It was quite difficult to determine what kind of primitive Kyrgyzstan was. The religion of this country has undergone many changes: from natural selection to forced Islamization of the entire Kyrgyz people. Nevertheless, scientists were able to find reliable information that could shed light on a metamorphosis of the beliefs of this nomadic people.
Pagan Kyrgyzstan: which religion was the first?
The main problem in the study of the past of Kyrgyzstan is that most of the myths and traditions were transmitted here mainly orally. Because of this, one cannot say for sure how much of the information received was transformed under the influence of time. Nevertheless, many scholars are inclined to believe that initially the ancestors of this nomadic people worshiped the forces of nature.
They did not have a single god. They believed that everything in this world has its own consciousness and will. So, the wind could become a true friend or sworn enemy, depending on his mood. Because of this, the Kirghiz constantly communicated with the world around them, hoping for its favor.
Early totemism
Kyrgyzstan itself changed over time. Religion was closely intertwined with the new culture, and instead of free worship of the forces of nature, totemism came first. Its essence was that each clan or tribe had its own guardian totem. Often his name became the head of the clan, thereby glorifying his patron.
The prototypes for the totem became animals, spirits and forces of nature. What is true, it was the animals who were most often chosen as the keeper. For example, the Bugu tribe believed that their distant ancestor had a close relationship with the sacred deer. That is why it chose such a name for itself that it means "deer" or "deer" in translation.
New faith
The religion of Kyrgyzstan was often subjected to pressure from neighbors. In most cases, this led to the fact that local beliefs were only slightly transformed, but at the same time did not change their essence. However, at the end of the 9th century, Islam came to this country, which forever changed the cultural heritage of this people.
It is quite difficult to describe in a few words how much Kyrgyzstan has changed. Religion has become a real scourge of the people, which every now and then punishes unbelievers. And if, until the beginning of the XVII century, Islam was tolerant of the customs of the indigenous population, then with the advent of the Kokand Khanate, everything radically changed.
It was during this period that mosques began to be actively built on the territory of modern Kyrgyzstan, which subsequently resulted in forced communion with new rites. Such a strong influence has led to the fact that today the majority of Kyrgyz people are Sunni Muslims who sincerely believe in the birthright of Allah.
The spiritual world of modern Kyrgyzstan
The main question is whether Kyrgyzstan has completely changed under the influence of Islam. The religion of the Muslim world, of course, picked up the cultural world of the country, but ancient beliefs also did not disappear without a trace. Bypassing the prohibitions, pagan rites leaked into the spiritual life of the Kyrgyz, modifying the usual sacraments and holidays of the new religion.
The same applies to the depth of faith of the Kyrgyz. Despite worshiping Allah, they rarely adhere to all five pillars of Islam (confession of faith, prayer, fasting, alms and pilgrimage). And yet, it is this religion that is the basis of the spiritual world of modern Kyrgyzstan. And therefore, in no case can we downplay its role in creating the cultural heritage of this people.
In addition, there are Christians and Buddhists in the country. But their number is so small that even if united, they will not be able to become worthy competitors for the dominant Muslims.