Turkic Symbols and Images of Totemic Animals: From a Semiotic Perspective

Abstract

The tamga, as a symbol, has a long history in the traditions and cultures of various peoples worldwide. It served to denote membership in a specific tribe or clan, convey information through symbols, and confirm ownership. From a semiotic perspective, tamgas function as sign systems that communicate messages through visual forms. Each tamga represents a particular cultural or social group and helps to identify ownership of land or livestock. The simplicity of the tamga is due to its purpose – to be a recognizable symbol. This article examines tamga symbols and totemic animals of Turkic peoples as symbolic systems that express cultural meanings. Each tamga has its own unique code, indicating belonging to a particular lineage or community. In this sense, the tamga serves as a symbol that reflects the social identity, status, and significance of a particular group.