Shamanism as a Cultural and Religious Phenomenon: Traditions and Social Role among Turkic and Chinese Peoples

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the study of shamanism as an important component of the spiritual and cultural traditions of various peoples, with a focus on Turkic and Siberian ethnic groups. Shamanism, as a form of religious practice, represents a unique system of beliefs and rituals based on interaction with spirits and supernatural forces, as well as the role of the shaman as a mediator between the human world and the spirit world. The article examines the common features of shamanic practices among different peoples, including their rituals and the social role of the shaman in society. Special attention is given to the study of the role of shamanism in the formation of religious beliefs and social structures among the Turkic peoples and the peoples of Siberia. The purpose of the study is to systematize existing knowledge about shamanic traditions, identify their common traits and specific features, and analyze the influence of shamanism on the spiritual life and social organization of the Turkic and Chinese peoples. The methodology of the research includes historical-analytical, comparative, ethnographic, sociological, and psychological approaches. The article presents the results of an analysis of shamanic practices, their evolution, and changes in the context of social and religious transformations. The results of this work may be useful for further study of shamanism within the context of cultural and religious systems, as well as for understanding the social and spiritual role of shamans in traditional societies. The article contributes to the development of anthropology, ethnography, and cultural studies, expanding the understanding of shamanism as a crucial part of the world’s cultural heritage.