Role of Khoja Ahmеd Yasawi's Teachings in the Formation of the Moral and Cultural Essence of the Kazakh People

Kymbat Karatyshkanova; Zikiriya Zhandarbek; Akmaral Maldybek; Almat Kozhan

doi:10.32350/jitc.162.17

Authors

Kymbat Karatyshkanova International University of Tourism and Hospitality , Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3008-9339
Zikiriya Zhandarbek National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Aziret-Sultan”, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1887-3761
Akmaral Maldybek International University of Tourism and Hospitality , Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5601-3837
Almat Kozhan International University of Tourism and Hospitality , Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2785-4789

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.162.17

Keywords:

Khoja Ahmad Yasawi, Turkic traditions, Sufism, Sharī‘a, Tariqa, Kazakh spirituality

Abstract

Although the place of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi (1093-1166) in Sufi literature and philosophy has been extensively studied by scholars, his transformative role in developing spiritual identity of the Kazakh people and his decision to coordinate Islamic principles with the local Turkic cultural pattern has not been fully investigated. This paper explores the influence of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi on the religious and cultural life of the Turkic world, focusing on his contribution to the preservation of tradition and the development of Sufi Islam synthesis. Through the analysis of the primary sources and research, the influence of Yasawi’s Tariqa (order) on the human reflection management and cognition function development is examined. A textual analysis of the Wisdoms of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi demonstrates Sufi-thinker’s contribution to raising religious literacy of people and forming their cultural integrity. At the same time, the role of Yasawi teachings in preserving the social unity and ethical principles of the Turkic peoples is studied. The study shows that Khoja Ahmad Yasawi’s approach to Islam, with its emphasis on spiritual purification and harmony, played a crucial role in preserving the Turkic spiritual heritage despite objections. Focusing particularly on the religious concepts of Sharī‘a and Tariqa, special attention is paid to the fact that they are complementary systems of spiritual perfection. Khoja Ahmad Yasawi’s teachings not only provided a religious practical basis for honesty and justice, but also contributed to the development of ethical principles of management and social values. In the conclusion, it is noted that the legacy of Yasawi remains relevant in modern discussions about cultural continuity and religious tolerance, reflecting the connection between spirituality and tradition in Central Asian societies.

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