Shamanism as element of sociocultural continuity between Khakasia and Turkey

Religion is an important matter of fact in social life. At this juncture, it should be stated that Shamanism dating back to the Upper Paleolithic age, exists in numerous peoples. This belief system that took root from Altaic cultural circle, includes ancient Turkic peoples, too. Khakasians, Altaians, Shors, Tuvinians, Yakuts and other Siberian peoples perpetuate Shamanism at the present day. In this study that focuses on Khakasian Turks and Turks of Turkey, it is intended to compare both geographies in accordance with rituals and beliefs that grow out of Shamanism. In this context, it is aimed to investigate that if Shamanism can be regarded as an element of sociocultural continuity between Khakasia and Turkey. A survey has been conducted both in Turkey and Khakasia (Russian Federation), and then the findings have been analysed. A research model based on Pitirim Sorokin's theory of Sociocultural Mobility has been developed, and the contexture of Turkic migration has been revealed. Shamanism that has been discussed as an element of sociocultural continuity between Khakasia and Turkey, has been explicated in terms of cultural diffusion, acculturation, syncretism and creolization. By testing the four hypotheses that have been developed within the context of this study, it has been understood that there have been diversities and also similarities in both societies. Besides, it has been concluded that Shamanism existing in Khakasia, perpetuates its role as an element of sociocultural continuity in terms of rituals and beliefs in Turkey despite the semantic shift and transformation.