UMAİ ANA AND ALKARİSİ COLLECTİVE VALUES İN TURKİC AND KAZAKH MYTHOLOGY

Abstract

Mythology, as a language that reflects the shared experiences and universal themes of different societies, shows parallels in terms of similar figures and themes across various cultures. The similarities between mythological structures reveal historical and cultural connections, while also highlighting similarities in the worldviews, social structures, and belief systems of these societies. This phenomenon can be clearly observed in Turkic societies that share a common cultural background. When Turkic and Kazakh mythologies are examined, similar elements can be clearly identified. Essentially, it can be said that both cultures are based on a common heritage shaped by similar historical processes and cultural interactions. Although many figures in the mythological structures of the Turkic and Kazakh peoples show similarities, the most striking similarity is the figure of Umai Ana, who plays a central role in the mythology of both peoples. As a figure who protects both mothers and children, Umai symbolises goodness in both cultures. On the other hand, another important figure, Alkarisi, is the complete opposite of Umai and represents evil, especially targeting pregnant women and new mothers. In this study, the figures of Umai Ana and Alkarisi will be examined comparatively in the context of both Turkic and Kazakh mythology.