples, as well as the [state religion](/source/State_religion) of several medieval states such as the [First Turkic Khaganate](/source/First_Turkic_Khaganate), the [Western Turkic Khaganate](/source/Western_Turkic_Khaganate), the [Eastern Turkic Khaganate](/source/Eastern_Turkic_Khaganate), [Old Great Bulgaria](/source/Old_Great_Bulgaria), the [First Bulgarian Empire](/source/First_Bulgarian_Empire), [Volga Bulgaria](/source/Volga_Bulgaria), [Khazaria](/source/Khazaria), and the [Mongol Empire](/source/Mongol_Empire). In the *[Irk Bitig](/source/Irk_Bitig)*, a ninth-century manuscript on divination, Tengri is mentioned as *Türük Tängrisi* (God of Turks).[2] According to many academics, Tengrism was, and to some extent still is, a predominantly [polytheistic](/source/Polytheistic) religion based on the shamanistic concept of animism, and it was first influenced by [monotheism](/source/Monotheism) during the imperial period, especially by the 12th–13th centuries.[3] [Abdulkadir Inan](/source/Abdulkadir_Inan) has argued that [Yakut](/source/Yakuts) and [Altai](/source/Altai_people) shamanism are not entirely identical to the ancient Turkic religion.[4]

According to Turkish historian Ahmet Taşağıl, Turkic Tengrism differed from classical shamanism, possessing a distinct [theological](/source/Theology) structure. He argues that what is commonly termed "shamanism" constitutes a "[Buddhism](/source/Buddhism)-mixed steppe tradition" and "a system of magic" rather than a formal religion. Based on historical evidence, he proposes that the [ancient Turks](/source/Turkic_peoples) were not shamanists, and they adhered to a unique Tengrist belief system centered around an abstract deity in heaven, distinguishing it from other forms.[5]

The term also describes several contemporary Turkic and Mongolic native [religious movements](/source/List_of_Tengrist_movements) and teachings. All modern adherents of "political" Tengrism are monotheists.[6] Tengrism has been advocated for in intellectual circles of the Turkic nations of [Central Asia](/source/Central_Asia) ([Kyrgyzstan](/source/Kyrgyzstan), [Kazakhstan](/source/Kazakhstan)) and [Russia](/source/Russia) ([Tatarstan](/source/Tatarstan), [Bashkortostan](/source/Bashkortostan)) since the [dissolution of the Soviet Union](/source/Dissolution_of_the_Soviet_Union), during the 1990s. Still practiced, it is undergoing an organized revival in [Buryatia](/source/Buryatia), [Sakha](/source/Sakha_Republic), [Khakassia](/source/Khakassia), [Tuva](/source/Tuva), and other Turkic nations in [Siberia](/source/Siberia). Altaian [Burkhanism](/source/Burkhanism) and [Chuvash](/source/Chuvash_people) [Vattisen Yaly](/source/Vattisen_Yaly) are contemporary movements similar to Tengrism.

The term *tengri* can refer to the sky deity *Tenger Etseg*—also *Gök Tengri*, *[Sky Father](/source/Sky_Father)*, *Blue Sky*—or to other deities. While Tengrism includes the worship of personified gods (*[tngri](/source/Tngri)*) such as [Ülgen](/source/%C3%9Clgen) and [Kayra](/source/Kayra), Tengri *per se* is considered an "abstract phenomenon".[7]: 23 In Mongolian folk religion, [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan) is considered one of the embodiments, if not the main embodiment, of Tengri's will.[8]

## Terminology and relationship with shamanism

See also: [Tengri](/source/Tengri), [Mongolian shamanism](/source/Mongolian_shamanism), and [Shamanism in Siberia](/source/Shamanism_in_Siberia)

The forms of the name *Tengri* ([Old Turkic](/source/Old_Turkic_language): *Täŋri*)[9] among the ancient and modern Turkic and Mongolic languages are *Tengeri*, *Tangara*, *Tangri*, *Tanri*, *Tangre*, *Tegri*, *Tingir*, *Tenkri*, *Tangra*, *Teri*, *Ter*, and *Ture*.[10] The name *Tengri* ("the sky") is derived from [Old Turkic](/source/Old_Turkic_language): *Tenk* ("daybreak") or *Tan* ("dawn").[11] Meanwhile, [Stefan Georg](/source/Stefan_Georg) has proposed that the Turkic *Tengri* ultimately originates as a loanword from [Proto-Yeniseian](/source/Yeniseian_languages) **tɨŋgɨr-* – "high".[12][13] [Mongolia](/source/Mongolia) is sometimes poetically called the "Land of Eternal Blue Sky" (*Mönkh Khökh Tengeriin Oron*) by its inhabitants. According to some scholars, the name of the important deity [Dangun](/source/Dangun) (also Tangol) ("god of the mountains") of [Korean folk religion](/source/Korean_shamanism) is related to the Siberian *[Tengri](/source/Tengri)* ("heaven"),[14] while the bear is a symbol of the [Big Dipper](/source/Big_Dipper) (*Ursa Major*).[15]

The word "Tengrism" is a fairly new term. The current spelling is found in the works of the 19th-century [Kazakh](/source/Kazakhs) ethnographer [Shoqan Walikhanov](/source/Shoqan_Walikhanov).[16] The term was introduced into scientific circulation in 1956 by French scholar [Jean-Paul Roux](/source/Jean-Paul_Roux)[17] and later in the 1960s as a general term in English-language papers.[18]

*Tengrianism* is a reflection of the Russian term *Тенгрианство* ("Tengriánstvo"). It was introduced by Kazakh poet and [turkologist](/source/Turkologist) [Olzhas Suleymenov](/source/Olzhas_Suleymenov) in his 1975 book *AZ-and-IA*.[16][19] Since the 1990s, Russian-language literature uses it in the general sense, as for instance, reported in 1996 ("so-called Tengrianism") in the context of the nationalist rivalry over [Bulgar legacy](/source/Bulgars#Legacy).[20]

The spellings *Tengriism*, *Tangrism*, and *Tengrianity* can also be found since the 1990s. In modern [Turkey](/source/Turkey) and, partly in [Kyrgyzstan](/source/Kyrgyzstan), Tengrism is known as **Tengricilik**[21] or *Göktanrı dini* ("sky god religion");[22] the Turkish *[gök](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/g%C3%B6k#Turkish)* ("sky") and *[tanrı](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tanr%C4%B1#Turkish)* ("god") correspond to the Mongolian *khukh* ("blue") and *Tengeri* ("sky"), respectively. The Mongolian *Тэнгэр шүтлэг* is used in a 1999 biography of [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan).[23]

In the 20th century, a number of scientists proposed the existence of a religious imperial [khagan](/source/Khagan) cult in the ancient Turkic and Mongolian states. The Turkish historian of religion [Ziya Gökalp](/source/Ziya_G%C3%B6kalp) (1876–1924) wrote in his *History of Turkish Holy Tradition and Turkish Civilization* that the religion of the ancient Turkic states could not be primitive [shamanism](/source/Shamanism), which was only a magical part of the religion of the ancient Türks (see a historiography of the problem: [Alici 2011](#CITEREFAlici2011), pp. 137–139).

The nature of this religion remains debatable. According to many scholars, it was originally [polytheistic](/source/Polytheistic), but a [monotheistic](/source/Monotheistic) branch with the sky god Kök-Tengri as the [supreme being](/source/King_of_the_gods) evolved as a dynastical legitimation. It is at least agreed that Tengrism formed from the various folk religions of the local people and may have had diverse branches.[24][25][26]

Some scholars have suggested that Tengrism was a monotheistic religion only at the imperial level in aristocratic circles,[27][28][29] and, perhaps, only by the 12th–13th centuries (a late form of development of ancient animistic shamanism in the era of the [Mongol Empire](/source/Mongol_Empire)).[30]

According to [Jean-Paul Roux](/source/Jean-Paul_Roux), the monotheistic concept evolved later out of a polytheistic system and was not the original form of Tengrism. The monotheistic concept helped to legitimate the rule of the dynasty: "As there is only one God in Heaven, there can only be one ruler on the earth ...".[31]

Others have pointed out that Tengri itself was never an Absolute but only one of many gods of the upper world, the [sky deity](/source/Sky_deity), of [polytheistic](/source/Polytheism) shamanism, later known as Tengrism.[32]

The earliest known depiction of a Siberian shaman, drawn by the Dutch explorer [Nicolaes Witsen](/source/Nicolaes_Witsen), who wrote an account of his travels among Samoyedic- and Tungusic-speaking peoples in 1692. Witsen labeled the illustration as a "Priest of the Devil", giving this figure clawed feet to express what he thought were demonic qualities.[33]

Tengrism differs from contemporary [Siberian shamanism](/source/Shamanism_in_Siberia) in that it was a more organized religion. Additionally, the polities practicing it were not small bands of [hunter-gatherers](/source/Hunter-gatherer) like the [Paleosiberians](/source/Paleosiberian_languages), but a continuous succession of pastoral, semi-sedentary khanates and empires from the [Xiongnu](/source/Xiongnu) empire (founded 209 BC) to the Mongol Empire (13th century). In Mongolia, it survives as a synthesis with [Tibetan Buddhism](/source/Tibetan_Buddhism) while existing in purer forms around [Lake Khovsgol](/source/Lake_Khovsgol) and [Lake Baikal](/source/Lake_Baikal). Unlike Siberian shamanism, which has no written tradition, Tengrism can be identified from Turkic and Mongolic historical texts like the [Orkhon inscriptions](/source/Orkhon_inscriptions), the *[Secret History of the Mongols](/source/Secret_History_of_the_Mongols)*, and *[Altan Tobchi](/source/Altan_Tobchi)*. However, these texts are more historically oriented and are not strictly religious texts like the scriptures and sutras of sedentary civilizations, which have elaborate doctrines and religious stories.[*[original research?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:No_original_research)*]

On a scale of complexity, Tengrism lies somewhere between the [Proto-Indo-European religion](/source/Proto-Indo-European_religion) (a pre-state form of pastoral shamanism on the western steppe) and its later form, the [Vedic religion](/source/Historical_Vedic_religion). The chief god Tengri ("heaven") is considered strikingly similar to the Indo-European sky god [*Dyḗus](/source/Dyeus) and the East Asian [Tian](/source/Tian) (Chinese: "sky; heaven"). The structure of the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European religion is closer to that of the early Turks than to the religion of any people of neolithic European, Near Eastern, or Mediterranean antiquity.[34]

Russian postcard based on a photo taken in 1908 by S. I. Borisov, showing a female shaman, of probable [Khakas](/source/Khakas_people) ethnicity.[35][36]

Buryat shaman performing a [libation](/source/Libation)

Terms for "shaman" and "shamaness" in Siberian languages:

- 'shaman': *saman* (Nedigal, Nanay, Ulcha, Orok), *sama* (Manchu). The variant /šaman/ (i.e., pronounced "shaman") is Evenk (whence it was borrowed into Russian).

- 'shaman': *alman, olman, wolmen*[37] (Yukagir)

- 'shaman': [\[qam\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Tatar) (Tatar, Shor, Oyrat), [\[xam\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA) (Tuva, Tofalar)

- The [Buryat](/source/Buryat_language) word for shaman is *бөө* (*böö*) [\[bøː\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mongolian), from [early Mongolian](/source/Middle_Mongol_language) *böge*.[38]

- 'shaman': ńajt (Khanty, Mansi), from [Proto-Uralic](/source/Proto-Uralic) *nojta (cf. Sámi [noaidi](/source/Noaidi))

- 'shamaness': [\[iduɣan\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Mongolian) (Mongol), [\[udaɣan\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA) (Yakut), *udagan* (Buryat), *udugan* (Evenki, Lamut), *odogan* (Nedigal). Related forms found in various Siberian languages include *utagan*, *ubakan*, *utygan*, *utügun*, *iduan*, or *duana*. All these are related to the Mongolian name of Etügen, the [hearth](/source/Hearth) goddess, and [Etügen Eke](/source/Et%C3%BCgen_Eke) "mother Earth". [Maria Czaplicka](/source/Maria_Czaplicka) points out that Siberian languages use words for male shamans from diverse roots, but the words for female shaman are almost all from the same root. She connects this with the theory that women's practice of shamanism was established earlier than men's and that "shamans were originally female".[39]

[Buryat](/source/Buryat_people) scholar Irina S. Urbanaeva developed a theory of Tengrist esoteric traditions in Central Asia after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the revival of national sentiment in the former Soviet republics of Central Asia.[40][41]

## Historical Tengrism

Further information: [Turkic mythology](/source/Turkic_mythology), [Mongol mythology](/source/Mongol_mythology), [Mongolian shamanism](/source/Mongolian_shamanism), and [Shamanism in Siberia](/source/Shamanism_in_Siberia)

*Tengri* in [Old Turkic script](/source/Old_Turkic_script) (written from right to left as *Тeŋiri*)[42]

[Kul Tigin](/source/Kul_Tigin) monument, 8th century

The first time the name Tengri was recorded in Chinese chronicles was in the 4th century BC as the sky god of the [Xiongnu](/source/Xiongnu), using the Chinese form [撐犁](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E6%92%90%E7%8A%81) (*chēnglí*, [Old Chinese](/source/Old_Chinese) /*rtʰaːŋ.riːl/).

