“THE ILKI TÖR – HOMELAND” MODEL: MYTHOLOGICAL-FOLKLORIC ORIGINS AND TRANSFORMATION
“İLK TÖR VE ÖZ YURT” MODELİNİN MİTOLOJİK FOLKLORİK KAYNAKLARI VE DÖNÜŞÜMÜ
Seiputanova A. Aimukhambet Z. Mi̇razova M. Dalelbekkyzy A.
18 December 2025Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University
Turk Kulturu ve Haci Bektas Veli - Arastirma Dergisi
2025Issue 116427 - 446 pp.
Atameken, the homeland, is one of the most precious values for a human being. The sacred land, including the ancestral land, birthplace, and homeland, originates from the idea of paradise—a place where the human soul eternally resides. This notion carries a sacred meaning and has been preserved in both our cognitive and artistic memory. Over time, the perception of paradise as the “abode of the soul” has evolved, transforming into the concepts of homeland, ancestral land, and birthplace. In another aspect, it is perceived as a mystical focal point within the vast space of human existence. People regarded it as the “primeval sacred land” (IlkiTör). Over time, humanity began to drift away from this primeval sacred land. In the worldview of the Kazakh people, a branch of the Turkic nations, there is a belief that a small fragment of the “divine light” within the human soul is transferred to the new land where they settle. That land, imbued with this sacred presence, becomes known as Töretam. The sacred space, defined by the concept of holiness, is a perception shaped by humanity’s ancient beliefs and faiths. It reflects an archetypal belief in the mystical power of certain places, objects, and locations—an understanding that has developed and endured over centuries. This belief originates from mythological narratives, finds expression in folklore, and continues to serve as a source of artistic inspiration. One of the most significant attributes of sacred space is the concept of “IlkiTör” (Primeval Sacred Land). Considered the origin of the spirit, this notion has undergone transformation in human life, manifesting as “homeland” or “ancestral land.” The motifs found in folklore serve as evidence of this transformation. In mythological narratives, this concept is often associated with the “Navel of the Earth” or other sacred places. The notion of a primordial and eternal dwelling place of the soul is evident in the transformation of this mystical world into concepts such as “ancestral land,” “homeland,” and “birthplace”. This article explores the cognitive and folkloric dimensions of the “IlkiTör – Homeland” connection, analyzing its representations in cultural memory and literary traditions to draw meaningful conclusions.
Ancestral Land , IlkiTör , Jeruyık (Land of Bliss) , Poetological Model , Sacred Space
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Sarsen Amanzholov Doğu Kazakistan Üniversitesi
L.N. Gumilyev Avrasya Millî Üniversitesi
L.N. Gumilyev Avrasya Millî Üniversitesi
K. Kulazhanov Kazak Teknoloji ve İşletme Üniversitesi
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