Turk Cults

We have reviewed Azerbaijan in previous articles. Today, we will continue to explore this beautiful country. Azerbaijan is a country rich in natural beauty and historical heritage. Historical and Cultural Places Gobustan National Park: A Historical Feast: First, let's go to Gobustan National Park, famous for its more than 5,000 rock carvings. It is located approximately 64 kilometers southwest of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2007. It sheds light on human periods from prehistory to the Middle Ages. It gives us information about the lifestyle of the people in those times. This park fascinates visitors not only with its archaeological aspect but also with its natural beauties. It offers a visual feast to its guests with its cliffs, valleys and desert views overlooking the Caspian Sea. Sheki: Center of Rich Cultural Heritage: Now let's take a look at Sheki City, famous for its rich cultural heritage. The history of this city

A nation's dances offer a captivating window into its cultural soul. Today, we delve into the enchanting world of Uzbek folk dance, highlighting the unique styles that reflect Uzbekistan's rich heritage. Bukhara Dance Bukhara Dance is characterized by a mesmerizing transition from languid, graceful movements to energetic rhythms. These dances feature dancers adorned in opulent, gold-embroidered attire who eloquently convey narratives through expressive hand gestures. The elegance and storytelling aspect of Bukhara Dance make it a captivating performance. Lazgi Dance The iconic Lazgi Dance, hailing from Uzbekistan's Khiva region, is celebrated for its exuberant spirit. Dancers captivate audiences with intricate hand and finger movements, embodying the joyous essence of Uzbek culture. The Lazgi Dance's lively and energetic style represents the heart of Uzbekistan's celebratory traditions. Ferghana Dance Ferghana Dance is a captivating spectacle of unity, featuring syn

 Every day, we explore a different country on our journey to discover the Turkic world. In previous articles, we have mentioned Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan . Today, we delve into Uzbekistan, an important stop on the Silk Road, known for its magnificent architectural structures, colorful bazaars, hospitable people, and rich cultural heritage. Uzbekistan, often referred to as the land of blue domes and turquoise tiles, shares borders with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east, and Kazakhstan to the north and west. The currency of this beautiful country, which declared independence in 1991, is the Som. Uzbekistan is often regarded as the heart of the Silk Road. As a famous Uzbek proverb says: "There are two great roads in the universe: the Milky Way in the sky and the Silk Road on earth Each color on the Uzbek flag has a significant meaning. The blue color represents the sky and clear water, and it is also the color of the Turkic peoples. Whi

Kazakhstan, with its deep historical and cultural heritage, stands out as a key country in Central Asia. This nation boasts a wealth of literature, including epic tales, poems, and stories. Today, we'll delve into some of the most influential Kazakh poets who have shaped this literary tradition. Prominent Kazakh Poets Kazakh literature is renowned for its vibrant poetry tradition. One of the most significant figures from the classical period is Abay Kunanbayoğlu. Often regarded as the founder of Kazakh literature, Abay is celebrated for his philosophical essays and profound contributions to Kazakh culture. Born in Semey, Kazakhstan, Abay Kunanbayoğlu's legacy is honored with a large statue in Kazakhstan, and his image is featured on the second-largest denomination of the Kazakh currency, the "Tenge." His works explore themes of freedom and social justice. In 2020, the International Organization of Turkish Culture designated the year as Abay Kunanbayoğlu's year, hi

 The press undoubtedly plays a very important role in shaping the mentality of every nation.  The press had a very important place in the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the preservation of independence. Today we will talk about July 22, Azerbaijan National Press Day. Ekinci newspaper, published in Baku by the Azerbaijani intellectual Hasan Bey Zardabi in 1875, is considered a turning point in press history. Even though Ekinci newspaper was closed by the Russians, the development of national feelings could not be prevented. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Azerbaijani press developed significantly. "Kaşkül", "Fuuzat", "Ziya", "Ziya-Kafkâziye", "East-Russian", "Life", "Dabistan", "Life", "Development", "Truth", "School", "Open" Newspapers and magazines such as "Söz", "İrşad", "Molla Nasiruddin" had an

Local dances are vital to understanding a country's cultural heritage, embodying its traditions, emotions, and unique cultural elements. Today, let's delve into the captivating dances of Azerbaijan. Yalli Dances Yalli is among the oldest folk dances of Azerbaijan, with Nakhchivan renowned globally as its birthplace. This group dance, performed with participants holding hands, symbolizes unity and solidarity. The Yalli dance tradition dates back to the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the Gamigaya archaeological site in Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan’s esteemed leader, Heydar Aliyev, once described Yalli as the “crown of Nakhchivan.” This dance has evolved through various factors, including Nakhchivan's history, geography, archaeology, ethnic history, ethnography, animal husbandry, agriculture, dialects, and mythological culture. Lezginka Dance Lezginka, also known as Zilga, Maggalan, Çeçen, İsteme, or Şamiley, is a dance requiring exceptional talent and skill. Popular among the Dagestan

Azerbaijani carpets are renowned for their unique beauty and ancient craftsmanship. These exquisite carpets, which were inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in November 2010, reflect a rich tradition. Discover more about Azerbaijani carpets by exploring their historical significance and cultural value. History of Azerbaijani Carpets The history of Azerbaijani carpets is well-documented by ancient historians such as Herodotus, Claudius Aelianus, and Xenophon. Carpet weaving in Azerbaijan flourished during the Sassanid period, with artisans creating intricate designs using silk, gold, and silver threads. The tradition of Azerbaijani carpet production dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and has continued through the centuries. Key production centers include the cities of Tabriz, Shamakhi, and Barda. The 10th-century work Hüdud el-Alem references woven textiles such as palas and sackcloths from Mughan and the Nakhchivan zili carpets. Azerbaijani carpets also caugh