Tengrism formed from the various Turkic and Mongolic folk religions, which had a diverse number of deities, spirits, and gods. Turkic folk religion was based on [animism](/source/Animism) and was similar to various other religious traditions of Siberia, Central Asia, and Northeast Asia. [Ancestor worship](/source/Ancestor_worship) played an important part in Tengrism.[43]

The cult of Heaven-Tengri is fixed by the Orkhon, or [Old Turkic script](/source/Old_Turkic_script) used by the [Göktürks](/source/G%C3%B6kt%C3%BCrks) ("celestial Turks") and other early [khanates](/source/Khanate) during the 8th to 10th centuries.[44]

Seal from [Güyüg Khan](/source/G%C3%BCy%C3%BCg_Khan)'s letter to [Pope Innocent IV](/source/Pope_Innocent_IV), 1246. The first four words, from top to bottom, left to right, read *möngke ṭngri-yin küčündür* – "under the power of the eternal heaven". The words "Tngri" (Tengri) and "zrlg" (zarlig) exhibit vowel-less archaism.

Tengrism most probably existed in medieval states in [Eurasia](/source/Eurasia), such as the [Göktürk Khaganate](/source/First_Turkic_Khaganate), [Western Turkic Khaganate](/source/Western_Turkic_Khaganate), [Old Great Bulgaria](/source/Old_Great_Bulgaria), [Danube Bulgaria](/source/First_Bulgarian_Empire), [Volga Bulgaria](/source/Volga_Bulgaria), and [Eastern Tourkia (Khazaria)](/source/Khazaria)[45] Turkic beliefs contain the sacral book *[Irk Bitig](/source/Irk_Bitig)* from the [Uyghur Khaganate](/source/Uyghur_Khaganate).[2]

Tengrism also played a large role in the religion of the [Mongol Empire](/source/Mongol_Empire) as the primary state spirituality. [Genghis Khan](/source/Genghis_Khan) and several generations of his followers were Tengrian believers and "shaman-kings" until his fifth-generation descendant, [Özbeg Khan](/source/%C3%96zbeg_Khan), turned to Islam in the 14th century. Old Tengrist prayers have come to us from *[the Secret History of the Mongols](/source/The_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols)* (13th century). The priests-prophets (*temujin*) received them, according to their faith, from the great deity/spirit *Munkh Tenger*.[46]

A traditional Kyrgyz (Kazakh) yurt in 1860 in the [Syr Darya](/source/Syr_Darya) Oblast. Note the lack of a compression ring at the top.

Tengrism was probably similar to the folk traditions of the [Tungusic peoples](/source/Tungusic_peoples), such as the [Manchu folk religion](/source/Manchu_folk_religion).[47][48] Similarities with [Korean shamanism](/source/Korean_shamanism) and [Wuism](/source/Wuism) as well as Japanese [Shinto](/source/Shinto) are also evident.[49]

According to Hungarian archaeological research, the religion of the [Magyars](/source/Magyars) (Hungarians) until the end of the 10th century (before Christianity) was a form of Tengrism and shamanism.[50][51]

Tengrists view their existence as sustained by the eternal blue sky (Tengri), the fertile mother-earth spirit ([Eje](/source/Eje_(goddess))), and a ruler regarded as the chosen one by the holy spirit of the sky. Heaven, earth, spirits of nature, and ancestors provide for every need and protect all humans. By living an upright, respectful life, a human will keep his world in balance and perfect his personal [Wind Horse](/source/Wind_Horse), or spirit. The Huns of the northern Caucasus reportedly believed in two gods: Tangri Han (or Tengri Khan), considered identical to the Persian [Esfandiyār](/source/Esfandiy%C4%81r) and for whom horses were sacrificed, and Kuar (whose victims are struck by lightning).[52]

Traditional Tengrism was more embraced by the nomadic Turks than by those residing in the lower mountains or forests. This belief influenced Turkic and Mongol religious history since ancient times until the 14th century, when the [Golden Horde](/source/Golden_Horde) converted to Islam. From then on, Tengrism was mostly submerged by other religious ideas.[53] Traditional Tengrism persists among the Mongols and in some Turkic and Mongolic-influenced regions of Russia ([Sakha](/source/Sakha_Republic), [Buryatia](/source/Republic_of_Buryatia), and [Tuva](/source/Tuva)), in parallel with other religions.[54][55]

### Orkhon inscriptions

According to the [Orkhon inscriptions](/source/Orkhon_inscriptions), Tengri played a big role in choices of the [kaghan](/source/Qaghans_of_the_Turkic_khaganates) and in guiding his actions. Many of these were performed because "Heaven so ordained" ([Old Turkic](/source/Old_Turkic_language): Teŋіri yarïlqaduq üčün).[56]

### Arghun's letters

Arghun Khan's 1289 letter to [Philip the Fair](/source/Philip_IV_of_France), in classical [Mongolian script](/source/Mongolian_script). The letter was given to the French king by [Buscarel of Gisolfe](/source/Buscarel_of_Gisolfe).

The Mongol ruler [Arghun](/source/Arghun) expressed the association of Tengri with imperial legitimacy and military success. The majesty (*suu*) of the khan is a divine stamp granted by Tengri to a chosen individual, through which Tengri controls the world order (the presence of Tengri in the khan). In this letter, "Tengri" or "Mongke Tengri" ("Eternal Heaven") is at the top of the sentence. In the middle of the magnified section, the phrase *Tengri-yin Kuchin* ("power of Tengri") forms a pause before being followed by the phrase *Khagan-u Suu* ("majesty of the khan"):

Under the Power of the Eternal Tengri. Under the Majesty of the Khan ([Kublai Khan](/source/Kublai_Khan)). Arghun Our word. To the Ired Farans (King of France). Last year you sent your ambassadors led by Mar Bar Sawma telling Us: "if the soldiers of the Il-Khan ride in the direction of Misir (Egypt) we ourselves will ride from here and join you", which words We have approved and said (in reply) "praying to Tengri (Heaven) We will ride on the last month of winter on the year of the tiger and descend on Dimisq (Damascus) on the 15th of the first month of spring." Now, if, being true to your words, you send your soldiers at the appointed time and, worshipping Tengri, we conquer those citizens (of Damascus together), We will give you Orislim (Jerusalem). How can it be appropriate if you were to start amassing your soldiers later than the appointed time and appointment? What would be the use of regretting afterwards? Also, if, adding any additional messages, you let your ambassadors fly (to Us) on wings, sending Us luxuries, falcons, whatever precious articles and beasts there are from the land of the Franks, the Power of Tengri (*Tengri-yin Kuchin*) and the Majesty of the Khan (*Khagan-u Suu*) only knows how We will treat you favorably. With these words We have sent Muskeril (Buscarello) the Khorchi. Our writing was written while We were at Khondlon on the sixth khuuchid (6th day of the old moon) of the first month of summer on the year of the cow.[57]

1290 letter from Arghun to Pope Nicholas IV

Arghun expressed Tengrism's non-dogmatic side. The name *Mongke Tengri* ("eternal Tengri") is at the top of the sentence in this letter to [Pope Nicholas IV](/source/Pope_Nicholas_IV), in accordance with Mongolian Tengrist writing rules. The words "Tngri" (Tengri) and "zrlg" (zarlig, decree/order) are still written with vowel-less archaism:

... Your saying "May [the Ilkhan] receive *silam* (baptism)" is legitimate. We say: "We the descendants of Genghis Khan, keeping our own proper Mongol identity, whether some receive silam or some don't, that is only for Eternal Tengri (Heaven) to know (decide)." People who have received *silam* and who, like you, have a truly honest heart and are pure, do not act against the religion and orders of the Eternal Tengri and of Misiqa (Messiah or Christ). Regarding the other peoples, those who, forgetting the Eternal Tengri and disobeying him, are lying and stealing, are there not many of them? Now, you say that we have not received silam, you are offended and harbor thoughts of discontent. [But] if one prays to Eternal Tengri and carries righteous thoughts, it is as much as if he had received silam. We have written our letter in the year of the tiger, the fifth of the new moon of the first summer month (May 14th, 1290), when we were in Urumi.[58]

### Tengrism in the *Secret History of the Mongols*

[Mount Burkhan Khaldun](/source/Burkhan_Khaldun) is a place where Genghis Khan regularly prayed to Tengri.

Tengri is mentioned many times in *[The Secret History of the Mongols](/source/The_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols)*, written in 1240.[59] The book starts by listing the ancestors of Genghis Khan, starting from [Borte Chino](/source/Borjigin) (Blue Wolf), born with "destiny from Tengri". [Bodonchar Munkhag](/source/Bodonchar_Munkhag), the 9th-generation ancestor of Genghis Khan, is called a "son of Tengri". Genghis Khan is said to have encountered Tengri in the mountains at the age of 12, and the narrative subsequently mentions Tengri or alludes to Genghis Khan invoking the deity on numerous occasions.[60]

## Contemporary Tengrism

See also: [List of Tengrist movements](/source/List_of_Tengrist_movements)

White [Sülde Tngri](/source/S%C3%BClde_Tngri) temple in the town of [Uxin Banner](/source/Uxin_Banner) in Inner Mongolia, China

A revival of Tengrism has played a role in the search for native spiritual roots and a [Pan-Turkish](/source/Pan-Turkism) ideology since the 1990s, especially in [Kyrgyzstan](/source/Kyrgyzstan), [Kazakhstan](/source/Kazakhstan), Mongolia, some autonomous republics of the [Russian Federation](/source/Russian_Federation) ([Tatarstan](/source/Tatarstan), [Bashkortostan](/source/Bashkortostan), [Buryatia](/source/Buryatia), [Yakutia](/source/Sakha_Republic), and others), as well as among the [Crimean Karaites](/source/Crimean_Karaites) and [Crimean Tatars](/source/Crimean_Tatars).[61][62]

After the 1908 [Young Turk Revolution](/source/Young_Turk_Revolution), and especially after the proclamation of the Turkish republic in 1923, a nationalist ideology of [Turanism](/source/Turanism) and [Kemalism](/source/Kemalism) contributed to the revival of Tengrism. Islamic censorship was abolished, which permitted objective study of the pre-Islamic religion of the Turks. A number of figures, while they did not officially abandon Islam, adopted Turkic names, such as [Mustafa Kemal Atatürk](/source/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk) (*Atatürk* – "father of Turks") and the historian of religion and ideologist of the Kemalist regime [Ziya Gökalp](/source/Ziya_G%C3%B6kalp) (*Gökalp* – "sky hero").[63]

[Nihal Atsız](/source/Nihal_Ats%C4%B1z) (1905–1975), one of the first ideologists of modern Tengrism

The Turkish writer and historian [Nihal Atsız](/source/Nihal_Ats%C4%B1z) was Tengrist and an ideologue of Turanism. The followers of Tengrism in the paramilitary organisation [Grey Wolves](/source/Grey_Wolves_(organization)), mainly inspired by his work, replace the Arabic designation of the god "[Allah](/source/Allah)" with the Turkish "Tanri" in the oath and pronounce: "*Tanrı Türkü Korusun*" (*Tengri, bless the Türks!*).[64]

Prominent modern ideologues and theorists of Tengrism include [Murad Adji](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murad_Adji&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ru](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%90%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2,_%D0%9C%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4_%D0%AD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87)] (1944–2018), [Sabetkazy Akatai](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sabetkazy_Akatai&action=edit&redlink=1) [[kk](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A1%D3%99%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%82%D2%9B%D0%B0%D0%B7%D1%8B_%D0%9D%D2%B1%D1%80%D0%B6%D0%B0%D2%9B%D0%B8%D1%8F%D2%B1%D0%BB%D1%8B_%D0%90%D2%9B%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9)] (1938–2003), [Aron Atabek](/source/Aron_Atabek), [Nurmagambet Ayupov](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nurmagambet_Ayupov&action=edit&redlink=1) [[kk](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%9D%D2%B1%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B0%D2%93%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%82_%D0%93%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD%D2%B1%D0%BB%D1%8B_%D0%90%D1%8E%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2)] (1955–2010), Rafael Bezertinov, [Shagdaryn Bira](/source/Shagdaryn_Bira), [Firdus Devbash](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Firdus_Devbash&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ru](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A4%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2,_%D0%A4%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%81_%D0%9D%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87)], [Yosif Dmitriev (Trer)](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yosif_Dmitriev_(Trer)&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ru](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%94%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2,_%D0%98%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%84_%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87)] (1947–2018), [Mongush Kenin-Lopsan](/source/Mongush_Kenin-Lopsan), [Auezkhan Kodar](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Auezkhan_Kodar&action=edit&redlink=1) [[kk](https://kk.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D3%98%D1%83%D0%B5%D0%B7%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD_%D3%98%D0%B1%D0%B4%D1%96%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D2%B1%D0%BB%D1%8B_%D2%9A%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80)] (1958–2016), Choiun Omuraliyev, [Dastan Sarygulov](/source/Dastan_Sarygulov), and [Olzhas Suleimenov](/source/Olzhas_Suleimenov).[65][66]

The poet, literary critic, and Turkologist [Olzhas Suleimenov](/source/Olzhas_Suleimenov), [eulogist](/source/Eulogy) of the Kazakh national identity, in his book *AZ-and-IA*, which was banned after publication in 1975 in [Soviet Kazakhstan](/source/Soviet_Kazakhstan), presented Tengrism ("Tengrianstvo") as one of the most ancient religions in the world.[67]

