Celestial Spirits and Astral Cults in Old Turkish and Georgian Folk Beliefs: A Comparative Folklore Study

Turkish and Georgian relations are based on centuries-old neighborly relations, intertwined cultures, and multifaceted interaction. This interaction has not been limited to official spheres; it has also influenced cultural and religious areas and extended to shared folklore. Throughout human history, “the sky and celestial beings” have been prominent elements in the collective memory. The sky and celestial spirits hold a significant place in both Turkish and Georgian folk beliefs. In this context, both Georgians and Turks have linked each person’s fate to a star, that is, they have believed in “fate stars.” Turks have also associated fate with “felek,” the “wheel of the sky,” and its rotation. In both cultures, there is a strong connection between God, spirits, and the sky. Before Christianity, Georgians had a pantheon of celestial spirits (the sun, the moon, and five stars). This is similar to the pantheon formed by Turks before Islam, in accordance with their belief in the Sky God. In Turkish culture, there is the concept of “Tengri,” representing both the sky and Allah. Both traditions have preserved and maintained this belief to a certain extent even after adopting new religions (Christianity for Georgians, Islam for Turks). In Georgian mythology, celestial bodies are reflected through family relationships (mother–child, husband–wife, sister–brother); while in Turkish mythology, the relationship of the sky to the earth and its role in cosmology are more prominent. These similarities and differences demonstrate how two neighboring cultures, while sharing a common fundamental belief about the connection between the sky, fate, and divine power, developed their own unique interpretations of celestial events. This study examines the folkloric beliefs and rituals of the two countries from a comparative perspective.