ISHANS AS "AULIE" IN THE KAZAKH MUSLIM TRADITION: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY BASED ON MATERIALS FROM TARAZ AND SEMIRECHYE

Abstract

This article delves into the manifestation of the tradition of venerating "auliye" saints in the Kazakh tradition, drawing on information sourced from Oral history and original ethnographic materials gathered in 2023 from various regions of Kazakhstan. The study explores the religious discourse surrounding the "cult of saints" and is underpinned by the thesis emphasizing the self-sufficiency of the Kazakh Muslim tradition. It interprets the custom of venerating saints (tagzym) as an integral element of Sufism and the Yasawi legacy. Utilizing interview materials as illustrative examples, the author illuminate the significant role of "auliye" in cultural memory, the symbiosis of Islam and "auliye" in the collective consciousness, and the perpetuation and resurgence of traditions related to ziarat and traditional medicine. Narratives featuring Sufi figures such as Abdullah Ishan, Kozhagapar aulie, Karamolda, Koden-Zhalanash aulie, and others contribute to elucidating the biographies of religious personalities, folk hagiology, the psychology of religion, and issues pertaining to the continuity and preservation of historical memory associated with spiritual figures across different regions of Kazakhstan. A distinctive aspect of the Kazakh religious tradition lies in the veneration of numerous batyrs and biys (heroes and speakers) as saints, exemplified by figures like Almerek Abyz, Eskeldy-biy, and Balpyk-biy, who resided in Semirechye.

Keywords: oral history, ethnography, Sufism, saints, Kazakh tradition, regions, holy places, spiritual practices