Hello everyone! Today, we will discuss prominent female journalists in the Turkish world. Let's get to know these heroes closely, each of whom has undertaken important missions such as amplifying women's voices and leading social changes in their respective countries and time periods. Selma Rıza Feraceli (Türkiye) Selma Rıza, born in Istanbul in 1872, is considered the first Turkish female journalist and novelist of the Tanzimat period. Fluent in French, she was also the only female member of the Committee of Union and Progress. In 1897, she wrote the novel Uhuvvet , which focused on women's rights. Selma Rıza has always been an exemplary Turkish woman with her many patriotic writings. She also took part in the Hilal-i Ahmer Society. Shafiga Efendizadeh (Azerbaijan) Shafiga Efendizadeh, born in 1883, made valuable contributions to the education of women in Azerbaijan and played a significant role in shaping public opinion. She became a pioneer for women in her country by ho

As it is known, the gray wolf salute of the player named Merih Demiral during the Türkiye-Austria match was quite on the agenda. Let's take a closer look at this sign that is important for the Turkish people. Contrary to popular belief, the Gray Wolf sign is not a political party symbol or a sign of fascism, but has a much older history. According to the belief in Turkish mythology , the Gray Wolf symbol is considered a symbol of heroism and power. According to the belief of Turkish people, the wolf represents the warrior spirit. When Turks are faced with a problem, It shows up and provides guidance. Now let's look at the historical background of the gray wolf symbol with examples. The wolf has a very important place in the belief system of Turkish culture. It is thought that the Kök Turks have a historical basis for the Gray Wolf legend. According to the Wu Sun legend, the son of the murdered king became king of his state by sucking the milk of the wolf. The wolf has a celest

Hello friends, after a long hiatus, we resume our journey across the Turkish World. Today, our stop is Kazakhstan, the emerging powerhouse of Central Asia. As the 9th largest country globally, Kazakhstan boasts vast steppes, abundant natural resources, and rich cultural diversity. With a population of approximately 19 million, its capital is Astana, which was relocated from Almaty in 1997. Country Economy Overview Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, uses the Tenge as its official currency. The nation holds significant economic potential, with substantial oil reserves, metals, livestock, and grain production. Notably, Kazakhstan possesses the second largest uranium reserves in the world, following Australia. In 2023, Kazakhstan's nominal GDP reached 22.2 trillion Tenge, reflecting a 5.3% growth compared to 2022. The inflation rate stood at 17.2% in June 2023. Let's delve into Kazakhstan’s natural and cultural treasures. Cultural and Natural Beauties of Kazakhstan Ka

 Mugam is an important part of Azerbaijan's traditional music. Like Azerbaijani folk music, mugam has its roots in the depths of Eastern musical culture. The melody of mugam was composed by preachers who read the Quran, the melody was composed by the music played in Iranian palaces, and the style of performance was determined by Azerbaijani ashugs. The word mugam derives from the word "makam" in Iranian-Arabic-Turkish language. The word "Makam" refers to the pitch of stringed instruments. Each mugham is so named because the main (liquid) note is located in one of the frets of the instrument. The peoples of the Near and Middle East have had spiritual and material riches that have been interconnected for centuries. The common aspects in the musical culture of Eastern peoples are becoming more evident as a reflection of these ties. This culture was formed on the basis of communication processes in various forms and shades of the population of a large region and the

Literature is one of the fields that best reflects the culture and characteristics of a country. In this article, we'll explore the important poets in Azerbaijani literature who have significantly contributed to the country's rich cultural heritage. Nizami Gencevi (1141-1209) Nizâmî Ganjavi is a renowned figure in medieval Azerbaijani literature. His education at the madrasah, coupled with his extensive personal studies, allowed him to develop expertise in numerous fields. He acquired a deep understanding of Islamic principles, as well as the oral and written traditions of the Near East. Additionally, he was well-versed in Arabic, Persian, and Greek languages, ancient Greek history and philosophy, Indian philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and geometry. Mahsati Gencevi (12th century) Mehseti Ganjavi is recognized as the earliest female poet in Azerbaijani literature. She was born in the city of Ganja around 1113 and lived during the 12th century. Though some sources suggest she pa

 Traditional clothes in Turkish society; It has created a unique character with color, motif and form elements, nourished by social, economic and religious values. The original Turkish clothing culture, which continues its diversity and continuity today, appears with different aesthetics and meaning integrity in every region. Headdresses in traditional Turkish clothing are more than just a piece of clothing, they are important elements that reflect social identity, cultural heritage and historical past. Each title carries a different meaning in the context in which it is used and reflects Turkey's rich cultural diversity. In this article, we will discuss topics from different regions in Turkish headress. Aleyçin is known as bridal headwear, which is nourished by Alevi values in Turkish clothing culture and has a unique character. Picture 1 . Aleyçin Civa ~ cuva (bridal headdress) example from Değirmenlik (Akseki) village. Source: Murat Arslan. Picture 2. Cuva A Tahtacı wedding.

Nestled between the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south, the Republic of Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and modern innovation. As a unitary constitutional republic, Azerbaijan’s administrative structure includes 59 regions (rayons), 11 cities, and 1 autonomous republic. Known as the " land of fire ," Azerbaijan is a captivating destination rich in historical significance and cultural heritage. Let’s begin our journey by exploring the beautiful Republic of Azerbaijan. The History and Significance of the Azerbaijani Flag The Azerbaijani flag has been the official flag of Azerbaijan since 1991. However, its design was first established by the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic at a meeting on November 9, 1918. This date is now celebrated annually as Flag Day in Azerbaijan. The flag's design and the significance of Flag Day reflect the rich history and national pride of A