FROM IRRATIONAL TO RATIONAL: KYRGYZ FOLK MEDICINE FROM A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Cover Image

İRRASYONELDEN RASYONELE: TARİHSEL PENCEREDEN KIRGIZ HALK TIBBI
FROM IRRATIONAL TO RATIONAL: KYRGYZ FOLK MEDICINE FROM A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Author(s): Arzu Kiyat
Subject(s): History, Customs / Folklore, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Health and medicine and law, Sociology of Culture
Published by: Motif Halk Oyunları Eğitim ve Öğretim Vakfı
Keywords: Kyrgyz folk medicine; Kyrgyz healers; treatment methods; diseases; irrational and rational;

Summary/Abstract: Folk medicine, a traditional healing system that has been utilized by humans since ancient times for survival and maintaining good health, has gained popularity due to its natural and alternative/complementary approach to healing. This study adopts a holistic approach to evaluate the similar aspects of Kyrgyz folk medicine tradition. The research methodology employed descriptive and document analysis techniques to analyze the data and present the necessary analyses. The study examines the source, development, and transformation of Kyrgyz folk medicine, finding that the Shamanic tradition practices were influenced by Islamic religion and remain prevalent today. Additionally, the tradition's healing content is rich and influenced by various religions and beliefs such as Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity. The practitioner profile and treatment practices have evolved from irrational to rational, and the folkloric element has been adapted to contemporary needs through change and transformation.

  • Issue Year: 16/2023
  • Issue No: 42
  • Page Range: 728-744
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Turkish