Backrounds of Odd Turkish Traditions; guarantied to be surprised!

have you ever wondered about the older religion of the Turks before Islam? or Have you ever heard sth about Shamanism?
probably not. Then check this out!!!

shaman

Shamanism is a system of beliefs (or religion) common to the Turks and Central Asia. It is based on spiritual an natural elements of earth. Both men and women could be Shaman poriests. Among old Turkish groups they were called Kam. Kams or Kamans or Shamans (are the same) dressed in elaborate garments to display their supernational powers.
One cannot learn kamship ; instead, one should be a descendent of the family of a kam. I is believed that the spirit of the grandfather passes to the grandchild. This belief is smilier to dedeship in Anatolia.
Shaman priests have the power of acting as an  intermediary between the Gods and Spirits. The Shamanistic rituel is therefore based on "ecstasy". The Shamanistic influences are linked to the formation of mysticism (the tasavvuf) in the Turkish - Islamic culture, especially through Sufism.
Traditional Inner Asian cults, commonly referred to as Shamanism, Survive in many place, often submerged in other religious.


Traces of Shamanism in Turkish Traditions

1. Pouring water after someone goes abroad.

2. Knocking on wood when hoping that nothing bad will happen. Amerindians also have this tradition.

3. Melting lead and pouring it into cold water over the head of a sick person in order to break an evil spell.

4. Tying a red ribbon to a puerperal woman's head which is believed to protect the mother and her baby against the devil called "Albız".

5. Using the number 40 is frequent in conversation. examples of the use of the number 40 are holding a wedding ceremony for 40 days and 40 nights, saying 40 girls, 40 knives, 40 mules and so forth. this can also be seen in another Oriental cultures; probably it passed from Turks to them.

6. Believing that jealousy among women (especially those with the blue eyes) may be harmful for the beloved person or thing. Using a blue color evil eye or camel eye beads against this potential evil may protect the person or thing.

7. Building great tombs are making a wish on the graves of holy people (islam strictly forbids this rituel) ornate gravestones can only be seen among the Turkish muslims and gravestone tradition.

8. Placing mirrors on graves to symbolize the moon or sun as a reflection of the God, Tengri.
9. Tying pieces of cloth to the branches of trees (the tree of life), symbolising talismans to ensure fertility in childless woman.

10. whisling at night may invite bad spirits.


and you can see more if you travel Turkey which is the bridge between Asia and Europe
http://www.goturkeywithyeliz.com/