Tengrism's revival of an [ethnic religion](/source/Ethnic_religion) has reached a larger audience in intellectual circles. Former presidents [Nursultan Nazarbayev](/source/Nursultan_Nazarbayev) of Kazakhstan and [Askar Akayev](/source/Askar_Akayev) of Kyrgyzstan have called Tengrism the "natural" religion of the Turkic peoples.[6] During his 2002 visit to [Khakassia](/source/Khakassia) in Russia, Akayev said that seeing the [Yenisei Inscriptions](/source/Yenisei_Inscriptions) was 'like a pilgrimage to a holy place for the Kyrgyz people', drawing a comparison with the Islamic pilgrimage to [Mecca](/source/Mecca).[68]

Between 1990 and 1993, the [Yakut](/source/Yakuts) [philologist](/source/Philology) Lazar Afanasyev-Teris founded the Tengrist organisation Kut-Siur, which later became [Aiyy Faith](/source/Aiyy_Faith).[69] The headquarters of the International Fund of Tengri Research is also located in [Yakutsk](/source/Yakutsk).[66] In [Tatarstan](/source/Tatarstan), a Tengrist periodical, *Beznen-Yul*, appeared in 1997.[70]

Several [Kyrgyz](/source/Kyrgyz_people) politicians have advocated for Tengrism as a way to fill a perceived ideological void. [Dastan Sarygulov](/source/Dastan_Sarygulov), [secretary of state](/source/Secretary_of_state) and former chair of the Kyrgyz state gold-mining company, in 2005 established [Tengir Ordo](/source/Tengir_Ordo)—a civic group promoting the values and traditions of Tengrism.[71][72][73]

The Soviet and Ukrainian artist and public figure [David Rebi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=David_Rebi&action=edit&redlink=1) [[ru](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B8,_%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4_%D0%98%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B8%D1%87)] (1922–2019) was a proponent of Tengrist revival among [Crimean Karaites](/source/Crimean_Karaites) and [Krymchaks](/source/Krymchaks).[74]

A related movement known as [Burkhanism](/source/Burkhanism) arose in 1904 in the [Altai Republic](/source/Altai_Republic), whose proponents include the painter [Grigory Gurkin](/source/Grigory_Gurkin) and the poet [Paslei Samyk](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paslei_Samyk&action=edit&redlink=1) [[alt](https://alt.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%8B%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2,_%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%A2%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87)])[75] Among the [Chuvash people](/source/Chuvash_people) of Russia exists the revivalist religion known as [Vattisen Yaly](/source/Vattisen_Yaly), which is considered a form of Tengrism.[76]

Some [Bulgarians](/source/Bulgarians) identify as descendants of the Turkic [Bulgars](/source/Bulgars) and practice a modern version of Tengrism. They are part of the Tangra Warriors Movement (Bulgarian: Движение "Воини на Тангра").[66][77]

In 2003 in [Bishkek](/source/Bishkek), Kyrgyzstan, [Tengir Ordo](/source/Tengir_Ordo) held the first international scientific symposium on Tengrism.[68][78] In 2005, the French Institute for Central Asia Studies organized a conference on Tengrism in [Almaty](/source/Almaty), Kazakhstan.[79] Since 2007, biennial scientific conferences on Tengrism have been held in Russia, Mongolia, and other countries.[66]

## Symbols and holy places

One of the main symbols of Tengrism

The *Temdeg* symbol in [Mongolian shamanism](/source/Mongolian_shamanism)

*Shangrak*—top of the [yurt](/source/Yurt)—symbol of Tengrism

Tengrist designs and symbols can be seen on a number of flags and seals, including the flags of [Kazakhstan](/source/Flag_of_Kazakhstan) and [Kyrgyzstan](/source/Flag_of_Kyrgyzstan).

In Tengrism, the tallest mountain peaks, such as [Otgontenger](/source/Otgontenger) and [Burkhan Khaldun](/source/Burkhan_Khaldun) (Mongolia), [Belukha](/source/Belukha_Mountain) (Russia),[80] or [Jengish Chokusu](/source/Jengish_Chokusu) (Kyrgyzstan),[81] are usually sacred places.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Beliefs

Tengrism is an [animistic](/source/Animism), [all-encompassing](/source/Panentheism) system of belief that includes medicine, religion, a reverence of nature, and [ancestor worship](/source/Ancestor_worship).[82][83] Tengrism as a [monotheistic](/source/Monotheism) religion developed only at the imperial level in aristocratic circles.[3][84]

### Gods

Main articles: [Mongol mythology](/source/Mongol_mythology) and [Turkic mythology](/source/Turkic_mythology)

See also: [List of Turkic mythological figures](/source/List_of_Turkic_mythological_figures)

Tengrism is centered on the worship of Tengri gods and in particular, the sky deity [Gök Tengri](/source/G%C3%B6k_Tengri) (Heaven, God of Heaven).[8] It is known as Tangara to the [Yakut](/source/Yakuts).[85] While Gök Tengri always remains abstract, never depicted in anthropomorphic or zoomorphic forms, other deities are often personified.[7]: 23

[Itugen](/source/Etugen_Eke), an earth or fertility deity, often accompanies Tengri.[86]

The total number of deities believed to exist within Tengrism varies from population to population. Deities may be related to natural aspects of the world, such as earth, water, fire, [the Sun](/source/Sun), [the Moon](/source/Moon), stars, air, clouds, wind, storms, thunder and lightning, and rain and rainbows.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] Animals were thought to be [totemistic](/source/Totem) symbols for specific gods, like sheep being associated with fire, cows with water, horses with wind, and camels with earth.[87]

Other deities include:[88]

- [Umay](/source/Umay) ("[placenta](/source/Placenta), afterbirth") is the goddess of children and babies' souls.[89] She is the daughter of Tengri.

- [Kayra](/source/Kayra) is the primordial god of highest sky, upper air, space, atmosphere, light, and life, and is a son of Gök Tengri.

- [Ülgen](/source/%C3%9Clgen) is the son of Kayra and Umay and is the god of goodness.

- [Mergen](/source/Mergen) is the son of Kayra and the brother of Ülgen. He represents mind and intelligence and sits on the seventh level of the sky.

- [Erlik](/source/Erlik) is the god of death and the underworld, known as [Tamag](/source/Tamag).

- [Ay Dede](/source/Ay_Dede) is the [moon god](/source/Moon_god).

- Natigai is the god of pregnancy, children, livestock, wives, and health.[86]

The highest group in the pantheon consisted of 99 *[tngri](/source/Tngri)* (55 of them benevolent or "white" and 44 terrifying or "black"); 77 "earth-spirits"; and others. The *tngri* were called upon only by leaders and great shamans and were common to all the clans. After these, three groups of ancestral spirits dominated: The "Lord-Spirits" were the souls of clan leaders to whom any member of a clan could appeal for physical or spiritual help. The "Protector-Spirits" included the souls of great shamans. The "Guardian-Spirits" were made up of the souls of smaller shamans and were associated with a specific locality (including mountains, rivers, etc.) in the clan's territory.[90] Nonhuman beings (*[İye](/source/%C4%B0ye)*), neither necessarily personified nor deified, are revered as sacred essences of things.[7]: 23 These beings include natural phenomena such as sacred trees or mountains.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Three-world cosmology

The Tengrist [cosmology](/source/Religious_cosmology) proposes a division between the upper worlds (heaven), the Earth, and the world of darkness (underworld).[7]: 23 These worlds are inhabited by different beings, often spirits or deities. A shaman (*kam*) can communicate with these spirits using mental powers. The worlds are not entirely separated, and they have constant influence on the Earth.[7]: 23

In [Turkic mythology](/source/Turkic_mythology) within [Siberian](/source/Siberia) [Central Asian](/source/Central_Asia) religious systems,[91] there is the "celestial world", the ground to which "earth-water" (*yer-su*) belongs, and the "underworld", ruled by spirits beneath the earth.[92] They are connected through the [world tree](/source/World_tree) in the center of the worlds.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

The celestial and subterranean worlds are divided into seven layers, although there are variations (the underworld sometimes has nine layers and the celestial world 17). Shamans are able to find entries to travel into these realms. In the multiples of these realms, there are beings, living just like humans on Earth. They also have their own respected souls and shamans and [nature spirits](/source/Nature_spirit). Sometimes, these beings visit the Earth but are invisible to people. They manifest themselves only in a strange sizzling fire or a bark to the shaman.[93][94][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

#### Heavenly world

See also: [Uçmag](/source/U%C3%A7mag)

The heavens are inhabited by righteous souls, the Creator, and protector deities.[95] The celestial world has many similarities with the Earth, but it is undefiled by humans. It contains a pristine, untouched nature, and the natives have never deviated from the traditions of their ancestors. This realm is much brighter than the Earth and is under the auspices of [Ulgen](/source/Ulgen), a son of Tengri. Shamans can also visit this world.[93]

On some days, the doors of this heavenly world are opened, and the light shines through the clouds. During this moment, the prayers of the shamans are most influential. A shaman performs his imaginary journey, which takes him to the heavens, by riding a black bird, a deer, or a horse, or by changing into the shape of these animals. Otherwise, he may scale the world tree or cross a [rainbow](/source/Rainbow).[93]

#### Subterranean world

See also: [Tamag](/source/Tamag)

The underworld is the abode of wicked souls, devils, and evil deities.[95] There are many similarities between the Earth and the underworld, and its inhabitants resemble humans, though they have only two souls instead of three. They lack the "Ami soul", which produces body temperature and allows breathing. Therefore, they are pale, and their blood is dark. The sun and the moon of the underworld give far less light than the sun and the moon of the Earth. There are also forests, rivers, and settlements underground.[93]

[Erlik Khan](/source/Erlik) (Mongolian: Erleg Khan), one of the sons of Tengri, is the ruler of the underworld. He controls the souls there, some of them waiting to be [reborn](/source/Reincarnation). Extremely evil souls are believed to be extinguished forever here.[93] If a sick human is not dead yet, a shaman can move to the underworld to negotiate with Erlik to bring the person back to life. If he fails, the person dies.[93]

### Souls

See also: [Kut (mythology)](/source/Kut_(mythology))

It is believed that people and animals have many souls. Generally, each person is considered to have three souls, but the names, characteristics, and numbers of the souls may differ among tribes: For example, [Samoyeds](/source/Samoyedic_peoples), a Uralic tribe living in the north of Siberia, believe that women have four and men five. Since animals also have souls, humans must respect them.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In addition to these souls, [Jean-Paul Roux](/source/Jean-Paul_Roux) draws attention to the "Özkonuk" spirit mentioned in the writings from the Buddhist periods of the [Uyghurs](/source/Uyghurs).[96]

Julie Stewart, who devoted her life to doing research in Mongolia, described the belief in souls in one of her articles:

- **Amin**: Provides breathing and body temperature. It is the soul that invigorates.

- **Sünesün**: Outside of the body, this soul moves through water. It is the soul that reincarnates. After a human died, this soul moves to the world tree, before entering a newborn child.

- **Sülde**: The soul that provides personality. If the other souls leave the body, the person loses consciousness, but if this soul leaves, the human dies. This soul resides in nature after death and is not reborn.[93]

### Anthropology

Humans are the product of (father) Heaven and (mother) Earth. Records of [Old Turkic](/source/Old_Turkic) inscriptions tell about the beginning of humans as follows:

"When the blue Heaven above and the brown Earth beneath arose, between them twain Mankind arose."[97]

By that, Tengrism favors an [ecocentric](/source/Ecocentrism) theological system over an [anthropocentric one](/source/Anthropocentrism).[98] Tengrism sanctifies human relationship with nature (which might be personified or not) and their relationship with the sky. Contrary to the [Abrahamic account on anthropogeny](/source/Image_of_God), Tengrism does not place humans above nature, rather considering mankind as part of nature, without any special rank assigned by God.[99]

### Creation story

There is no unified [creation myth](/source/Creation_myth) within Tengrist beliefs.[100] However, it is possible to reconstruct beliefs by narratives handed down orally. According to the "Fire Prayer", it is implied that Heaven and Earth were once one but separated later, giving birth to [fire](/source/Od_iyesi) (*Od*). After this separation, life on Earth came into being: rain fell from the heavens, and from the Earth sprouted various lifeforms.[101]

## Tengrism and Buddhism

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See also: [Buddhism in Mongolia](/source/Buddhism_in_Mongolia) and [Buddhism in Central Asia](/source/Buddhism_in_Central_Asia)

Tengrism was assimilated into [Mongolian Buddhism](/source/Buddhism_in_Mongolia) while surviving in purer forms only in far-northern Mongolia. Tengrist formulas and ceremonies were subsumed into the state religion. The 17th-century Mongolian chronicle *[Altan Tobchi](/source/Altan_Tobchi)* contains the following prayer at the very end:

Aya gaihamshig huvilgaan bogdos haadiin yazguuriig odii todii tuuhnees Ayag ha tehimlig shashnaa dara Luvsandanzan guush beer Ahui ih uls zalgan uztugei hemeen hicheen bichuulsen tuugeer Amitan buhen tsagaan buyanaar ezlen, amin nasan urt bolood Amgalan jargalantan boltugai Erht Tengerees isht haadiin sahiusan beer saitar tetgen ivgeej Evedchin, zud, totgor, tsag busiin uhel ustan amarlij Ed tavaar delgeren, ur taria arvidan, nasan buyan nemj Enh esen amar jargalan, osge hur met olzii hutag orshtugai

Translation:

Aya! The origin of the marvelous divine Khans from miscellaneous histories Collected by the faith-professing monk Luvsandanzan guush [Buddhist title] Written with effort so that the great nation may read for generations. By it, may all beings rule through white virtue, living long lives And become possessors of peace and happiness With the spirits of the Khans descended from mighty Tengri blessing thoroughly May sickness, [zud](/source/Zud), obstacles, and untimely death be removed and pacified May merchandise spread, crops flourish, and longevity increase May peaceful health and happiness prevail and auspicious luck come like rain

