Examination of Turkish Culture and Customs before Islam: Outcomes and Implications

This article first investigates the activities, life, and significant role of Turkish peoples in the history of Central Asia and the Middle East before the arrival of Islam. Initially, Turks were introduced as one of the major influential groups in the Central Asian region, living a nomadic and pastoral lifestyle in the plain areas. The article secondly, explores various pre-Islamic religious beliefs and practices of the Turks, including Tengri or Tengrism (worship of natural forces), Buddhism, Manichaeism, Shamanism, and Zoroastrianism. In addition, the paper describes the Turks' strategic location with the key trade routes, Turkish customs such as the celebration of Nowruz, the nomadic lifestyle, and the wide range of handicrafts including metalwork, pottery, and weaving. The paper also slightly covers the different ethnic and historical origins of Turkish people, such as the Oghuz, Seljuks, Kipchaks, and Ottomans. Eventually, the article explains the tribal social structure of the Turks, the role of khans and traditional leaders in their societies, and the dominant feudal system before Islam.