Tengrism

Also known as Tengriism, Tengerism, or Tengrianism.

This is a belief system that originated in the Eurasian steppes. It’s based on shamanism & animism. It usually involves the sky god, Tengri.

It was the predominant religion of the Gokturks, Xianbei, Bulgars, Xiongnu, Yeniseian, Mongolic peoples, & the Huns. It was the state religion of several medieval states, including the 1st Turkic Khaganate, the Western Turkic Khaganate, the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Old Great Bulgaria, the 1st Bulgarian Empire, Volga Bulgaria, Khazaria, & the Mongol Empire.

In the Irk Bitig, a 9th-century manuscript on divination, Tengri is referred to as Turuk Tangrisi (“God of Turks”).

The forms of the name Tengri (Old Turkic: Tanri), among the ancient & modern Turkic & Mongolic, are: Tengeri, tanagra, Tangri, Tanri, Tangre, Tegri, Tingir, Tenkri, Tangra, Ter, & Ture.
The name “Tengri” (“the Sky”)is derived from Old Turkic: Tenk (“daybreak”) or Tan (“dawn”).

The name of the important deity Dangun (also Tangol, God of the Mountains) of the Korean folk religion is related to the Siberian Tengri (“Heaven”), while the bear is a symbol of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major).

It was originally polytheistic. But a monotheistic branch with the sky god Kok-Tengri as the supreme being evolved as a dynastic legitimation. Tengrism was a monotheistic religion only at the imperial level in aristocratic circles.

Tengri itself was never an Absolute. But only 1 of many gods of the upper world, the sky deity, of polytheistic shamanism, later known as Tengrism.

The 1st time the name Tengri was recorded in Chinese Chronicles was in the 4th century BC as the sky god of the Xiongnu.

Tengrism played a large part in the religion of the Mongol Empire as the primary state spirituality. Genghis Khan & several generations after him were Tengrian believers & “shaman-king(s)” until Genghis’ 5th-generation descendant, Ozbeg Khan, converted to Islam in the 14th century.

Tengrists view their existence as sustained by the eternal blue sky (Tengri), the fertile mother-earth spirit (Eje), & a ruler regarded as the chosen one by the holy spirit of the sky.

Heaven, earth, spirits of nature, & ancestors provide for every need & protect all humans. By living an upright, respectful life, a human will keep his world in balance & perfect his personal Wind Horse, or spirit.

The Huns of the northern Caucasus reportedly believed in 2 gods: Tangri Han (or Tengri Khan), considered identical to the Persian Esfandiyar & for whom horses were sacrificed, & Kuar (whose victims are struck by lightning).

Traditional Tengrism was more embraced by the nomadic Turks than by those residing in the lower mountains or forests. This belief influenced Turkic & Mongol religious history since ancient times until the 14th century, when the Golden Horde converted to Islam. The Golden Horde was a Mongol/Turkicized Khanate.

From then on, Tengrism was mostly submerged by other religious ideas. Traditional Tengrism persists among the Mongols & in some Turkic & Mongolic-influenced regions of Russia (Sakah, Buryatia, & Tuva), in parallel with other religions.

According to the Orkhon inscriptions, Tengri played a big role in the choices of the Khaghan & in guiding his actions. Many of these were performed because “Heaven so ordained.” The Orkhon inscriptions are bilingual texts in Middle Chinese & Old Turkic carved into 2 memorial steles erected in the 8th century by the Gokturks in modern-day Mongolia.

A revival of Tengrism has played a role in the search for native spiritual roots & a Pan-Turkish ideology since the 1990s. Especially in some autonomous republics of the Russian Federation (Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Buryatia, Yakutia, etc.). As well as among the Crimean Karaites & Crimean Tatars.

In 2003, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tengir Ordo held the 1st international scientific symposium on Tengrism. In 2005, the French Institute for Central Asia Studies organized a conference on Tengrism in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Since 2007, biennial scientific conferences on Tengrism have been held in Russia, Mongolia, & other countries.