The figure of the god of war ([Daichin Tengri](/source/Begtse)) was iconographically depicted in Buddhist-influenced form and carried into battle by certain armies. During the [Napoleonic Wars](/source/Napoleonic_Wars), the [Kalmyk](/source/Kalmyks) prince Serebzhab Tyumen (1774–1858) and 500 Kalmyks from his second cavalry regiment, as well as 500 Kalmyks of the first regiment of Prince Jamba-Taishi Tundutov, carried the yellow banner of Daichin Tengri through the battles of [Borodino](/source/Battle_of_Borodino), Warsaw, [Leipzig](/source/Battle_of_Leipzig), [Fère-Champenoise](/source/Battle_of_F%C3%A8re-Champenoise) (1814) as well as the [capture of Paris](/source/Battle_of_Paris_(1814)). In early 1921, the Buddhist baron [Roman von Ungern-Sternberg](/source/Roman_von_Ungern-Sternberg) (1886–1921) was reportedly recognized as Daichin Tengri by the [Bogd Khan](/source/Bogd_Khan) of Mongolia. James Palmer, in his book *The Bloody White Baron* quotes [Ferdynand Ossendowski](/source/Ferdynand_Ossendowski), who claims that Ungern-Sternberg's imminent death was foretold on three separate occasions:

As the bones blackened, she began to examine them and then suddenly her face took on an expression of fear and pain. She nervously tore off the kerchief which bound her head and, contracted with convulsions, began snapping out short sharp phrases. 'I see...I see the God of War...His life runs out...horribly...After it a shadow...black like the night...Shadow...One hundred thirty steps remain...Beyond darkness...Nothing...I see nothing...the God of War has disappeared.' Baron Ungern dropped his head. The woman fell over on her back with her arms stretched out. She had fainted, but it seemed to me that I noticed once a bright pupil of one of her eyes showing from under the closed lashes. Two Buriats carried the lifeless form, after which a long silence reigned in the yurta of the Buriat Prince. Baron Ungern finally got up and began to walk around the brazier, whispering to himself.[102]

		- Banner of Daichin Tengri, carried into battle during the Napoleonic Wars

		- Serebzhab Tyumen (seated) carried the banner of Daichin Tengri into the [Battle of Fère-Champenoise](/source/Battle_of_F%C3%A8re-Champenoise) (1814).

		- Baron Ungern was called the God of War (Daichin Tengri) by certain Mongols.

## Tengrism and Islam

### Conversion

The most likely route of conversion to Islam for the Turks has been via [Sufism](/source/Sufism), identifying [Dervishes](/source/Dervish) as something akin to shamans.[103] In the writings of [Ahmad Yasawi](/source/Ahmad_Yasawi), both Tengrist elements as well as Islamic themes can be found.[104] For example, [Muhammad](/source/Muhammad_in_Islam) features as the prototype of humanity's way to unite with God, and the Turks simultaneously refer to God as both *kok tangir* (Gök Tengri) or *Allah*. Turkic and Mongolic peoples in Central Asia largely converted to Islam during the fourteenth century, with a strong focus on inwardly and personal experience.[105] Thus, many scholars have argued for a [syncretism](/source/Syncretism) between Orthodox Islam, Sufism, and pre-Islamic Turkic religion. The sociologist [Rakhat Achylova](/source/Rakhat_Achylova) studied how aspects of Tengrism were adopted into a [Kyrgyz](/source/Islam_in_Kyrgyzstan) form of Islam.[106]

The Muslim Turkic scholar [Mahmud al-Kashgari](/source/Mahmud_al-Kashgari), around the year 1075, described the non-Islamic Turks as infidels: "The infidels – may God destroy them! – call the sky Tengri, also anything that is imposing in their eyes call Tengri, such as a great mountain or tree, and they bow down to such things."[107]

The Medieval Syriac historian [Michael the Syrian](/source/Michael_the_Syrian) (1166–1199) describes the Turk conversion from Tengrism to Islam in one of his surviving text fragments.[108] He mentions three reasons for Turkic conversion:

First: as we said above, the Turks have always proclaimed one God, already in their land of origin, even though they considered the invisible firmament as God. [...] They think in fact that the sky is the unique God. So when they heard the Arabs speak about one God, they adhered to their religion. The second way: the Turks who came first and went to the land of Margiana [the region of Merv in today's Turkmenistan] and settled there arrived at the time of the Persians. After a while Muhammad appeared and was accepted by the Arabs, and then by the Persians too. [...] So the Turks who had migrated to the land of Margiana joined Islam, just like the Persian people and the race of the Kurds. And when the new Turks who arrived afterwards met their people and those who spoke their language, they also turned to the customs they found the others had taken up, following their lead. The third way of the Turks' union with the Tayyaye [Arabs] was the following: since the Arabs used to take the Turks with them as mercenaries in the war against the Greeks, and they would enter these prosperous regions and feed on the booty, they would listen to the Arabs and accept the word of Muhammad who said that by giving up the worship of idols and other created things [...]."[108]

More recently, the syncretism theory has been challenged. Some scholars have argued that an orthodox Islam simply did not exist during the Medieval period but has instead been a product of [Modernization](/source/Modernity), thus, there was no strong distinction between Islam and pre-Islamic Turkic beliefs when the first Turkic empires converted.[109](p20–22) First contact between shamanistic Turks and Islam took place during the [Battle of Talas](/source/Battle_of_Talas) against the Chinese [Tang dynasty](/source/Tang_dynasty). Many shamanistic beliefs were considered genuinely Islamic by many average Muslims and are still prevalent today.[110] Turkic Tengrism further influenced parts of Sufism and [folk Islam](/source/Folk_Islam), especially [Bektashism](/source/Bektashism),[22][111] whose affiliation to Islam became disputed in the late Ottoman period.

### Contemporary views

Tengrism is based on personal relationship with gods and spirits that cannot be set in writing. Thus, it can have no prophets, holy scriptures, place of worship, clergy, dogma, rites, or prayers.[112] In contrast, orthodox Islam is based on a written corpus. Doctrines and [religious law](/source/Sharia) derive from the [Quran](/source/Quran) and are explained by [hadith](/source/Hadith). In this regard, the two belief systems are fundamentally distinct.[111]

Others, on the other hand, assert that Tengri is indeed synonymous with Allah and that Turkic ancestors did not leave their former belief behind but simply accepted "[Allah](/source/Allah)" as a new expression for "Tengri".[113] [Shoqan Walikhanov](/source/Shoqan_Walikhanov) wrote that only the names but not the thoughts became Islamic. Thus, Gök Tengri was called Allah, and Tengrist demons became *div*, *peri*, or *jinn*, but the idea behind them remained shamanic.[114]

## Tengrism and Christianity

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[Hulegu Khan](/source/Hulegu_Khan) sent a letter in Latin to King [Louis IX of France](/source/Louis_IX_of_France) on 10 April 1262, from his capital of [Maragheh](/source/Maragheh%2C_Markazi), in Iran.[115][116] Kept in the Vienna National Library as MS 339, it is both an invitation for joint operations against the [Mamluks](/source/Mamluks) as well as an imperious command to submit. The letter provides key insights into the Mongols' understanding of Tengrism's relationship to Christianity as well as furnishing one of the first Latin transcriptions of Tengri. Only a few sentences from the lengthy letter are shown below (those with relevance to Tengrism):

Deus...locutus est auo nostro Chingischan per Temptemgri (nomen quod interpretatur propheta dei) eiusdem cognatum futuros euentus miraculose temporum reuelans eidem per dictumi Teptemgri nunciando significans: "In excelsis ego sum deus omnipotens solus et te super gentes et regna constitui dominatorem Nos igitur per uirtutem Mengutengri (id est dei uiui) Huyleu cham, dux milicie Mungalorum illustri regi Francorum Ludwico uniuersis et singulis tocius regni Francie Barachmar (id est salutem) Nunciando predictam reuelationem notificamus ut nobis mandatum dei uiui exegentibus eo indubitancius acquiescere uelitis quo potestatem nostram ab ipso Mengutengri collatam diligencius consideretis papam Francorum regem uel imperatorem fuisse credidisse, sed postea diligentiori inquisitione habita intelleximus ipsum esse uirum sanctum deum iugiter orantem pro nationibus uniuersis ipsius Misicatengrin (id est filii dei uiui) Mangutengri (id est in uiuo deo) eternaliter sine fine ualete Datum in ciuitate Maraga anno decimo, Nochoe, die decima mensis Aprilis

Translation:

God...spoke to our grandfather Genghis Khan by Teb Tengri (meaning Prophet of God) His relative, miraculously revealing the future through the same Teb Tengri Saying: "On high, I alone am God Almighty and made you lord over peoples and kingdoms" We, by the power of Mengutengri (living God), Hulegu Khan, leader of the Mongol army To Louis, illustrious King of the Franks and to all France, Barachmar (greetings) Revealing the above revelation we notify you to follow the command of God Considering well that we received our power from the same Mengutengri We thought the Pope was a King of France or an emperor, but later, After diligent enquiry, understood he is a holy man who prays to God incessantly On behalf of all the nations of Misicatengrin (that is, the son of the living God) Mangutengri (that is, the living God) eternally without end farewell Given in the city of Maragha the tenth year, Nochoe (dog year), 10 April

The letter largely propounds the usual Mongol ideology and understanding of Tengrism, with mentions of the supreme shaman Kokochu Teb Tengri. All meanings of Tengri including the sky, the most high God, and "a god", are implied in the letter. Jesus Christ is called *Misicatengrin* or Messiah-Tengri in the letter. The *Misica* is from Syriac *mshiha* ([Messiah](/source/Messiah), Christ) as opposed to Arabic *masih*. Another Syriac word in the letter is *barachmar* (greetings). This points to the [Nestorian](/source/Nestorianism) heritage within the Mongol Empire, which used Syriac as its [liturgical language](/source/Liturgical_language). The Mongolian letter of [Arghun Khan](/source/Arghun_Khan) to [Pope Nicholas IV](/source/Pope_Nicholas_IV) (1290) also uses the word Misica for Christ. [William of Rubruck](/source/William_of_Rubruck) reported that [Ariq Böke](/source/Ariq_B%C3%B6ke), brother of Hulegu Khan, used the word Messiah near [Karakorum](/source/Karakorum) in 1254 (Then they began to blaspheme against Christ, but Arabuccha stopped them saying: "You must not speak so, for we know that the Messiah is God").[117] There are elements of syncretism between Tengrism and Nestorian Christianity, with overlapping notions of monotheism and a traditional view of Christ as *Misicatengrin* probably dating back to the [Keraite](/source/Keraites) conversion in 1007. In Hulegu's letter, Tengrism takes the overarching, non-dogmatic role and contains Nestorianism as a compatible subset, in line with the religious pluralism practiced by the Mongols. Hulegu himself was not strictly a Christian, although his wife, his general [Kitbuqa](/source/Kitbuqa), and his mother were Nestorians. He was a Tengrist whose Nestorian interests were of the Mongol, syncretic type. His successor, [Abaqa Khan](/source/Abaqa_Khan), would take part in the [Ninth Crusade](/source/Ninth_Crusade) with the future [King Edward of England](/source/Edward_I_of_England) in 1271 and also storm the [Krak des Chevaliers](/source/Krak_des_Chevaliers) in February 1281, with the Hospitallers of [Margat](/source/Margat).

Due to the claim that there is only one eternal Tengri in heaven, many Christians believed *Tengri* refers to the Christian God. However, it is clear from [a letter](/source/Letter_from_G%C3%BCy%C3%BCk_Khan_to_Pope_Innocent_IV) by [Güyük Khan](/source/G%C3%BCy%C3%BCk_Khan), sent to the Pope, that the Mongols would not convert to Christianity, because they would not obey the word of *Möngke Tengri* (Eternal God).[118]

## Contemporary era

### Mongolia

In Mongolia, Tengrism continues to be practised by a small percentage of the population.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Modern revival

Tengrism, as a form of [Central Asian shamanism](/source/Central_Asian_shamanism), has experienced a revival following the [dissolution of the Soviet Union](/source/Dissolution_of_the_Soviet_Union) in 1991. In [Kyrgyzstan](/source/Kyrgyzstan), Tengrism was suggested as a [pan-Turkic](/source/Pan-Turkic) national ideology following the [2005 presidential elections](/source/Kyrgyzstani_presidential_election%2C_2005) by an ideological committee chaired by state secretary [Dastan Sarygulov](/source/Dastan_Sarygulov).[119] In 2014, an attempt was made by Tengrist followers to get recognition of the religion by collecting 5,000 signatures and submitting them to the government, though the motion was ultimately not recognized.[120]

[Murat Auezov](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Murat_Auezov&action=edit&redlink=1), former head of the National Public Library of [Kazakhstan](/source/Kazakhstan),[121] regards Tengrism as a manifestation of a worldview in which humankind is identified with nature, in contrast to [anthropocentric](/source/Anthropocentrism) religions.[122]

According to Kazakh writer [Ulyana Fatyanova](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ulyana_Fatyanova&action=edit&redlink=1), Tengrism does not have a specific set of laws—Tengri's laws are the laws of the universe (which might include [physics](/source/Physics), [karma](/source/Karma), [spirits](/source/Spirit_(vital_essence)), gods, and so on).[123]

In 2022, the lawyer Burhanettin Mumcuoğlu became the first person in Turkey to officially change his religion from Islam to Tengrism.[124]

