Chalama Stone as an object of Turkological research: rituals, symbols and cultural heritage

Abstract

The stone Chalama represents a unique sacred place where the shamanic traditions of Turkic-speaking peoples are preserved and transmitted. This sacred space, filled with spiritual energy, serves as a center for conducting rituals, ceremonies, and rites that strengthen intergenerational connections and uphold cultural heritage. Chalama symbolizes unity and spiritual renewal, offering everyone an opportunity to engage with ancient knowledge and traditions, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

         The aim of this article is to study the ritual of kamlaniye performed at the sacred stone of Chalama through the lens of its symbolism and its role in preserving the cultural identity of Turkic-speaking peoples. The research problem lies in the fact that the kamlaniye ritual, as a central element of shamanic practice, retains its significance among Turkic-speaking peoples. However, the symbolism and spiritual meaning of the ritual in the modern context remain insufficiently studied. The study uses a comparative historical method to identify changes and continuity in rituals. The methods of description and analysis made it possible to reconstruct the ritual sequence, and cultural and historical-ethnographic approaches were applied to study the meaning of the ritual in the context of traditions and modern culture.

         Kamlaniye at the Chalama stone serves as a vivid example of the preservation of shamanic traditions in the contemporary world. The study confirms that shamanism continues to play a key role in maintaining the spiritual identity of Turkic-speaking peoples, acting as a bridge between ancient traditions and modern spiritual needs. This underscores the importance of studying such practices to preserve cultural heritage and understand the spiritual identity of Turkic-speaking peoples.