Interpretations of astral symbols used by Pre-Islamic Turks in modern ceramic art

Beliefs and arts of primitive societies provided base for arts and beliefs of subsequent the cultures, as well as their mythological formations, sagas and symbolic images. Asia, that is of importance not only for the Turks, but also many other civilised societies, is a geographical area that procured formation of cultures, their interaction with each other and their expansion. Although researchers put forward several different theories, it is generally accepted that the Turks stemmed from steppes of Central Asia, Altai Mountains in the northwest of China. Such postulate caused the Turks indentified with steppe culture. Nomadised and seminomadised pre-Islamic Turks developed a culture of their own. This culture is reflected on both their belief system and their art. Their belief system that continued from Proto-Turks to Asian Huns and later on to Gokturks and Uyghurs, substiantly preserved it's roots and diversified despite the changes and exposesure to the other cultures. This diversion caused many mutual sagas and myths in the area demonstrated itself as various symbolic images. This paper provides information on symbols related to elements like animals, trees, mountains, colors, numbers and dwelling which are formed in line with the beliefs of Pre-Islamic Turks. Especially Astral symbols that carried special weight in such culture, will be in the foreground. The last section of the paper will bring about the samples concerning usage of this symbols in art and samples of their reflection on modern ceramic.