Reflection of Horse and Ram Beliefs on the Tombstones in the East Region of Turkey
Hasan Bugrul
Abstract
We can see many types of the gravestones in the historical cemeteries in the worldwide and it can be said that each type of tombstone has emerged under the influence of different beliefs and thoughts. Ram and horse-shaped tombstones on which their images (of ram and horse) are depicted are among the ones which attract great attention, especially in the Asian continent. By considering ram and horseshaped tombstones and other related artworks, it can be said that human and these two extraordinary animals have had such relationship that even death can’t take away their close bonds (ties) from each other. Ram and horse related art works and tombstones with their shape can be seen widely in countries such as Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Georgia and in the east part of Turkey. Although ram and horse-shaped related artworks in each country differ from other, they bear a resemblance in many ways. So, it is thought that many of the artworks in Asia continent, related to horse and ram, are based on similar sources. In this study; we will search the general beliefs and thoughts about ram and horse in ancient nomadic period and try to make an evaluation about their reflections on the tombstones in the east part of Turkey.
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How to Cite
Hasan Bugrul (2016). Reflection of Horse and Ram Beliefs on the Tombstones in the East Region of Turkey. IJCAS, Vol. 20, No. 1, .