Respect for the Environment and Nature in Traditional Turkish Culture

In traditional Turkish culture and belief, it is believed that all living and non-living beings in nature have a soul. In line with this belief, the spirit of nature should not be hurt just like the human spirit. Otherwise, it was feared that the hurt soul could harm the human being. Therefore, it was thought that if nature was harmed, it actually harms the human being himself. In addition, it is believed that nature is the messenger between humans and the creator and provides the connection between them. Thus, protecting all animate and inanimate beings in nature and the environment is considered sacred. In Turkish culture, nature is seen as a trust given to humans by the Creator as a trust that needs to be protected. With the Turks' conversion to Islam, it is seen that their traditional beliefs in nature, the environment and animals have become more solidified. This is because in Islamic culture, it is believed that everything that exists in nature commemorates the creator. Thus, the protection of nature has become a religious obligation. In this context, especially among ancient Turks, the idea of living in harmony with nature instead of owning it appears as both a cultural and religious lifestyle. This has been turned into a state policy. This study will focus on the love of nature, love of animals, the sanctity of nature and the importance given to the environment in Turkish culture. As the study shows, it is possible to say that the relationship of ancient Turks with nature, the environment, and animals was at a more advanced level than in today's world.