## Demographics

In 2024, there were over one million people following Tengrism in Kazakhstan. However, it has not been recognized as one of the official religions there.[125]

In Kyrgyzstan, there were about 50,000 people following Tengrism in 2014. It has also not been recognized as a religion there.[126][127]

## See also

- [List of Tengrist movements](/source/List_of_Tengrist_movements)

- [List of Tengrist states and dynasties](/source/List_of_Tengrist_states_and_dynasties)

- [Heaven worship](/source/Heaven_worship)

- [Hungarian Native Faith](/source/Hungarian_Native_Faith)

- [Manzan Gurme Toodei](/source/Manzan_Gurme_Toodei)

- [Nardoqan](/source/Nardoqan)

- [Religion in China](/source/Religion_in_China)

- [Uralic neopaganism](/source/Uralic_neopaganism)

## Footnotes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** York, M. (2018). Pagan Mysticism: Paganism as a World Religion. Vereinigtes Königreich: Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 250

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETekin1993_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETekin1993_2-1) [Tekin 1993](#CITEREFTekin1993).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956Roux1984Róna-Tas198733–45Kodar2009Bira201114_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956Roux1984Róna-Tas198733–45Kodar2009Bira201114_3-1) [Roux 1956](#CITEREFRoux1956); [Roux 1984](#CITEREFRoux1984); [Róna-Tas 1987](#CITEREFRóna-Tas1987), pp. 33–45; [Kodar 2009](#CITEREFKodar2009); [Bira 2011](#CITEREFBira2011), p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** This Thing of Darkness: Shedding Light on Evil. (2019). Deutschland: Brill. p. 38

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Taşağıl, Ahmet. *Dakikalar İçinde Türk Mitolojisi* [*Turkish Mythology in Minutes*] (in Turkish). Eski Türkler klasik anlamda Şamanist değildiler. Şamanizm, Budizm ile karışmış bozkır inançlarının şeklidir. Ve aslında bir din değil büyü sistemidir. Bunun yanında Eski Türklerin üçe ayrılan inanç sistemi mevcuttu. Yukarıda, gökte soyut bir Tanrı olduğuna inanırlardı. Buna Gök Tanrı diyoruz. Tabiat kuvvetlerine de saygı gösterirlerdi. Yaşadıkları dünyanın unsurlarına, yani onların birer ruhları olduğunu kabul ederlerdi. Yıldırım, gök gürültüsü veya diğer tabiat olaylarından çok çekinirlerdi. Bilge Kağan eski Türk inancına sahipti. [Ancient Turks were not Shamanists in the classical sense. Shamanism is a form of steppe belief mixed with Buddhism, and it is actually a system of magic, not a religion. In addition, the ancient Turks had a belief system divided into three parts. Above, they believed in an abstract God in the sky, which we call the Sky God. They also respected the forces of nature, accepting that the elements of the world they lived in had spirits. They were very afraid of lightning, thunder, and other natural phenomena. Bilge Kağan adhered to the ancient Turkic belief system.]

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle20063–4_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle20063–4_6-1) [Laruelle 2006](#CITEREFLaruelle2006), pp. 3–4.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Fatma-2020_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Fatma-2020_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Fatma-2020_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Fatma-2020_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Fatma-2020_7-4) Aykanat, Fatma. "The Contemporary Reflections of Tengrism in Turkish Climate Change Fictions". Turkish Ecocriticism: From Neolithic to Contemporary Timescapes (2020): 21.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMan2004402–404_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMan2004402–404_8-1) [Man 2004](#CITEREFMan2004), pp. 402–404. sfn error: no target: CITEREFMan2004 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956_9-0)** [Roux 1956](#CITEREFRoux1956).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPettazzoni1956261Tanyu19809fGüngörGünay199736_10-0)** [Pettazzoni 1956](#CITEREFPettazzoni1956), p. 261; [Tanyu 1980](#CITEREFTanyu1980), p. 9f; [Güngör & Günay 1997](#CITEREFGüngörGünay1997), p. 36.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETanyu200711–13_11-0)** [Tanyu 2007](#CITEREFTanyu2007), pp. 11–13. sfn error: no target: CITEREFTanyu2007 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Georg, Stefan (2001): Türkisch/Mongolisch tengri "Himmel/Gott" und seine Herkunft. Studia Etymologica Cracoviensia 6: 83–100.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Starostin, Sergei A., and Merritt Ruhlen. (1994). Proto-Yeniseian Reconstructions, with Extra-Yeniseian Comparisons. In M. Ruhlen, *[on the Origin of Languages: Studies in Linguistic Taxonomy](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237452482_Proto-Yeniseian_Reconstructions_with_Extra-Yeniseian_Comparisons)*. Stanford: Stanford University Press. pp. 70–92. [Partial translation of Starostin 1982, with additional comparisons by Ruhlen.]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELee198117–18_14-0)** [Lee (1981)](#CITEREFLee1981), pp. 17–18. sfnp error: no target: CITEREFLee1981 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDidier2009''passim''_but_especially_Vol._I,_pp._143,_154_15-0)** [Didier (2009)](#CITEREFDidier2009), *passim* but especially Vol. I, pp. 143, 154. sfnp error: no target: CITEREFDidier2009 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007204_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007204_16-1) [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), p. 204.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956Roux198465_17-0)** [Roux 1956](#CITEREFRoux1956); [Roux 1984](#CITEREFRoux1984), p. 65.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** E.g., Bergounioux (ed.), *Primitive and prehistoric religions*, Vol. 140, Hawthorn Books, 1966, p. 80.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESuleimenov197536_19-0)** [Suleimenov 1975](#CITEREFSuleimenov1975), p. 36.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEShnirelman199631_20-0)** [Shnirelman 1996](#CITEREFShnirelman1996), p. 31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOmuraliyev1994Omuraliyev2012_21-0)** [Omuraliyev 1994](#CITEREFOmuraliyev1994); [Omuraliyev 2012](#CITEREFOmuraliyev2012).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEEröz1992_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEEröz1992_22-1) [Eröz 1992](#CITEREFEröz1992).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Boldbaatar et al., Чингис хаан, 1162–1227, Хаадын сан, 1999, [p. 18](https://books.google.com/books?id=OMIMAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA18).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Schmidt, Wilhelm](/source/Wilhelm_Schmidt_(linguist)) (1949–1952). *Der Ursprung der Gottes* [*The Origin of the Idea of God*] (in German). Vol. 9–10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Doerfer, Gerhard](/source/Gerhard_Doerfer) (1965). *Turkische und Mongolische Elemente im Neupersischen* [*Turkic and Mongolian elements in New Persian*] (in German). Vol. 2. Wiesbaden. p. 580.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPettazzoni1956261fGumilyov1967ch._7Tanyu1980Alici2011_26-0)** [Pettazzoni 1956](#CITEREFPettazzoni1956), p. 261f; [Gumilyov 1967](#CITEREFGumilyov1967), ch. 7; [Tanyu 1980](#CITEREFTanyu1980); [Alici 2011](#CITEREFAlici2011).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956Roux1984Róna-Tas198733–45Kodar2009_27-0)** [Roux 1956](#CITEREFRoux1956); [Roux 1984](#CITEREFRoux1984); [Róna-Tas 1987](#CITEREFRóna-Tas1987), pp. 33–45; [Kodar 2009](#CITEREFKodar2009).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Meserve, R., *Religions in the central Asian environment*. In: [History of Civilizations of Central Asia, Vol. 4](http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001204/120455e.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221846/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001204/120455e.pdf) 3 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), The age of achievement: A.D. 750 to the end of the fifteenth century, Part Two: The achievements, p. 68: - "The 'imperial' religion was more monotheistic, centred around the all-powerful god Tengri, the sky god."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PolyMono_29-0)** Fergus, Michael; Jandosova, Janar. [Kazakhstan: Coming of Age](https://books.google.com/books?id=jAu9ttUqiJoC&pg=PA91), Stacey International, 2003, p. 91: - "... a profound combination of monotheism and polytheism that has come to be known as Tengrism."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBira201114_30-0)** [Bira 2011](#CITEREFBira2011), p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERoux1956242_31-0)** [Roux 1956](#CITEREFRoux1956), p. 242.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStebleva1971Klyashtornyj2008_32-0)** [Stebleva 1971](#CITEREFStebleva1971); [Klyashtornyj 2008](#CITEREFKlyashtornyj2008).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** [Hutton 2001](#Hut01). p. 32.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** [Mircea Eliade](/source/Mircea_Eliade), John C. Holt, *Patterns in comparative religion*, 1958, p. 94.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Hoppál, Mihály (2005). *Sámánok Eurázsiában* (in Hungarian). Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó. pp. 77, 287. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-963-05-8295-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-963-05-8295-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Znamensky, Andrei A. (2005). "Az ősiség szépsége: altáji török sámánok a szibériai regionális gondolkodásban (1860–1920)". In Molnár, Ádám (ed.). *Csodaszarvas. Őstörténet, vallás és néphagyomány. Vol. I* (in Hungarian). Budapest: Molnár Kiadó. p. 128. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-963-218-200-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-963-218-200-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Kettunen, Harri J. (12 November 1998). ["Re: Ma: Xamanism"](https://web.archive.org/web/20010112091300/http://listserv.linguistlist.org/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9811b&L=aztlan&D=1&P=5218&F=P). *AZTLAN Pre-Columbian History* (Mailing list). Archived from [the original](http://listserv.linguistlist.org/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9811b&L=aztlan&D=1&P=5218&F=P) on 12 January 2001. Retrieved 6 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Lessing, Ferdinand D., ed. (1960). *Mongolian-English Dictionary*. Berkeley: University of California Press. p. 123.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** [Czaplicka, Maria](/source/Maria_Czaplicka) (1914). ["XII. Shamanism and Sex"](http://www.sacred-texts.com/sha/sis/sis08.htm). *Aboriginal Siberia*. Oxford: Clarendon Press. Retrieved 7 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEUrbanaeva2000_40-0)** [Urbanaeva 2000](#CITEREFUrbanaeva2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** English language discussion in Znamenski, Andrei A., *Shamanism in Siberia: Russian records of indigenous spirituality*, Springer, 2003, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4020-1740-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4020-1740-7), [pp. 350–352](https://books.google.com/books?id=j6lx-20TKMsC&pg=PA351).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTETekin19938_42-0)** [Tekin 1993](#CITEREFTekin1993), p. 8.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Marlene Laruelle "Tengrism: In Search for Central Asia's Spiritual Roots" Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 22 March 2006

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPettazzoni1956261Gumilyov1967ch._7_44-0)** [Pettazzoni 1956](#CITEREFPettazzoni1956), p. 261; [Gumilyov 1967](#CITEREFGumilyov1967), ch. 7.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGolden1992Poemer2000_45-0)** [Golden 1992](#CITEREFGolden1992); [Poemer 2000](#CITEREFPoemer2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBrent1976Roux2003Bira2011Turner2016ch._3.3_46-0)** [Brent 1976](#CITEREFBrent1976); [Roux 2003](#CITEREFRoux2003); [Bira 2011](#CITEREFBira2011); [Turner 2016](#CITEREFTurner2016), ch. 3.3.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** Shirokogorov, Sergei M. (1929). [*Social organization of the Northern Tungus*](https://books.google.com/books?id=_7wmAQAAMAAJ). Garland Pub. p. 204. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780824096205](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780824096205). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** [Schmidt, Wilhelm](/source/Wilhelm_Schmidt_(linguist)) (1952). *Der Ursprung der Gottes* [*The Origin of the Idea of God*] (in German). Vol. 10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** Lee, Jung Young (1981). *Korean Shamanistic Rituals*. Mouton De Gruyter. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9027933782](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9027933782)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** "There is no doubt that between the 6th and 9th centuries Tengrism was the religion among the nomads of the steppes" Yazar András Róna-Tas, *Hungarians and Europe in the early Middle Ages: an introduction to early Hungarian history*, Yayıncı Central European University Press, 1999, [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-963-9116-48-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-963-9116-48-1), [p. 151](https://books.google.com/books?id=I-RTt0Q6AcYC&pg=PA151).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Fodor_2006_51-0)** István, Fodor. [A magyarok ősi vallásáról (About the old religion of the Hungarians)](http://silver.drk.hu/MVT/letolt/vt6.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160505081203/http://silver.drk.hu/MVT/letolt/vt6.pdf) 5 May 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Vallástudományi Tanulmányok. 6/2004, Budapest, p. 17–19

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hungarians_&_Europe_52-0)** [*Hungarians & Europe in the Early Middle Ages: An Introduction to Early... - András Róna-Tas*](https://books.google.com/books?id=I-RTt0Q6AcYC&pg=PA151). Retrieved 19 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** Bukharaev, R. (2014). Islam in Russia: The Four Seasons. Vereinigtes Königreich: Taylor & Francis. p. 78

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** Balkanlar'dan Uluğ Türkistan'a Türk halk inançları Cilt 1, Yaşar Kalafat, Berikan, 2007

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBourdeauxFilatov2006_55-0)** [Bourdeaux & Filatov 2006](#CITEREFBourdeauxFilatov2006).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** Barbara Kellner-Heinkele, (1993), *Altaica Berolinensia: The Concept of Sovereignty in the Altaic World*, p. 249