The Tengrist cosmology proposes a division between the upper worlds (heaven), the Earth, & the world of darkness (underworld). These worlds are inhabited by different beings, often spirits or deities. A shaman (kam) can communicate with these spirits using mental powers. The worlds aren’t entirely separated, & they have a constant influence on the Earth.

In Turkic mythology within Siberian Asian religious systems, there is the “celestial world,” the ground to which “earth-water” (yer-su) belongs, & the “underworld,” ruled by spirits beneath the earth. They’re connected through the world tree in the center of the worlds.

The celestial & subterranean worlds are divided into 7 layers. Although there are variations, the underworld sometimes has 9 layers & the celestial world 17.

Shamans are able to find entries to travel into these realms. In the multiple realms, beings live just like humans on Earth. They also have their own respected souls & shamans & nature spirits. Sometimes, these beings visit the Earth but are invisible to people. They manifest themselves only in a strange sizzling fire or a bark to the shaman.

The heavens are inhabited by righteous souls, the Creator, & protector deities. The celestial world has many similarities with the Earth. But it’s undefiled by humans. It contains a pristine, untouched nature, & the natives have never deviated from the traditions of their ancestors.
This realm is much brighter than the Earth & is under the auspices of Ulgen, a son of Tengri. Shamans can also visit this world.

On some days, the doors of this heavenly world are opened, & the light shines through the clouds. During this moment, the prayers of the shamans are most influential. A shaman performs his imaginary journey, which takes him to the heavens, by riding a black bird, a deer, or a horse, or by changing into the shape of these animals. Otherwise, he may scale the world tree or cross a rainbow.

The underworld is the home of wicked souls, devils, & evil deities. There are many similarities between the Earth & the underworld, & its inhabitants resemble humans. Though they’ve only 2 souls instead of 3. They lack the “Ami soul,” which produces body temperature & allows breathing. Therefore, they’re pale, & their blood is dark. The sun & the moon of the underworld give far less light than the sun & the moon of the Earth. There are also forests, rivers, & settlements underground.

Erlik Khan (In Mongolian: Erleg Khan), 1 of the sons of Tengri, is the ruler of the underworld. He controls the souls there. Some of them are waiting to be reborn. Extremely evil souls are believed to be extinguished forever here. If a sick human isn’t dead yet, a shaman can move to the underworld to negotiate with Erlik to bring the person back to life. If the shaman fails, the person dies.

It’s believed that people & animals have many souls. Generally, each person is considered to have 3 souls. But the names, characteristics, & numbers of the souls may differ among tribes.
Humans are the product of (father) Heaven & (mother) Earth. Tangrism sanctifies human relationships with nature & their relationship with the sky. Tengrism doesn’t place humans above nature. Rather, it considers mankind as part of nature, without any rank assigned by God.

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🇰🇿 #Alstom has showcased the construction progress of its new electric locomotive service depot in #Arys, #Kazakhstan. Located along the Middle Corridor, a crucial trade route linking #China and #Europe, the facility is part of a broader €50 million regional investment programme by the sustainable mobility firm.

The Arys hub will maintain electric locomotives built for national operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, handling up to 120 locomotive sections monthly. This #infrastructure is expected to boost fleet availability to 97%, improving both domestic and international rail efficiency.

The project forms part of a 2023 agreement with the #Kazakh government, which includes three other depots in Shu, #Astana and #Almaty. Nationwide, the initiative will create around 700 jobs. Alstom highlights that expanding electric rail infrastructure supports Kazakhstan's economic goals by offering significantly lower operating costs than diesel alternatives.
https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2026/5/alstom-creates-new-electric-locomotive-service-depot-arys-turkestan-region-key-railway-hub-located-along-middle-corridor

Zimbabwe’s Nicholas Hwende to fight Ukraine’s Omar Solomanov in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Nicholas Hwende, 30, of Zimbabwe and South Africa will be in Kazakhstan soon. He will fight Omar Solomanov, 33, of Odessa, Ukraine in the 105th event of BRAVE Combat Federation, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Seef, Bahrain.

