Kırgızlarda Kayberen İnanışı

The Kyrgyz, one of the oldest Turkic tribes mentioned in historical sources, adopted a nomadic lifestyle from early periods. This way of life profoundly influenced their cultural, military, artistic (animal style), and religious practices. The nomadic economy, primarily based on animal husbandry and hunting, also shaped their belief systems, leading to traditions and rituals associated with animals. Some animals were considered sacred, while others were regarded as ongon. One belief that emerged from this nomadic lifestyle is the Kaiberen belief. Kaiberen is regarded as the guardian of ruminant game animals, particularly deer, and is also seen as the punisher of hunters who overhunt, thereby threatening the survival of these animals. Over time, Kyrgyz epics have attributed additional characteristics to Kaiberen, portraying the entity as one that dwells in the mountains, possesses extraordinary powers, and assists heroes. The diverse conceptualizations of Kaiberen in popular belief underscore the multifaceted nature of the faith. The findings of this study indicate that the Kaiberen belief has evolved over time into a figure that transcends the mere role of guardian of game animals. Furthermore, during this transformation, Kaiberen appears to have been influenced by Islamic elements without losing its protective function.