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** For another translation here [\[1\]](http://www.pony-express.net/west-east/china/expo/catalogue_text/cat32_text.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160413200307/http://www.pony-express.net/west-east/china/expo/catalogue_text/cat32_text.html) 2016-04-13 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** Translation on page 18 here [\[2\]](http://globalmiddleages.org/sites/default/files/pdf-files/atwood.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170811025940/http://globalmiddleages.org/sites/default/files/pdf-files/atwood.pdf) 2017-08-11 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEThe_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols2004_59-0)** [The Secret History of the Mongols 2004](#CITEREFThe_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols2004). sfn error: no target: CITEREFThe_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols2004 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-altaica_60-0)** ["Archived copy"](https://altaica.ru/SECRET/cleaves_shI.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110811095909/http://altaica.ru/SECRET/cleaves_shI.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 21 October 2018.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_archived_copy_as_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle20063–4Laruelle2007205Turner2016ch._9.3_TengerismPopov2016_61-0)** [Laruelle 2006](#CITEREFLaruelle2006), pp. 3–4; [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), p. 205; [Turner 2016](#CITEREFTurner2016), ch. 9.3 Tengerism; [Popov 2016](#CITEREFPopov2016).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** Saunders, Robert A.; Strukov, Vlad (2010). [*Historical Dictionary of the Russian Federation*](https://books.google.com/books?id=l_uAoNJiOMwC). Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. pp. 412–13. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-81085475-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-81085475-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** Bacqué-Grammont, Jean-Louis; [Roux, Jean-Paul](/source/Jean-Paul_Roux) (1983). *Mustafa Kemal et la Turquie nouvelle* (in French). Paris: Maisonneuve et Larose. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [2-7068-0829-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/2-7068-0829-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESaraçoǧlu2004_64-0)** [Saraçoǧlu 2004](#CITEREFSaraçoǧlu2004).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007204,_209–11_65-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), pp. 204, 209–11.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPopov2016_66-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPopov2016_66-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPopov2016_66-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPopov2016_66-3) [Popov 2016](#CITEREFPopov2016).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007204Suleimenov1975271_67-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), p. 204; [Suleimenov 1975](#CITEREFSuleimenov1975), p. 271.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007206_68-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007206_68-1) [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), p. 206.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBourdeauxFilatov2006134–50Popov2016_69-0)** [Bourdeaux & Filatov 2006](#CITEREFBourdeauxFilatov2006), pp. 134–50; [Popov 2016](#CITEREFPopov2016).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007205,_209_70-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), pp. 205, 209.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-jamestown_71-0)** Marat, Erica (6 December 2005). ["High-Ranking Kyrgyz Official Proposes New National Ideology"](http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=31177). *Eurasia Daily Monitor*. **2** (226). The Jamestown Foundation. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120912182739/http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=31177) from the original on 12 September 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-72)** Marat, Erica (22 February 2006). ["Kyrgyz Government Unable to Produce New National Ideology"](https://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/7023-analytical-articles-caci-analyst-2006-2-22-art-7023.html). CACI Analyst, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute. Retrieved 13 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007206–7_73-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), pp. 206–7.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMoroz20041–6_74-0)** [Moroz 2004](#CITEREFMoroz2004), pp. 1–6.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalemba2003165–82Khvastunova2018_75-0)** [Halemba 2003](#CITEREFHalemba2003), pp. 165–82; [Khvastunova 2018](#CITEREFKhvastunova2018).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFilatovShchipkov1995239–43Shnirelman1996Vovina2000_76-0)** [Filatov & Shchipkov 1995](#CITEREFFilatovShchipkov1995), pp. 239–43; [Shnirelman 1996](#CITEREFShnirelman1996); [Vovina 2000](#CITEREFVovina2000).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-77)** Dulov, Vladimir (2013). "Bulgarian Society and Diversity of Pagan and Neopagan Themes". In Kaarina Aitamurto; Scott Simpson (eds.). *Modern Pagan and Native Faith Movements in Central and Eastern Europe*. Durham: Acumen. pp. 206–207. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781844656622](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781844656622).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAyupov201210f_78-0)** [Ayupov 2012](#CITEREFAyupov2012), p. 10f.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007note_1_79-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), note 1.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAdji2005preface_80-0)** [Adji 2005](#CITEREFAdji2005), preface.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007210_81-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), p. 210.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHesse198619_82-0)** [Hesse 1986](#CITEREFHesse1986), p. 19. sfn error: no target: CITEREFHesse1986 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** Suleimenova, ZH D., A. Tashagil, and B. Amankulov. "The Role of Person and his Psychological Portrait in Turkic Philosophy of Culture." International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 5.11 (2011): 1414–1418.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-84)** Fergus, Michael; Jandosova, Janar (2003). [*Kazakhstan: Coming of Age*](https://books.google.com/books?id=jAu9ttUqiJoC&pg=PA91). Stacey International. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-900988-61-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-900988-61-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-85)** Lurker, Manfred (2015). *A Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses, Devils and Demons*. London: Routledge (Taylor and Francis). p. [340](https://books.google.com/books?id=0La5CAAAQBAJ&pg=PT350). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-136-10620-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-136-10620-0)., translation from German by G. L. Campbell.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-McLynn-2015_86-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-McLynn-2015_86-1) [McLynn, Frank](/source/Frank_McLynn) (2015). *Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy* (First Da Capo Press ed.). Boston: [Da Capo Press](/source/Da_Capo_Press). p. 510. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-306-82395-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-306-82395-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-87)** Isaacs, R. (2018). Film and Identity in Kazakhstan: Soviet and Post-Soviet Culture in Central Asia. Vereinigtes Königreich: Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 177

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBezertinov200071_88-0)** [Bezertinov 2000](#CITEREFBezertinov2000), p. 71.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-89)** Funk, Dmitriy (2018). "Siberian Cosmologies". *The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology.* Callan, Hilary (ed). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. pp. 3–4. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1002/9781118924396.wbiea2237](https://doi.org/10.1002%2F9781118924396.wbiea2237).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHesse1987405_90-0)** [Hesse 1987](#CITEREFHesse1987), p. 405. sfn error: no target: CITEREFHesse1987 ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Harv_and_Sfn_template_errors))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-91)** History of Civilizations of Central Asia. (1999). Indien: Motilal Banarsidass. p. 430

1. **[^](#cite_ref-92)** Edelbay, Saniya (2012). *Traditional Kazakh Culture and Islam.* International Journal of Business and Social Science Vol. 3 No. 11 p. 129.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEStewart1997_93-6) [Stewart 1997](#CITEREFStewart1997).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-94)** *Türk Mitolojisi*, Murat Uraz, 1992 [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [34244225](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/34244225)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-sosyalarastirmalar.com_95-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-sosyalarastirmalar.com_95-1) Ferhat Aslan *The Dragon Motif in Anatolian Legends* Uluslararası Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi; The Journal of International Social Research; Cilt: 7 Sayı: 29 Volume: 7 Issue: 29 www.sosyalarastirmalar.com Issn: 1307-9581 p. 37

1. **[^](#cite_ref-96)** *Götter und Mythen in Zentralasien und Nordeurasien Käthe Uray-Kőhalmi*, Jean-Paul Roux, Pertev N. Boratav, Edith Vertes: [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [3-12-909870-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/3-12-909870-4) İçinden: Jean-Paul Roux: Die alttürkische Mythologie (Eski Türk mitolojisi)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-97)** Büchner, V. F., "Tañri̊", in: Encyclopaedia of Islam, First Edition (1913–1936), Edited by M. Th. Houtsma, T.W. Arnold, R. Basset, R. Hartmann. Consulted online on 21 March 2023 [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1163/2214-871X_ei1_SIM_5661](https://doi.org/10.1163%2F2214-871X_ei1_SIM_5661) First published online: 2012 First print edition: [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789004082656](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789004082656), 1913-1936

1. **[^](#cite_ref-98)** Sarikaya, Dilek Bulut. The Human-Animal Relationship in Pre-Modern Turkish Literature: A Study of The Book of Dede Korkut and The Masnavi, Book I, II. USA, Lexington Books, 2023. p. 64

1. **[^](#cite_ref-99)** Mullerson, Rein. Central Asia. Vereinigtes Königreich, Taylor & Francis, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-100)** Jens Peter Laut – Vielfalt türkischer Religione (German)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-101)** Banzarov, Dorji, Jan Nattier, and John R. Krueger. "The Black faith, or Shamanism among the Mongols". Mongolian Studies (1981): 53–91.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-102)** Palmer, James (2009). *The Bloody White Baron: The Extraordinary Story of the Russian Nobleman Who Became the Last Khan of Mongolia*. Basic Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0465014484](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0465014484).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-103)** Findle, Carter V. (2005). *The Turks in World History*, Oxford University Press [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780195177268](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780195177268)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-104)** Telebayev, Gaziz, and Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. "Turkic elements in the Sufi philosophical tradition: Khoja Ahmed Yasawi". Cross Cultural Studies: Education and Science 2 (2019): 100–107.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-105)** Starr, S. F. (2015). Lost Enlightenment: Central Asia's Golden Age from the Arab Conquest to Tamerlane. USA: Princeton University Press.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-106)** Laruelle, Marlene (2021). [*Central Peripheries: Nationhood in Central Asia*](https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10130177/1/Central-Peripheries.pdf) (PDF). UCL Press. p. 107.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-107)** Weatherford, Jack (2016). *Genghis Khan and the Quest for God: How the World's Greatest Conqueror Gave Us Religious Freedom*, p. 59

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Premodern_Age_p._193–195_108-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Premodern_Age_p._193–195_108-1) Mario Conterno "The Conversation of the Turks" in "Conversion to Islam in the Premodern Age: A Sourcebook" Univ of California Press 2020 pp. 193–195

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Peacock_109-0)** Peacock, A.C.S. (2019). *Islam, Literature and Society in Mongol Anatolia*. Cambridge University Press. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/9781108582124](https://doi.org/10.1017%2F9781108582124). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781108582124](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781108582124). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [211657444](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:211657444).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-110)** Çakmak, Cenap (2017). *Islam: A Worldwide Encyclopedia [4 vols.]*, ABC-CLIO [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781610692175](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781610692175) pp. 1425–29

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_111-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ReferenceA_111-1) Aigle, Denise (2014). *The Mongol Empire between Myth and Reality: Studies in Anthropological History*, BRILL [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-9-0042-8064-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-9-0042-8064-9) p. 107

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELaruelle2007208–9_112-0)** [Laruelle 2007](#CITEREFLaruelle2007), pp. 208–9.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-113)** Dudolgnon (2013). *Islam in Politics in Russia*, Routledge [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781136888786](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781136888786) pp. 301–4

1. **[^](#cite_ref-114)** Moldagaliyev, Bauyrzhan Eskaliyevich, et al. "Synthesis of traditional and Islamic values in Kazakhstan." European Journal of Science and Theology 11.5 (2015): 217–229.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-115)** Meyvaert, P. (1980). "An Unknown Letter of Hülegü Il-Khan of Persia to King Louis IX". *Viator*. **11**: 245–261. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1484/J.VIATOR.2.301508](https://doi.org/10.1484%2FJ.VIATOR.2.301508).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-116)** Barber, Malcolm; Bate, Keith (2010). *Letters from the East: Crusaders, Pilgrims and Settlers in the 12th–13th centuries*. Farnham, England: Ashgate Publishing Limited. pp. 156–159. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780754663560](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780754663560).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-117)** [Waugh, Daniel C.](/source/Daniel_C._Waugh) (12 July 2004). ["William of Rubruck's Account of the Mongols"](https://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/texts/rubruck.html). *Silk Road Seattle*. [University of Washington](/source/University_of_Washington).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-118)** Elverskog, J. (2011). Buddhism and Islam on the Silk Road. USA: University of Pennsylvania Press, Incorporated. p. 312

1. **[^](#cite_ref-119)** Erica Marat, [Kyrgyz Government Unable to Produce New National Ideology](http://www.cacianalyst.org/?q=node/126) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181017001716/http://www.cacianalyst.org/?q=node%2F126) 17 October 2018 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), 22 February 2006, CACI Analyst, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-120)** ["UNHCR Web Archive"](https://webarchive.archive.unhcr.org/20230521210009/https://www.refworld.org/docid/542526454.html). *webarchive.archive.unhcr.org*. Retrieved 28 December 2024.

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1. **[^](#cite_ref-122)** Mullerson, R. (2014). Central Asia. Vereinigtes Königreich: Taylor & Francis. p. 184

1. **[^](#cite_ref-123)** ["Как в Казахстане живут тенгрианцы"](https://cabar.asia/ru/kak-v-kazahstane-zhivut-tengriantsy) [How Tengrists live in Kazakhstan] (in Russian). 6 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-124)** ["Turkish man wins lawsuit to change religion to Tengrism in official records"](https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkish-man-wins-lawsuit-to-change-religion-to-tengrism-in-official-records-news-60927). 14 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-125)** AsiaNews.it. ["Tengrian Religion in Kazakhstan"](https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Tengrian-Religion-in-Kazakhstan-61070.html). *asianews.it*. Retrieved 28 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-126)** ["Kyrgyzstan's Sky Worshippers Seek Recognition | Eurasianet"](https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstans-sky-worshippers-seek-recognition). *eurasianet.org*. Retrieved 28 December 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-127)** Mullerson, R. (2014). Central Asia. Vereinigtes Königreich: Taylor & Francis. p. 182

## Bibliography

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- Baldick, Julian (2000). *Animals and Shaman: Ancient Religions of Central Asia*. New York: [NYU Press](/source/NYU_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780814798720](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780814798720).

