İYE in Tengrism - İsa Alemdağ

The Sacred Guardian Spirits of the Turkic World

Introduction

In Tengrism, the spiritual belief system of the Turkic peoples, the universe is understood as a dynamic balance between humans, nature, and divine energies. Central to this belief is the concept of İye—sacred guardian spirits or protective entities that oversee different aspects of life and nature.

Unlike monotheistic gods, an İye is not an all-powerful deity but rather a spiritual force responsible for guarding, guiding, and maintaining harmony in the world. These spirits exist in animals, mountains, rivers, trees, ancestors, and even households, influencing both the physical and spiritual realms.

What is an İye?

The word “İye” (also spelled Ee, Ezi, or Eye in different Turkic languages) translates to “guardian,” “owner,” or “protector.” Every element of nature, from the mighty mountains to the smallest springs, is believed to have its own İye, ensuring the balance of the natural world.

1. Characteristics of İye

Spiritually Connected: İye are neither fully divine nor human but exist between worlds.
Protectors and Punishers: They reward those who respect nature and punish those who disturb harmony.
Ancestral Connection: Some İye are believed to be the spirits of ancestors, continuing to protect their descendants.
Mediators Between Realms: İye act as messengers between Tengri (the celestial force) and the human world.

Types of İye in Turkic Beliefs

1. Nature İye (Guardian Spirits of Nature)

These İye protect natural elements and must be respected to maintain harmony.

Yer-Su İye (Earth and Water Spirits) – Protectors of rivers, lakes, and land, ensuring fertility and abundance.
Dağ İye (Mountain Spirit) – Guardian of mountains, ensuring that climbers respect sacred peaks.
Ağaç İye (Tree Spirit) – Protects sacred trees and punishes those who cut them without permission.
Orman İye (Forest Spirit) – The protector of wildlife and hunters, ensuring they take only what they need.

2. Household İye (Protectors of Families and Homes)

Every family or home is believed to have its own İye, ensuring safety and prosperity.

Ot İye (Hearth Spirit) – Protects the household hearth and family unity.
Baba İye (Ancestor Spirit) – Spirits of family ancestors who guide and protect their descendants.
Ev İye (House Spirit) – A spirit that guards the home and ensures good fortune.

3. Personal İye (Spiritual Guides and Protectors of Individuals)

Certain İye are believed to protect and guide individuals, especially shamans (Kam) and warriors.

Körmös İye – A spiritual guardian who guides people through dreams.
Töre İye – Protects the moral and ethical order, ensuring justice.
Kök Börü İye (Sacred Wolf Spirit) – Guardian of warriors and protectors of the Turkic peoples.

4. Divine İye (Higher Spiritual Guardians)

Some İye are considered higher cosmic forces, deeply connected to Tengri (Heaven) and the balance of the universe.

Umay Ana – The İye of motherhood, fertility, and protection of children.
Erlik Han – The İye of the underworld and the judge of souls.
Ülgen – A benevolent İye of creation and goodness, helping balance the cosmic forces.

İye in Daily Life and Rituals

1. Respecting İye Through Traditions

To maintain harmony with İye, Turkic peoples practice various rituals, including:

Offering Sacrifices – Pouring milk or leaving food at sacred sites to appease an İye.
Tying Cloth to Trees – A common practice to seek blessings from nature İye.
Speaking Words of Respect – Many believe that disrespecting an İye can bring bad luck.

2. The Role of Shamans (Kam) in İye Worship

Shamans (Kam) serve as intermediaries between humans and İye. They:

Call upon İye for healing, protection, and guidance.
Perform ceremonies to maintain balance with nature and spirits.
Interpret dreams and omens sent by İye.

Conclusion: The Lasting Presence of İye in Turkic Spirituality

Even as Tengrism declined with the spread of Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, the belief in İye never fully disappeared. Today, traces of İye worship remain in:

Folk traditions and superstitions (protective amulets, tree offerings).
Modern Neo-Tengrist movements seeking to revive ancestral spirituality.
Everyday language, where terms related to İye still exist in Turkic cultures.

The concept of İye reflects the deep spiritual connection between the Turkic peoples and the natural world. Rather than viewing the universe as ruled by a singular god, Tengrism sees life as a harmonious balance of spiritual forces—and the İye remain eternal guardians of that balance.