What were the most important ancient Turkic beliefs about the afterlife?

Ancient Turkic beliefs about the afterlife were largely influenced by shamanistic and animistic traditions. While there is significant regional and temporal variation in ancient Turkic beliefs and practices, there are several common themes that emerge regarding the afterlife:

• Belief in a spirit world: Many ancient Turkic societies believed in a spirit world that existed alongside the physical world. Shamans were believed to be able to communicate with these spirits and guide them on their journeys through the afterlife.
• Importance of burial rites: Burial rites were considered crucial to ensure that the soul of the deceased could transition smoothly into the afterlife. These rites often involved elaborate ceremonies and offerings, including food, drink, and other items that the deceased might need in the afterlife.
• Belief in reincarnation: Some ancient Turkic societies believed in reincarnation, with the soul being reborn into a new body after death. This belief was often linked to the idea of ancestral spirits, with deceased ancestors being reborn as new members of the family or community.
• Importance of the hearth: The hearth was considered a sacred space in ancient Turkic societies, and was often the focus of household rituals and offerings. It was believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors could be found around the hearth, and that these spirits could bring blessings or curses depending on the behavior of the living.

Overall, ancient Turkic beliefs about the afterlife were deeply intertwined with notions of shamanism, animism, and ancestor worship. These beliefs reflected a deep reverence for the natural world and the spiritual forces that were believed to shape human life.