The role of the Shaikhs in the politics of the rulers of the Turkic states
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48010/4qzseq90Keywords:
Written Sources, Turkic Peoples, Ritual Culture, Transformation, Islam, Shaikhs, East Turkestan, Central AsiaAbstract
The article is devoted to the role of famous religious figures in the policies of the rulers of the Turkic states. To fully cover the topic, publications of historical chronicles were involved: “Zafar-name” by Yazdi Sharaf al-Din Ali, “Tarikh-i Rashidi” by Mirza Muhammad Haidar, “Tarikh” by Shah Mahmud ibn Mirza Fazil Churas. The authors consider it important to highlight some rites in the culture of the Turkic peoples of Central Asia, which are directly related to the names of the great Shaikhs. In the process of the study, it was found that information from historical works allows us to trace the process of influence of the dominant religion on the traditional culture of the Turks. It is concluded that prominent religious figures not only supported the rulers in the implementation of strategic plans to preserve the integrity of the state, but also acted in the interests of religion: the sources used covered the activities of the Sunni Shaikhs. More purposeful rulers, who were also outstanding commanders, were awarded the titles of sovereign with special attributes sent from Mecca. This mission was carried out precisely by the shaikhs known for their era. Based on the data of the studied written sources, the custom of visiting the graves of saints, giving gifts to ambassadors, showering with gold and silver coins the path of the winner and other aspects of the ritual culture of the Turks of the XIV-XVII centuries was considered.
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