The effect of zoroastrianism on Turkestan until the faal of the Sassanids (In cultere dimension)

In this study, the relationship of Zoroastrianism, the oldest monotheistic religion, with the peoples of Turkestan is evaluated. This process, which started from the 7th century BC, continues until the collapse of the Sassanids. Firstly, the arrival of the Aryas in the region and the emergence of Zoroastrianism are discussed in the thesis. After explaining the controversial issues about Zoroaster, the basis of the belief system and the changes in this basis were determined by making use of the original sources of the religion, although it was limited. Along with the changes that have occurred, the most prominent practices of Iranian society from the past have been identified and how these practices have been integrated into Zoroastrianism has been investigated. In the light of the findings, it has been determined that the most important motifs of Zoroastrianism are fire, burial ceremony, Nevruz and huma-cock bird, and these motifs are kept alive not only in Iran but also in different peoples. It is seen that similar motifs are used in Turkestan, which is close to the Iranian geography. However, although there is a general acceptance in the studies that these motifs have passed from Zoroastrianism to Turkistan, as a result of the research, it has been determined that a significant part of the motifs mentioned are related to Turkestan's own beliefs or that they are not completely taken from Zoroastrianism.