The Altai people are an indigenous Turkic ethnic group residing primarily in the Altai Republic of Russia.
Beliefs
The Altai people's traditional beliefs are primarily based on shamanism and animism. Their worldview is centered on the concept of a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. The Altai people believe that everything in the universe, both living and inanimate, possesses a spirit. Consequently, they hold that nature, animals, and their ancestors are to be respected. The Altai people also regard shamans, spiritual intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, with great reverence.
Deities
Traditional Altai belief includes numerous deities, each with their own attributes and stories (many Altai today practice Burkhanism, Orthodox Christianity, or Buddhism, alone or alongside these traditions). The following are some of the most significant:
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Ülgen: The supreme god, Ülgen, is the creator of the universe and the guardian of good. He is depicted as a benevolent figure, often associated with the sky and the sun.
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Erlik: In stark contrast to Ülgen, Erlik is the god of the underworld and the master of evil spirits. He is responsible for bringing misfortune, disease, and death to humans.
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Ak Ana: Known as the "White Mother," Ak Ana is the goddess of fertility, abundance, and childbirth. She is revered as the protector of families, children, and women during labor.
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Mergen: The god of wisdom, Mergen, is also associated with hunting and archery. His ability to see great distances and hit targets with precision made him a revered figure among the Altai people.
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Bai Ulgan: Bai-Ülgen is another form of the name Ülgen, the creator god described above (from Turkic bay, "rich"), not a separate god of fire.
Mythological Creatures and Heroes
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Ak Burkhan: A deity, regarded by followers of Burkhanism (Ak Jang), a religious movement that arose among the Altai around 1904, as the sole god. He is not a legendary tribal hero.
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Ongon: These spirits, which inhabit objects or animals, serve as guardians of sacred places, people, or objects. The Altai people believe that ongons can be summoned by shamans to assist in healing rituals, provide guidance, or protect against malevolent forces.
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Kudai Kam: As the sacred animal spirits, Kudai Kam are believed to guide and protect shamans during their spiritual journeys. They are typically represented as horses, eagles, or other powerful creatures.
Rituals
The Altai people practice various rituals to maintain harmony within the community and their relationship with the spiritual world. Among these rituals are:
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Kamlanie: A central ritual in the Altai culture, Kamlanie involves a shaman entering a trance state to communicate with the spirits. The shaman may ask for guidance, healing, or protection, depending on the needs of the community.
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Sacrifice: The Altai people perform animal sacrifices to honor and appease the spirits or deities. These rituals often involve the offering of a domestic animal, such as a sheep or a goat, with the belief that the animal's spirit will carry the prayers to the spiritual world.
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Chai Khan: A hospitality ritual, Chai Khan is a ceremony performed to honor and welcome guests. It involves the preparation and sharing of tea and other traditional dishes, symbolizing the host's respect and goodwill towards their visitors.
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Kut: During the Kut ceremony, blessings and positive energy are transferred to an individual or object through the use of sacred objects, rituals, and prayers. This ceremony is often performed to promote health, good fortune, or success in various endeavors.
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Ancestor worship: The Altai people believe that their ancestors' spirits continue to influence their lives and can provide protection and guidance. Consequently, they practice rituals to honor and appease their ancestors, which may include offerings of food, drink, and other items.
Other Beliefs
Altai culture includes a belief in the spiritual significance of the landscape. The Altai people consider certain mountains, rivers, and other natural features to be sacred, imbued with powerful energy that can influence human life. They perform rituals and ceremonies at these sites to maintain balance and harmony with the spiritual world.