Üst Dünya- Turkic LocationLocation · Realm

The Layered Sky

In Altai Turkic cosmology, the universe is divided into three vertical realms connected by the World Tree or cosmic axis: the Upper World (Üst Dünya), the Middle World (Orto Dünya) where humans dwell, and the Lower World (Alt Dünya), domain of Erlik. The Upper World rises in multiple layers above the earth, with traditions varying between nine and sixteen levels. Anokhin's documentation of Altai shamanic practice records the specific qualities attributed to each layer, with different celestial spirits and phenomena residing at different heights.

At the apex sits Bay Ülgen, the benevolent sky deity, upon a golden throne. Below him dwell various celestial spirits (tös) who serve as intermediaries between the supreme deity and the human world. The sun and moon traverse the lower layers of the Upper World, while the stars occupy intermediate levels. Each layer possesses its own character, growing increasingly luminous and sacred as one ascends toward Ülgen's seat.

The Shaman's Ascent

The Upper World is not merely a distant cosmological concept but a destination actively visited by shamans during ritual. In the Altai shamanic ceremony documented by Anokhin and Radloff, the shaman (kam) erects a birch tree or pole with notches carved into it, each notch representing one of the celestial layers. Climbing this notched pole (taptı) while drumming and chanting, the shaman narrates the journey through each successive layer, describing the spirits encountered and the obstacles overcome.

At each layer, the shaman performs specific ritual acts, making offerings to the spirits residing there and seeking their blessing or guidance. The ultimate goal varies by ceremony: some ascents seek healing, others request favorable weather or successful hunts, and the most ambitious reach Ülgen's throne itself to deliver prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the community. The birch tree chosen for the ceremony must be freshly cut and is understood to become, for the duration of the ritual, the cosmic axis connecting all three worlds.

Celestial Geography

Radloff's collection preserves accounts of the Upper World's specific features as narrated during shamanic ascent songs. The lowest layers are characterized by warmth and gentle light, associated with the beneficent aspects of the sky. Higher layers become increasingly brilliant, with descriptions of golden and silver radiance. Certain layers correspond to specific celestial phenomena: the layer of the moon, the layer of the stars, the layer of the sun, each with its own resident spirits.

The highest layer, where Ülgen resides, is described as a place of supreme radiance. His golden throne sits at the pinnacle of creation, from which he oversees the affairs of all beings. The path to this throne is guarded by celestial spirits who test the shaman's worthiness, making the ascent a trial of spiritual power as well as a journey through sacred space.