The Concept of the Triple World in Turkish Mythology

In Turkish mythology, the tripartite conception of the world is a cosmological model reflecting the ancient Turks’ understanding of the universe. According to this model, the universe consists of three main planes: the sky, the earth (surface), and the underworld. Each plane is defined by its own unique beings, spirits, and conceptual order. This worldview occupied a central place in the belief systems of the ancient Turks and shaped their social, cultural, mythological, and ritualistic lives.

Sky World (Upper World)

The sky was regarded as the highest layer of the universe and referred to by concepts such as "Tengri", "Blue Sky", and "Upper World". In ancient Turkic belief, the sky was not merely a physical void but a sacred space inhabited by divine power and benevolent spirits. Gök Tengri was recognized as the creator and regulator of all existence and served as the source of legitimacy for rulers by bestowing upon them "kut" (divine mandate).

According to shamanistic beliefs, the heavens were often imagined as having seventeen layers, forming a multi-tiered realm of light where good spirits dwelled. Deities such as Ülgen resided in these layers. Ordinary humans could not directly access this realm; communication with it was possible only through religious intermediaries known as "kam".

The ruler of the Sky World is Gök Tengri. The sky is the upper plane dominated by benevolent spirits and sacred light; it is a holy realm associated with creation, order, and divine power.

Depiction of the Sky World (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Earth World (Middle World)

The middle layer, where humans live, is called "yer", "yer-su", or "earth". This plane serves as the balancing point between the sky and the underworld and is susceptible to influences from both. Natural elements were regarded as sacred; mountains, rivers, forests, trees, stones, and fire were considered living entities imbued with spirits.

The belief in "yer-su" refers to protective spirits inhabiting this layer. These spirits express the sanctity of the local geography and interpret the relationship between humans and land within a metaphysical framework. Over time, this belief evolved into the sanctification and protection of the concept of "vatan" (homeland).

Depiction of the Earth World (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Underworld (Lower World)

The underworld is associated with darkness, the unknown, and death. It is envisioned as a realm governed by malevolent spirits, places of punishment, and Erlik, the god of the underworld. According to shamanistic cosmology, the underworld consists of seven or nine layers and is dominated by darkness.

In epics and narratives, the underworld is frequently linked to themes of captivity, trial, transformation, and the hero’s journey. Examples reflecting this worldview include Salur Kazan’s descent into an underworld prison in the Dede Korkut tales and Er Töştük’s adventures in the underworld in the Manas Epic.

Depiction of the Underworld (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Shamanism and Transitions Between the Three Layers

The tripartite cosmology is not merely a physical structure of layered realms but also a belief system that enables passage between them. These transitions are typically facilitated by shamans. While in a trance state, shamans ascend to the sky or descend into the underworld to communicate with deities and spirits. In shamanistic thought, this is made possible through a vertical axis—the "axis mundi"—represented as the "tree of the universe" or the "pillar of the sky".

The tripartite world view in ancient Turkic cosmology constitutes a holistic conception of the universe composed of three fundamental layers: sky, earth, and underworld. Each layer possesses its own ontological order, spiritual dimension, and function. This structure has influenced numerous domains—from rituals and epic narratives to sacred spatial concepts and modes of governance—and has become one of the foundational pillars of Turkish cultural heritage.