Shamanism as a Cultural and Religious Phenomenon: Traditions and Social Role among Turkic and Chinese Peoples
BULLETIN of the L N GUMILYOV EURASIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY POLITICAL SCIENCE REGIONAL STUDIES ORIENTAL STUDIES TURKOLOGY Series January 1, 2024 Sh.D. Burkitbaeva, A. Shargynova
Shamanism is a system of beliefs and rituals centered on interaction with spirits and supernatural forces, with the shaman acting as a mediator between the human and spirit worlds. This article examines common features of shamanic practices among Turkic and Siberian ethnic groups, including rituals and the social role of the shaman. It systematizes existing knowledge, identifies shared and specific traits, and analyzes shamanism's influence on spiritual life and social organization. Using historical-analytical, comparative, ethnographic, sociological, and psychological approaches, the article discusses the evolution of shamanic practices amid social and religious transformations, contributing to anthropology, ethnography, and cultural studies.