- Balzer, Marjorie Mandelstam, ed. (2015) [1990]. [*Shamanism: Soviet Studies of Traditional Religion in Siberia and Central Asia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=RSC3DAAAQBAJ). London/New York: Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781138179295](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781138179295).

- Beydili, Celal (2005). *Türk Mitolojisi Ansiklopedik Sözlük* [*Turkic Mythology Encyclopedic Dictionary*] (in Turkish). İstanbul: Yurt Kitap-Yayın. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9759025051](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9759025051).

- [Bira, Shagdaryn](/source/Shagdaryn_Bira) (2011). [*Монголын тэнгэрийн үзэл: түүвэр зохиол, баримт бичгүүд*](https://books.google.com/books?id=BnsLmwEACAAJ) [*Mongolian Tengerism: selected papers and documents*] (in Mongolian). Ulaanbaatar: Sodpress. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789992955932](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789992955932).

- Bourdeaux, Michael; Filatov, Sergey, eds. (2006). *Современная религиозная жизнь России. Опыт систематического описания* [*Contemporary Religious Life of Russia. Systematic description experience*] (in Russian). Vol. 4. [Keston Institute](/source/Keston_Institute). Москва: Логос. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [5-98704-057-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/5-98704-057-4).

- Brent, Peter (1976). *The Mongol Empire: Genghis Khan: His Triumph and His Legacy*. London: Book Club Associates.

- Dilek, İbrahim (2013). *Türk Mitoloji Sözlüğü (Altay-Yakut)* [*Turkic Mythology Dictionary (Altai-Yakut)*] (in Turkish). İstanbul: Gazi Kitabevi.

- Eröz, Mehmet (1992). [*Eski Türk dini (gök tanrı inancı) ve Alevîlik-Bektaşilik*](https://books.google.com/books?id=CORMAAAAMAAJ) [*Old Turkish Religion (Belief in Sky God) and Alevism-Bektashism*] (in Turkish) (3rd ed.). İstanbul: Türk Dünyası Araştırmaları Vakfı. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789754980516](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789754980516).

- Filatov, Sergey; [Shchipkov, Aleksandr](/source/Aleksandr_Shchipkov_(social_scientist)) (1995). ["Religious Developments Among the Volga Nations as a Model for the Russian Federation"](http://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/rss/23-3_233.pdf) (PDF). *Religion, State & Society*. **23** (3): 233–48. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/09637499508431705](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F09637499508431705).

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- [Gumilyov, Lev N.](/source/Lev_Gumilyov) (1967). ["Гл. 7. Религия тюркютов"](http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/OT/ot07.htm) [Chapter 7. Religion of the Turkuts]. *Древние тюрки* [*The Ancient Turks*] (in Russian). Москва: [Наука](/source/Nauka_(publisher)).

- Güngör, Harun (2013). Erdoğan Altinkaynak (ed.). ["Tengrism As a Religious and Political Phenomenon in the Turkish World: Tengriyanstvo"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160813032641/http://dergikaradeniz.com/web/upload/icerik/19/karadenizdergi_19.pdf) (PDF). *Karadeni̇z – Black Sea – Черное Море*. **19**: 189–95. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1308-6200](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1308-6200). Archived from [the original](http://dergikaradeniz.com/web/upload/icerik/19/karadenizdergi_19.pdf) (PDF) on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 23 November 2019.

- Güngör, Harun; Günay, Ünver (1997). *Başlangıçtan Günümüze Türklerin Dinî Tarihi* [*The Religious History of Turks from the Past to the Present*] (in Turkish). İstanbul.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Halemba, Agnieszka (2003). ["Contemporary Religious Life in the Republic of Altai: the Interaction of Buddhism and Shamanism"](https://web.archive.org/web/20050510034443/http://www.innerasiaresearch.org/03_RSIBhalemba.pdf) (PDF). *Sibirica*. **3** (2): 165–82. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/1361736042000245295](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F1361736042000245295). Archived from [the original](http://www.innerasiaresearch.org/03_RSIBhalemba.pdf) (PDF) on 10 May 2005.

- [Heissig, Walther](/source/Walther_Heissig) (1980) [1970]. *The Religions of Mongolia*. Translated by G. Samuel. London/Henley: Routledge; Kegan Paul. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7103-0685-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7103-0685-7).

- Kafesoğlu, İbrahim (1980). *Eski Türk Dini* [*Old Turkish Religion*] (in Turkish). Ankara: Boğaziçi Yayınları.

- Khvastunova, Julia V. (2018). ["Современное тенгрианство (на примере версии тенгрианства В. А. Сата в Республике Алтай)"](https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennoe-tengrianstvo-na-primere-versii-tengrianstva-v-a-sata-v-respublike-altay) [Modern Tengriism (as in V. A. Sat's Version of Tengriism in the Altai Republic)]. *Colloquium Heptaploremes* (in Russian) (5): 33–43.

- Klyashtornyj, Sergei G. (2008). Spinei, V. and C. (ed.). *Old Turkic Runic Texts and History of the Eurasian Steppe*. Bucureşti/Brăila: Editura Academiei Române; Editura Istros a Muzeului Brăilei.

- —— (2005). 'Political Background of the Old Turkic Religion' in: Oelschlägel, Nentwig, Taube (eds), *"Roter Altai, gib dein Echo!"* (FS Taube), Leipzig, pp. 260–65. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-86583-062-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-86583-062-3)

- Kodar, Auezkhan (2009). ["Тенгрианство в контексте монотеизма"](https://www.tuva.asia/journal/issue_1-2/121-monotheism.html) [Tengriism in the context of monotheism]. *Новые Исследования Тувы* (in Russian) (1–2).

- [Laruelle, Marlène](/source/Marl%C3%A8ne_Laruelle) (2007). ["Religious Revival, Nationalism and the 'Invention of Tradition': Political Tengrism in Central Asia and Tatarstan"](https://www.academia.edu/7896323). *[Central Asian Survey](/source/Central_Asian_Survey)*. **26** (2): 203–16. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/02634930701517433](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F02634930701517433). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [145234197](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:145234197).

- —— (22 March 2006). ["Tengrism: In Search for Central Asia's Spiritual Roots"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061207233331/http://www.cacianalyst.org/issues/20060322Analyst.pdf?SMSESSION=NO) (PDF). *Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst*. **8** (6): 3–4. Archived from [the original](http://www.cacianalyst.org/issues/20060322Analyst.pdf?SMSESSION=NO) (PDF) on 7 December 2006.

- Moroz, Eugeny (2004). ["От иудаизма к тенгрианству. Ещё раз о духовных поисках современных крымчаков и крымских караимов»"](http://www.narodknigi.ru/journals/52/ot_iudaizma_k_tengrianstvu/) [From Judaism to Tengrism. Once again about the spiritual quest of the modern Krymchaks and Crimean Karaites]. *Народ Книги В Мире Книг* (in Russian) (52): 1–6.

- Ögel, Bahaeddin (2003) [1971]. *Türk Mitolojisi (Kaynakları ve Açıklamaları ile Destanlar)* [*Turkish Mythology (Epics with Sources and Explanations)*] (in Turkish) (4 ed.). Ankara: Türk Tarih Kurumu Yayınları.

- [Pettazzoni, Raffaele](/source/Raffaele_Pettazzoni) (1956) [1955]. "Turco-Mongols and Related Peoples". *The All-Knowing God. Researches into Early Religion and Culture*. Translated by H. J. Rose. London.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Poemer, H. R., ed. (2000). *History of the Turkic Peoples in Pre-Islamic Period*. Berlin: Klaus-Schwarz-Verlag. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9783879972838](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9783879972838).

- Popov, Igor (2016). ["Тюрко-монгольские религии (тенгрианство)"](http://www.russiafaiths.blogspot.com/p/turkic-mongolic-tengrism.html) [Turko-Mongolic Religions (Tengrism)]. [*Справочник всех религиозных течений и объединений в России*](http://www.russiafaiths.blogspot.com/p/book-index.html) [*The Reference Book on All Religious Branches and Communities in Russia*] (in Russian). Retrieved 23 November 2019.

- Richtsfeld, Bruno J. (2004). "Rezente ostmongolische Schöpfungs-, Ursprungs- und Weltkatastrophenerzählungen und ihre innerasiatischen Motiv- und Sujetparallelen" [Recent East Mongolian creation, origin, and world catastrophe narratives and their intra-Asian motif and subject parallels]. *Münchner Beiträge zur Völkerkunde. Jahrbuch des Staatlichen Museums für Völkerkunde München* [*Munich Contributions to Ethnology. Yearbook of the State Museum of Ethnology Munich*] (in German). Vol. 9. pp. 225–74.

- Róna-Tas, A. (1987). [W. Heissig](/source/Walther_Heissig); H.-J. Klimkeit (eds.). "Materialien zur alten Religion den Turken: Synkretismus in den Religionen zentralasiens" [Materials on the ancient religion of the Turks: syncretism in the religions of Central Asia]. *Studies in Oriental Religions* (in German). **13**. Wiesbaden: 33–45.

- [Roux, Jean-Paul](/source/Jean-Paul_Roux) (2003) [2002]. *Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire*. "[Abrams Discoveries](/source/D%C3%A9couvertes_Gallimard)" series. Translated by Ballas, Toula. New York: Harry N. Abrams. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780810991033](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780810991033).

- ——, ed. (1984). *La religion des Turcs et des Mongols* [*The Religion of the Turks and Mongols*] (in French). Paris: Payot.

- —— (1956). "Tängri. Essai sur le ciel-dieu des peuples altaïques" [Tängri. An Essay on the Deities of the Altaic Peoples]. *Revue de l'histoire des religions* (in French). [Vol. **149** (149-1), pp. 49–82](http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rhr_0035-1423_1956_num_149_1_7087); [Vol. **149** (149-2), pp. 197–230](http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rhr_0035-1423_1956_num_149_2_7121); [Vol. **150** (150-1), pp. 27–54](http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rhr_0035-1423_1956_num_150_1_7142); [Vol. **150** (150-2), pp. 173–212](http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rhr_0035-1423_1956_num_150_2_7167).

- ——. *Tengri.* In: *Encyclopedia of Religion*, Vol. 13, pp. 9080–82.

- Saraçoǧlu, Cenk (2004). [*Nihal Atsiz's World-view and Its Influences on the Shared Symbols, Rituals, Myths and Practices of the Ülkücü Movement*](https://books.google.com/books?id=2oPfvQEACAAJ). Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek Sachsen-Anhalt.

- [Shimamura, Ippei](/source/Ippei_Shimamura) (2014). *The Roots Seekers: Shamamisn and Ethnicity Among the Mongol Buryats*. Yokohama: Shumpusha. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-4-86110-397-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-4-86110-397-1).

- [Shnirelman, Viktor A.](/source/Victor_Schnirelmann) (1996). [*Who Gets the Past?: Competition for Ancestors Among Non-Russian Intellectuals in Russia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=4iwHp8amsdEC). Washington D.C., Baltimore & London: Woodrow Wilson Center Press; [Johns Hopkins University Press](/source/Johns_Hopkins_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0801852213](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0801852213).

- Stebleva, Irina V. (1971). "К реконструкции древнетюркской мифологической системы" [To the reconstruction of the ancient Turkic mythological system]. *Тюркологический сборник* [*Turkological collection*] (in Russian). Москва: [АН СССР](/source/Russian_Academy_of_Sciences).

- [Tanyu, Hikmet](/source/Hikmet_Tanyu) (1980). *İslâmlıktan Önce Türkler'de Tek Tanrı İnancı* [*The Belief of Monotheism among Pre-Islamic Turks*] (in Turkish). İstanbul.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Tekin, Talât (1993). *[Irk Bitig](/source/Irk_Bitig) = The Book of Omens*. Turcologica, 18. Wiesbaden: [Harrassowitz Verlag](/source/Harrassowitz_Verlag). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-447-03426-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-447-03426-5).

- *[The Secret History of the Mongols](/source/The_Secret_History_of_the_Mongols): a Mongolian Epic Chronicle of the Thirteenth Century*. Inner Asian library. Vol. 1–2. Translated by [Igor de Rachewiltz](/source/Igor_de_Rachewiltz) with a historical and philological commentary. Leiden: Brill. 2004 [1971–85]. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-15363-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-15363-9).

- Turner, Kevin (2016). [*Sky Shamans of Mongolia: Meetings with Remarkable Healers*](https://books.google.com/books?id=wksyCgAAQBAJ&q=sky+shamans+of+mongolia%3A+meetings+with+remarkable+healers). Berkeley, Ca: North Atlantic Books. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781583946343](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781583946343).

- Vovina, Olessia (2000). [*In Search of the National Idea: Cultural Revival and Traditional Religiosity in the Chuvash Republic*](https://web.archive.org/web/20221214114056/https://www.ucis.pitt.edu/nceeer/2000-814-29f-Vovina.pdf) (PDF). [Seton Hall University](/source/Seton_Hall_University). Archived from [the original](http://www.ucis.pitt.edu/nceeer/2000-814-29f-Vovina.pdf) (PDF) on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2019.

### Modern Tengrist authors

- Adji, Murad (2005) [1998]. [*Asia's Europa. Vol. 1: Europe, Turkic, the Great Steppe*](http://www.adji.ru/en/books/book10/). Translated by A. Kisilev. Moscow: ACT.

