Was Turkish society truly matriarchal in Turkish mythology and social life? This is a question we have often encountered throughout history. In the lands we inhabit, women have always held important roles, being active in mythology, the spiritual world, and everyday life. Let’s dive into the mystery of Turkish mythology and learn about whether it has signs of matriarchy as assumed.
When we look at Turkish mythology, it is possible to trace the traces of powerful goddesses, women shamans who illuminated society with their intuition, and women who fought equally with men against harsh natural conditions. These narratives are not only legends from the past but also powerful symbols that can inspire us today.
Myths are the most fascinating expression of human efforts to understand the universe and their own existence. Turkish culture, intertwined with belief systems rooted in nature, has viewed women as a sacred power. These beliefs, shaped in the lap of Mother Nature, exalted women not only as mothers or wives but also as spiritual leaders and bearers of wisdom.
So, who were these powerful female figures? Which goddesses, legends, and heroic women took their place on the stage of history? Let’s dive into the depths of Turkish mythology in the heart of Anatolia and explore the teachings that illuminate the path from our ancestors to today.
In this journey, it is impossible to solve the role of women in mythology without understanding their place in society. So, let’s open the dusty pages of history and take a closer look at the strong women in Turkish mythology.
The Role of Women in Ancient Turkish Society
When examining ancient Turkish epics, it is clear that women held a high position in society. Women play a key role in the creation of the universe. For example, in the Altai Turks, the “Beluha” or “Woman’s Head” Mountain is considered a monument dedicated to women’s honor. It is often found in epics that heroes are saved from difficult situations with the help of women. The figure of the mother is also seen as the fundamental pillar of society and the family. It is known that women had a voice in social life, and some even played active roles in state governance.
Although this egalitarian structure has greatly changed today, the value placed on women in ancient Turkish mythology continues to leave its traces in social memory. The fundamental reason for this equality was the nomadic lifestyle of the era and the harsh living conditions, which placed equal responsibilities on both men and women, without any distinction.
According to research, in the selection of an ideal partner, both women and men placed importance on physical strength, children were raised together from a young age, and both learned to ride horses and use weapons. Harsh living conditions prevented social distinctions, ensuring gender equality in societal roles.
The ability of women to give birth also placed them in a sacred position. In Turkish society, family ties were extremely strong, so elderly women and mothers were highly respected in terms of having a voice in society.
Female Figures in Shamanism and Turkish Mythology
Turkish mythology is largely based on a belief system intertwined with Shamanism. Shamanism acts as a bridge between humans and spirits, and in this belief system, women hold a special place due to their fertility and intuitive powers. Female shamans (kamlar) played significant roles, especially in rituals related to birth, fertility, and protection.
We obtain the most information about Turkish mythology through the Orkhon Inscriptions and the Dede Korkut stories. In the Dede Korkut tales, in the narratives about the creation of humans, the phrase “Son! Do not say it is impossible, say it is possible” appears. This shows that, unlike in Abrahamic religions, there is no strict separation between Adam and Eve (male and female). The word “son” in the texts refers to both boys and girls, encompassing the meaning of “new generation.”
Here are some important female goddesses and figures in Turkish mythology, shaped by these beliefs:
- Umay Ana – The Protector and Fertility Goddess One of the most important goddesses in Turkish mythology, Umay Ana symbolizes fertility, abundance, and protection. Since she is associated with the sky, she was considered sacred, especially as the greatest protector of children and mothers.
The Altai Turks called her “Anam Yayuci,” meaning “Creator Mother,” and the Yakut Turks referred to her as “Ayısıt.” Associated with the warm light of the sun, she was also called “Sarı Kız” (Yellow Girl) by the people. Ancient Turks believed that babies were under the protection of Umay Ana by hanging bows and arrows over them. When a baby was born sick or weak, mothers would offer sacrifices to Umay Ana for their child’s health and tie ribbons to their cradles.
Some legends even say that Umay Ana’s invisible hand would stroke sick children’s heads to heal them. If a baby smiled in their sleep, it was believed to be a sign that Umay Ana was with them. This belief has been passed down today in the form of “angels making babies laugh.” Over time, this belief was carried to Anatolia and became associated with the figures of “Fatma Ana” or “Maryam Ana.” Even today, traces of Umay Ana can be seen in many Anatolian traditions, such as the red ribbon worn by women after childbirth or the protective items placed near babies’ cradles.
