Mountains of God

Tian Shan (Chinese: Tian Shan, English: Tian Shan Mountains) is one of the largest mountain ranges in Central Asia. These mountains lie within the borders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The designation “Tian Shan” in Turkish is associated with the historical significance and sacredness attributed to this region by its inhabitants over centuries.

Tian Shan (AA)

Geographical Location and Characteristics

The extension of the Tian Shan in Kazakhstan is known as the Trans-Ili Alatau. The highest point in this section is Talgar Peak, at 4979 metres. It is possible to reach this peak, located near the city of Almaty, by cable car up to an altitude of 3200 metres. The region serves as a tourist destination during summer months and as a skiing area during winter. Cable car systems, ski slopes, and telechair infrastructure are all present.

Tian Shan (AA)

Historical and Cultural Context

The Tian Shan is recognized in Turkish historiography as one of the early settlement areas of Turkic peoples. It is considered closely linked to the emergence of the Turks on the historical stage. Ancient Chinese sources contain various records indicating that the Turks lived in the Altai-Tian Shan region, practiced a nomadic lifestyle, and left cultural traces. ^【1】

Tian Shan (AA)

The Tian Shan is also a region where early stone monuments such as balbals and grave stelae are densely concentrated. These structures are believed to carry symbols related to Turkic belief systems, ancestral reverence, and social organization. Chinese sources also reference these traditions. For instance, the Zhou Shu records that the Turks erected grave stelae for their deceased. ^【2】

Tian Shan (AA)

Contemporary Appearance and Life

Today, the Tian Shan, particularly in the sections within Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, remains an area where traditional ways of life persist. A significant portion of the rural population still sustains itself through animal husbandry and lives in yurt-type dwellings in some areas.

Tian Shan (AA)

The natural environment surrounding the Tian Shan has been observed to retain its unspoiled structure to a large extent. Some burial structures in the region are noted to be more imposing than the settlements themselves, which is interpreted as an indication of the high value placed on ancestral cult practices.