Hwende was born and raised in Gokwe North District, Midlands, Zimbabwe. He is training out of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Nicholas Hwende vs Omar Solomanov

The international spotlight for MMA will once again shine on Central Asia as BRAVE CF returns to Kazakhstan for a monumental event. On May 31, 2026, the organization will host “BRAVE CF 105” at the historic Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty.

Produced in collaboration with the Alash Pride League, this event marks the promotion’s fourth visit to the nation since 2017, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s pivotal position in the global expansion of BRAVE CF. Following the momentum of “BRAVE CF 103” in Uzbekistan, this upcoming card aims to bridge the gap between regional talent and the international stage.

The main event features a high-stakes battle for the vacant BRAVE CF featherweight world championship between Hwende and Solomanov. The latter is the promotion’s interim champion in the same division.

For Hwende, this bout represents a career-defining opportunity to become only the second athlete in the promotion’s history to capture world titles in two different weight classes. He previously made history as a bantamweight world champion before suffering a loss to Borislav Nikolic in 2025. Since that setback, he has rebounded with a dominant performance at “BRAVE CF 98” against Xie Bin.

As Hwende prepares for this five-round clash, he is focused on cementing his status in the sport. Regarding the magnitude of the upcoming title fight, he reflected, “Moments like this are what every fighter dreams of. To become a two-division World Champion in BRAVE CF would be historic, but I am not just chasing history, I am chasing proof that I belong among the very best who have ever stepped into this sport.”

Solomanov brings a professional record of 14 wins and 3 losses, including eight knockouts. Having secured interim gold in September 2025, the Ukrainian MMA champion is a formidable obstacle in Hwende’s path.

Despite acknowledging Solomanov’s credentials, Hwende remains unshakable in his resolve. The Zimbabwean MMA fighter said, “I respect what Omar Solomanov has achieved, but respect does not mean hesitation. He is just another man standing in the way of what I want, and I have never been the type to step aside for anyone.”

With a professional record of 10-2, Hwende is entering the cage with clear intent, viewing “BRAVE CF 105” as the ultimate validation of his abilities. He shared, “This is not about prediction or promise. This is a warning. I am coming to impose myself, to break resistance, and to show that no challenge is too great when I step into that cage.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQKWJiEojI&t=4s

Almaty International Airport - Almaty, Kazakhstan

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almaty_International_Airport
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Zimbabwe’s Nicholas Hwende to fight for BRAVE CF featherweight title in Almaty

Nicholas Hwende, 30, is a former bantamweight world champion of BRAVE Combat Federation, a mixed martial arts promotion based in Seef, Bahrain. Born and raised in Gokwe North District, Midlands, Zimbabwe, he is training out of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

“BRAVE CF 105”

The global MMA spotlight returns to Central Asia as BRAVE CF prepares for its highly anticipated return to Kazakhstan. Scheduled for May 31, 2026, “BRAVE CF 105” will take over the iconic Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty. Organized in partnership with the Alash Pride League, this landmark event marks BRAVE CF’s fourth venture into the country since its inaugural visit in 2017, underscoring Kazakhstan’s vital role in the organization’s international expansion.

Following the success of “BRAVE CF 103” in Uzbekistan, this upcoming extravaganza aims to further bridge the gap between regional excellence and the global stage. While full fight cards will be unveiled in the coming weeks, fans can expect a stacked lineup featuring top-tier local talent. Among the high-profile homegrown athletes expected to electrify the passionate Almaty crowd are top-ranked flyweight contender Dias “Son of the Steppes” Yerengaipov and former world title challenger Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat.

By blending elite international title fights with a platform for regional heroes, “BRAVE CF 105” is shaping up to be a historic night that honors Kazakhstan’s deep-rooted combat sports culture while delivering world-class action inside the cage.