2. Ak Ana – The Goddess of Wisdom and Creation Ak Ana, one of the wisest beings mentioned in Turkish creation myths, is considered the guide of Ülgen. Ak Ana is a sacred figure that radiates white light, sometimes depicted as a sacred serpent or a white swan rising from water in some tales. According to the legend, she appears before Ülgen during the creation of the world and tells him: “If you want to create, create.” This phrase marks a turning point in Turkish mythology, as Ak Ana, with her wisdom, becomes the guide showing Ülgen the right path.
Her existence represents not only a goddess but also a teaching that encourages people to connect with their inner voice and intuition. According to some ancient beliefs, prayers made near water reach Ak Ana and guide with her sacred wisdom. Therefore, water was both a source of purification and inspiration for ancient Turkish societies.
3. Ayısıt – The Goddess of Birth and Sacredness Ayısıt, a goddess of birth and motherhood in Yakut Turkish beliefs, is known for her role in easing the pain of women giving birth and helping children grow healthy. It was believed that births were easier in places sacred to Ayısıt, and mothers and babies were stronger there.
She is also known as a symbol of beauty and love in Turkish mythology. Her symbol is the swan, and she shows up in many different ways in women’s lives. Ayısıt is depicted as a loving and compassionate guide to women throughout their lives, symbolizing fertility and abundance.
She appears as a white light beam near birthing women, or as a compassionate woman herself. It was believed that children touched by her would grow up strong and wise. Even today, the tradition of placing holy water or a white cloth beside women giving birth is a reflection of the Ayısıt belief.
4. Od Ana – The Protector of Fire and the Hearth Fire, in Turkish culture, was not just a means of heating but considered the source of life and abundance. The power that protects and nourishes it is Od Ana—the spirit of the hearth, the eternal protector of warmth and peace. With Od Ana’s presence, the home flourishes, the fire in the hearth never dies, and peace continues among family members. In Turkish nomadic culture, the extinguishing of fire was seen as the dissolution of a home. Therefore, for the ancient Turks, every day the hearth smoked was a day the family’s existence continued.
Every morning, the family would pray to Od Ana at the hearth, performing special rituals to keep the fire alive. Maintaining the fire was not just a physical necessity but a sign of respect for ancestors and the sacred spirit. This sacredness is clearly visible in traditions.
Among the ancient Turks, an elderly woman would bring the first fire to the newly married couple’s hearth, as it was believed her wisdom and experience would enhance Od Ana’s protective effect on the new home. The lighting of the first fire in every new home was not just a beginning but a ceremony that ensured the house would be filled with abundance.
5. Al Karısı (Albastı) – The Influence on Birth and Women’s Fate In Turkish mythology, birth is seen as both a sacred miracle and a dangerous period where dark forces can interfere. At this point, the legend of Al Karısı, the terrifying figure who haunts women after childbirth, comes into play. Known for her long, disheveled hair, blood-red eyes, and thin, frightening silhouette, Al Karısı particularly targets new mothers. Legends say this evil spirit would cause mothers to have nightmares, extreme weakness, and even lose their milk.
To protect themselves from this entity, ancient Turks would place iron, knives, or scissors under the pillows of mothers after childbirth, as they believed iron warded off evil spirits. Red ribbons were also tied to the bed of the mother and baby, as red was believed to be the strongest shield against evil. Interestingly, traces of these beliefs still exist today. In Anatolia, it is still customary to place scissors or knives near new mothers, reflecting the lasting influence of the Al Karısı legend over the centuries.
6. Kanıkey – The Woman Who Broke Free, A Heroine Beyond Epics Imagine a woman who, alone, breaks through enemy lines and saves her loved one from death. Moreover, she does so while wearing armor and wielding a sword. This is the legendary female hero of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, Kanıkey! The Manas Epic, the world’s longest epic (comprising 400,000 verses!), tells the stories of the most courageous and warrior-like women in Turkish mythology.
Among these women is Kanıkey, the wife of Manas Khan, who is not just a wife but a warrior, rescuer, and leader when needed. In the section of the epic where Kanıkey saves Manas from captivity, it is said: “She gathered her braids, fastened them to the top of her helmet. With her strong arm, she lifted her husband from the enemy’s grasp, and set him free from the chains they had laid on him.”
Kanıkey is a symbol of strength, independence, and leadership. She leads her people with wisdom and bravery, breaking the traditional understanding of women being confined to domesticity. In this epic, she teaches us that women have always been powerful, leading wars, saving lives, and ruling over their destinies.
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