- Adyg-Tulush, Kara-ool Dopchun-ool oglu (2019) [2014]. *Мистические тувинцы — скифы, хунны, тюрки Уранхая. Мистические шаманские видения Верховного шамана Тувы и России* [*The Mystical Tuvans—Scythians, Huns, Turks of Urankhai. Mystical Shamanic Visions of the Supreme Shaman of Tuva and Russia*] (in Tuvinian) (2nd rev. ed.). Кызыл.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Afanasyev, Lazar A. (Téris) (1993). *Айыы уорэҔэ* [*Teachings of [Aiyy](/source/Aiy)*] (in Yakut). Якутск: Министерство культуры [Республики Саха (Якутия)](/source/Sakha_Republic).

- Akatai, Sabetkazy N. (2011) [1990]. [*Күн мен көлеңке: ғылыми-танымдық аңсар; Тарихи материалдар*](https://adebiportal.kz/web/viewer.php?file=/upload/iblock/c95/c950c9efef1826e4109d922419043bde.pdf&ln=kz) [*The Sun and Shadow: Science and Education; Historical materials*] (in Kazakh). Алматы: Print-Express. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-601-7046-23-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-601-7046-23-1).

- Atabek, Aron (2000). *Йоллыг-Тегин. Памятник Куль-Тегина* [*Yollig Tegin. Kul Tegin Monument*] (in Russian). Алматы: Кенже-пресс.

- [Atsız, Hüseyin Nihâl](/source/Nihal_Ats%C4%B1z) (1966). *Türk Tarihinde Meseleler* [*Problems in Turkish History*] (in Turkish). Ankara: Afşın Yayınları.

- Ayupov, Nurmagambet G. (2012). [*Тенгрианство как открытое мировоззрение*](http://tengrifund.ru/wp-content/library-tengrifund/Monografiya_Ayupova.pdf) [*Tengrism as an Open Worldview*] (PDF) (in Russian). Алматы: [КазНПУ им. Абая](/source/Abai_Kazakh_National_Pedagogical_University); КИЕ.

- Bezertinov, Rafael (2000). ["Chapter 3. Deities / Trans. by N. Kisamov"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060203112626/http://tatar.yuldash.com/eng_174.html). *Тенгрианство — религия тюрков и монголов* [*Tengrianizm: The Religion of the Turks and Mongols*] (in Russian). Набережные Челны: Аяз. Archived from [the original](http://tatar.yuldash.com/eng_174.html) on 3 February 2006. Retrieved 16 December 2019.

- Butanayev, Victor Y. (2003). [*Бурханизм тюрков Саяно-Алтая*](https://web.archive.org/web/20140626044111/http://bookucheba.com/religii-prochie/burhanizm-tyurkov-sayano-altaya-abakan.html) [*Burkhanism of the Turks of Sayano-Altai*] (in Russian). Абакан: Изд-во Хакасского государственного университета им. Н. Ф. Катанова. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [5-7810-0226-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/5-7810-0226-X). Archived from [the original](https://bookucheba.com/religii-prochie/burhanizm-tyurkov-sayano-altaya-abakan.html) on 26 June 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2020.

- Devbash, Firdus (2011) [2009]. [*Татарские молитвы*](http://devbas.ru/tatarskie-molitvy-kitapny-ukyrga/) [*Tatar Prayers*] (in Russian) (2nd rev. ed.). Казань: ПФ "Гарт". [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-5-905372-03-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-5-905372-03-2).

- Fyodorova, Lena V. (2012). *Духовные основы евразийства. Культурно-цивилизационные аспекты* [*The Spiritual Foundations of Eurasianism. Cultural and Civilizational Aspects*] (in Russian). [Lambert Academic Publishing](/source/Lambert_Academic_Publishing). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-659-13666-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-659-13666-5).

- [Kenin-Lopsan, Mongush B.](/source/Mongush_Kenin-Lopsan) (1993). *Магия тувинских шаманов = Magic of Tuvan Shamans* (in Russian and English). Кызыл: Новости Тувы.

- [Kenin-Lopsan, Mongush B.](/source/Mongush_Kenin-Lopsan) (2010) [2002]. *Calling the Bear Spirit: Ancient Shamanic Invocations and Working Songs from Tuva*. Kristianstad: Kjellin. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789197831901](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789197831901).

- Kodar, Auezkhan (2005) [2002]. *The Steppe Knowledge. Essays on Cultural Science*. Translated by I. Poluyahtov. Almaty: Ассоциация "Золотой век".

- Omuraliyev, Choiun (1994). *Теңирчилик: Улуттук философиянын уңусуна чалгын* [*Tengrism: National Philosophy*] (in Kyrgyz). Бишкек: Крон.

- Omuraliyev, Choiun (2012). [*Теңирчилик: Коом-Мамлекет*](http://www.literatura.kg/articles/?aid=1411) [*Tengrism: Society–State*] (in Kyrgyz). Бишкек: Кыргыз Жер. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-9967-26-597-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-9967-26-597-4).

- [Sarygulov, Dastan](/source/Dastan_Sarygulov) (2002). *Тенгрианство и глобальные проблемы современности* [*Tengrism and Global Problems of Modernity*] (in Russian). Бишкек: Фонд Тенгир-Ордо. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9967-21-186-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9967-21-186-5).

- Shodoev, Nikolai A. (2010). *Основы алтайской философии* [*Fundamentals of the Altaian Philosophy*] (in Russian). Бийск.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Stewart, Julie (3 October 1997). ["A Course in Mongolian Shamanism—Introduction 101"](http://members.tripod.com/Mongolian_Page/shaman.txt). Ulaanbaatar: Golomt Center for Shamanist Studies. Retrieved 15 December 2019.

- [Suleimenov, Olzhas O.](/source/Olzhas_Suleimenov) (1975). [*АЗ и Я. Книга благонамеренного читателя*](http://www.opentextnn.ru/man/index.html@id=711) [*AZ-and-IA. Book of a well-meaning reader*] (in Russian). Алма-Ата: Жазушы.

- [Suleimenov, Olzhas O.](/source/Olzhas_Suleimenov) (2002). *Тюрки в доистории (о происхождении древнетюркских языков и письменностей)* [*The Turks in Prehistory (on the origin of the ancient Turkic languages and scripts)*] (in Russian). Алматы: Атамұра. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9965-05-662-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9965-05-662-5).

- Trer, Yosif (2019). *Хӗрӗх чалӑш хӗрлӗ ту* [*Forty Fathoms Red Mountain*] (in Chuvash). Шупашкар: ÇИП.

- [Tschinag, Galsan](/source/Galsan_Tschinag) (2006) [1994]. [*The Blue Sky: A Novel*](https://archive.org/details/blueskynovel00tsch). Translated by K. Rout. Minneapolis, Minn: [Milkweed Editions](/source/Milkweed_Editions). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-571310-55-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-571310-55-2). .

- Tsyrendorzhiev, Bair Zh.; Dogbaeva-Rinchino, M. R. (2019). *Тэнгэридэ шүтэлгэ. Элинсэг хулинсагаймнай уряа. "Угай хүндэ" гэжэ үргэл, заншал = Тэнгэрианство. Зов предков. Почитание рода* [*Tengrism. The Call of the Ancestors. Veneration of the Kind*] (in Buriat and Russian). Улан-Удэ: Республиканская типография. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-5-91407-189-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-5-91407-189-6).

- Tyrysova, Zinaida T. (2008). *Ургÿлjикти учугы — Алтай Jаҥ (Нить вечности — Алтай Jан)* [*Thread of Eternity—Altai Jang*] (in Southern Altai). Горно-Алтайск.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher))

- Urbanaeva, Irina S. (2000). [*Шаманская философия бурят-монголов: центральноазиатское тэнгрианство в свете духовных учений: в 2 ч.*](https://books.google.com/books?id=8aR4AAAAMAAJ) [*Shamanistic Philosophy of the Buryat-Mongols: Central Asian Tengrism in the Light of Spiritual Teachings: In 2 parts*] (in Russian). Улан-Удэ: БНЦ [СО РАН](/source/Siberian_Branch_of_the_Russian_Academy_of_Sciences). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [5-7925-0024-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/5-7925-0024-X).

## Further reading

- Shaimerdinova, N. "Tengrism in the life of Turkic peoples". In: *Religion and State in the Altaic World: Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Meeting of the Permanent International Altaistic Conference (PIAC), Friedensau, Germany, 18–23 August 2019*. Edited by Oliver Corff, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2022, pp. 177–182. [https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110730562-016](https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110730562-016)

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Tengrism](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tengrism).

- [International Tengri Research Foundation](http://tengrifund.ru/) (in Russian)

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v t e Demographics of Turkey Topics Turkish people Ethnic Kurds Minorities Languages Turkish language Religion Islam Christianity Buddhism Judaism Irreligion Education Health Immigration Poverty Demographics of Istanbul Census in Turkey 1927 1935 1965 1990 2000 2010 2020 Lists Provinces by population Cities and towns by population Provinces by life expectancy

v t e Turkic topics Languages Afshar Altai Northern Southern Äynu Azerbaijani Bashkir Bulgar Chagatai Chulym Chuvash Crimean Tatar Cuman Dolgan Fuyü Gïrgïs Gagauz Ili Turki Karachay-Balkar Karaim Karakalpak Karamanli Turkish Kazakh Khakas Khalaj Khazar Khorasani Turkic Kipchak Krymchak Kumyk Kipchak languages Kyrgyz Nogai Old Turkic Ottoman Turkish Pecheneg Qashqai Sakha/Yakut Salar Shor Siberian Tatar Tatar Telengit Tofa Turkish Turkmen Tuvan Urum Uyghur Uzbek Western Yugur Alphabets Old Turkic Common Turkic Cyrillic Old Uyghur Persian Peoples Afshars Altaians Chelkans, Kumandins, Telengits, Teleuts, Tubalars Azerbaijanis in Iran, Armenia, Georgia1 Balkars Bashkirs Chulyms Chuvash Crimean Karaites Crimean Tatars Dolgans Gagauz Karachays Karakalpaks Kazakhs in China1 Khakas Khalaj Khorasani Turks Krymchaks Kyrgyz in China1 Kumyks Naimans Nogais Qarai Turks Qashqai Salar Shors Siberian Tatars Baraba Tatars Chat Tatars Kalmak Tatars Eushta Tatars Zabolotnie Tatars Tyumen-Tura Tatars Tobol Tatars Kurdak-Sargat Tatars Tara Tatars Tatars Astrakhan, Chinese, Finnish, Lipka, Kryashens, Mishar, Nağaybäk, Volga Tofalar Turkmens Afghan, Iranian1 Turkish in Abkhazia, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Crete, Cyprus, Dodecanese, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, North Macedonia, Meskhetia (Ahiska), Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Syria, Tunisia, Western Thrace, Yemen1 Tuvans Uyghurs Uzbeks in Afghanistan1 Yakuts (Sakha) Yugurs Extinct Turkic groups Bulaqs Bulgars Cumans Dughlats Göktürks Karluks Khazars Kimek Kipchaks K'o-sa Oghuz Turks Shatuo Türgesh Uzes Politics Grey Wolves Kemalism Burkhanism Jadid Pan-Turkism Turkesism Turanism (Hungarian) Origins Turkestan Mongolia History Timeline of the Göktürks Timeline 500–1300 Migration Turkification Nomadic empire Turco-Mongol Tian Shan / Altai Mountains Otuken Oğuz Locations Sovereign states Azerbaijan Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Northern Cyprus2 Turkey Turkmenistan Uzbekistan Autonomous areas Altai Republic Bashkortostan Chuvashia Crimea Gagauzia Jagoldai Kabardino-Balkaria Karachay-Cherkessia Karakalpakstan Khakassia Nakhchivan Sakha Tatarstan Tuva Xinjiang Studies Old Turkic script Proto-Turkic language Turkology Religions Turkic mythology Tengrism Shamanism Aiyy Faith Tibetan Buddhism Islam Alevism Batiniyya Bayramiye Bektashi Order Burkhanism Christianity Hurufism Khalwati order Malamatiyya Qadiri Qalandariyya Rifaʽi* Safaviyya Zahediyeh Vattisen Yaly Traditional sports Kyz kuu Jereed Kokpar Jigit Chovgan Organizations Organization of Turkic States International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) Parliamentary Assembly (TURKPA) Turkic Academy Organization of the Eurasian Law Enforcement Agencies with Military Status (TAKM) World Turks Qurultai 1These are traditional areas of settlement; the Turkic group has been living in the listed country/region for centuries and should not be confused with modern diasporas. 2State with limited international recognition.

v t e Turco-Mongol States Tatar confederation Golden Horde Uzbek Khanate Kazakh Khanate Nogai Horde Budjak Horde Chagatai Khanate Timurid Empire Mughal Empire Crimean Khanate Astrakhan Khanate Kazan Khanate Sibir Khanate Related ethnic groups and clans Avars* Keraites Barlas Naimans Merkit Ongud Mughal people Aimaq people Hazaras Culture Kurultai Kumis Tengrism (Tengri, Ergenekon, Ülgen, Erlik) Deel Tug banner *Origin is controversial.

v t e Paganism Characteristics Animism Panentheism Pantheism Polytheism Myth and ritual Veneration of the dead Bear worship Blót Tumulus Dying and rising deity Ethos Folklore Idolatry Magic and religion Megalith Dolmen Menhir Stone row Myth Myth and ritual Mythology Orthopraxy Reincarnation Religion and mythology Ritual Sacred grove Holy well Sacrifice animal human Supernatural magic Trees in mythology Tree of life World tree Totem Virtue Witchcraft Animal worship Christianization Christianity and paganism Christianization of saints and feasts Constantinian shift Religio licita Virtuous pagan Revival Modern paganism

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tengrism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengrism) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengrism?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.