Interpretation of sacred animals in pre-Islamic Turkish beliefs with ceramic materials

The subject, which is limited as pre-Islamic, covers especially the Hun Empire, the Gokturk State and the Uighur State. The belief systems of the Turks before they entered Anatolia and met Islam are within the scope of this thesis. The most frequently mentioned and sacred animals in pre-Islamic Turkish beliefs constitute the most important part of the thesis. The Turks, who had the belief in Göktengri, attributed a special importance to animals close to the heavens. The main ones among these animals are the vulture and the eagle. Not only biological animals are included in the research of the thesis; legendary animals in Turkish epics also have a very important place. Another important issue in the Central Asian Turks is the nomadic way of life. From the tents that Turks carry with them to the way they store their food, the importance and difference of the nomadic way of life can be seen in many essential areas of life.