The Role of Religious Traditions in the Development of Turkic Culture and their Importance for Contemporary Society

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the role of religious traditions in shaping Turkic culture and their importance for contemporary Kazakhstani society. The analysis traces the evolution of religious practices among Turkic peoples from the period of the Ancient Turkic Khaganate to the present day, with a focus on the influence of Islam, Sufi movements, and the preservation of pre-Islamic beliefs. Philosophical works by Ahmad Yasawi and Yusuf Balasaguni, religious motifs in the epics Koblandy-batyr, Kyz-Zhibek, and Alpamysh, and Kazakhstan’s sacred architecture, including the mausoleums of Ahmad Yasawi, Arystan-Bab, Beket-Ata, and Mashkhur Zhusup Kopeev, are examined. The analysis of contemporary religious processes is based on statistical and sociological data, including reports from the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies, the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Centre for Social and Political Studies. The findings indicate that religious traditions continue to play a crucial role in the cultural identity of Kazakh society, despite increasing individualisation of religious practices and secularisation, particularly among younger generations. Empirical research based on expert interviews confirms the enduring influence of Sufism in Kazakhstan, while religious beliefs among the population display variation across age and regional demographics. Pilgrimage to religious sites remains an important aspect of Kazakh spiritual life, and religious norms continue to shape social institutions. These findings highlight the need for further research into the impact of globalisation and digital technologies on the transformation of religious traditions in Kazakhstan and their prospects for development within evolving social and cultural contexts.