KARAŞAŞ ANA TÜRBESI VE HALK İNANÇLARINDA KADIN EVLIYA İMGESI

Abstract

The Karashash Ana Mausoleum, located in the Sayram region of southern Kazakhstan, holds a significant place in the Turkic-Islamic cultural heritage of Central Asia, both historically and spiritually. According to folk tradition, the mausoleum belongs to Aisha-Bibi (Karashash Ana), known as the mother of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This study aims to explore the historical origins, architectural features, restoration process, and surrounding legends of the Karashash Ana Mausoleum, in order to reveal the religious and cultural role of Karashash Ana within Kazakh society. The research is based on travel accounts, local beliefs, ethnographic field data, and architectural analyses. Findings indicate that the mausoleum functions both as a female-centered sacred site and as a symbolic space reflecting the community’s search for identity, healing, and moral values.