Omar Solomanov vs Nicholas Hwende

Headlining “BRAVE CF 105” are Hwende and BRAVE CF Interim Featherweight World Champion Omar Solomanov, 33, of Odessa, Ukraine. They will compete for the vacant featherweight championship title.

This is Hwende’s second chance to be a BRAVE CF champion again. On December 13, 2024, he dethroned then BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion Nkosi Ndebele of Diepsloot, Gauteng, South Africa via unanimous decision at “BRAVE CF 91” at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town, Bahrain, making the winner the second African MMA fighter to become a BRAVE CF champion.

But on June 7, 2025, Hwende lost the title after losing via technical submission to Borislav Nikolic of Belgrade, Serbia at “BRAVE CF 96” at Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana, Slovenia. On September 19, 2025, the Zimbabwean MMA fighter bounced back by beating Xie Bin of Shanghai, China via unanimous decision at “BRAVE CF 98” at the Henan TV Studio 8 in Zhengzhou, Henan, China.

Currently, Hwende holds a professional MMA record of 10 wins and 2 losses. Solomanov has 14 wins and 3 losses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQKWJiEojI

Odessa’s Omar Solomanov to fight for BRAVE CF featherweight title in Almaty

Omar Solomanov, 33, of Odessa, Ukraine is the reigning interim featherweight world champion of BRAVE Combat Federation, which is based in Seef, Bahrain. His next bout will be in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1288436740127984&set=pb.100068850106530.-2207520000&type=3

“BRAVE CF 105”

BRAVE CF will hold its 105th event at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty on May 31, 2026. It is the promotion’s fourth event held in Kazakhstan since its inaugural visit in 2017, underscoring the country’s vital role in the organization’s international expansion.

“BRAVE CF 105” is organized in partnership with the Alash Pride League. Following the success of “BRAVE CF 103” in Uzbekistan, this upcoming extravaganza aims to further bridge the gap between regional excellence and the global stage.

The complete “BRAVE CF 105” card has yet to be announced. Dias “Son of the Steppes” Yerengaipov and Rauan “Shymyr” Bekbolat are among the hometown fighters expected to compete.

Omar Solomanov vs Nicholas Hwende

Headlining “BRAVE CF 105” is a pivotal main event that promises to redefine the featherweight division. Solomanov will face off against former BRAVE CF bantamweight titleholder Nicholas Hwende, 30, of Zimbabwe and South Africa for the vacant, undisputed 145-pound crown.

For Solomanov, this bout is the ultimate culmination of a grueling, experience-driven journey. The Ukrainian standout solidified his position at the top of the division in September 2025 at “BRAVE CF 98” where he captured the interim title via a dominant five-round, unanimous decision victory over local rival Rauan Bekbolat.

Now holding an impressive 14-3 professional record—boasting eight knockouts and three submissions—Solomanov has won five of his last six bouts using a signature blend of calculated aggression, surgical precision and cool composure under pressure. Rather than viewing this fight as just another accolade, he sees it as a definitive moment of validation. He is driven by a desire to shed his interim status and establish absolute clarity at the top of the weight class.

“Every fight at this level strips away illusion,” Solomanov stated. “I have carried the interim designation long enough. On May 31, I intend to leave no ambiguity and take my place as the true champion of this division. I have proven myself repeatedly against elite opposition. I am here to erase any perception that I am anything less than the man who rules this division.”

Mohammed Shahid

The significance of the event extends far beyond the main event. BRAVE CF president Mohammed Shahid emphasized the organization’s deep enthusiasm for returning to a nation with such a rich martial arts heritage.

“Returning to Kazakhstan is something we are truly excited about,” Shahid said. “This country has consistently produced elite-level mixed martial artists with incredible potential. Our goal is to continue exploring that talent pool and provide a platform where deserving athletes can shine and establish themselves on the global stage. Kazakhstan remains a key destination in our vision for the sport.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjGKz511CMg