The traces of Shamanism the lake Van

Culture is one of the most important elements that helps to shape the character of a nation and maintain the continuity and existence of the nation. Whatever makes the continuity and existence of the nation is its beliefs. These beliefs inclade not only the current religious beliefs that the nation believes but also all other religions which the nation has had throughout its history for ages.In the history of Turkish beliefs, Shamanism has been the most important belief which has had a considerable effect in Turkish culture. Turkish Shamanism which is for more different from all other world Shamanism has penetratet Turkish culture, customs, traditions and life style. Turkish Shamanism in the customs, traditions and life style of people living around the Lake Van.The aim of our studies is to determine the common points of current beliefs and the beliefs of past. The findings which we have had in the end of our studies indicate that relationships between the current beliefs and the beliefs of past have in common are beyond the similarities. In conclusion we can say that Turkish Shamanism still exists in the customs, traditions and beliefs of today either partly being changed or remaining unchanged.Key Words: Shamanism, Turkish Shamanism, culture