Tulpar is a legendary winged or celestial horse in

Turkic mythology Turkic mythology refers to myths and legends told by the Turkic people. It features Tengrism, Tengrist and Shamanism in Central Asia, Shamanist strata of belief along with many other social and cultural constructs related to the nomadic and wa ...

, akin to the Greek

Pegasus Pegasus (; ) is a winged horse in Greek mythology, usually depicted as a white stallion. He was sired by Poseidon, in his role as horse-god, and foaled by the Gorgon Medusa. Pegasus was the brother of Chrysaor, both born from Medusa's blood w ...

. This mythical creature is prominently featured in the state emblems of Kazakhstan and Bashkortostan. The origins of Tulpar are intertwined with the hunting traditions of Central Asian peoples, who used

horse The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 mi ...

s in conjunction with

birds of prey Birds of prey or predatory birds, also known as (although not the same as) raptors, are hypercarnivorous bird species that actively predation, hunt and feed on other vertebrates (mainly mammals, reptiles and smaller birds). In addition to speed ...

. Over time, these two animals merged in the human imagination, creating the winged horse known as Tulpar. The wings of Tulpar were not necessarily for flight but symbolized its unparalleled speed. This mythical horse has been immortalized in various cultural symbols. For instance, the emblem of Kazakhstan includes two golden Tulpars, a yurt's top, and sun rays on a blue background symbolizing the sky where Tulpars gallop. Tulpar is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of Turkic-speaking nations, including Turks, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, and Kyrgyz. The Heavenly Horse, known as Tulpar in Turkic mythology, embodies swiftness, elegance, and deep cultural significance.

Mythological origins

According to ancient beliefs, the Heavenly Horse, or Tulpar, was a divine creature created by the gods. It was considered a winged horse, but its wings became invisible upon landing, making it appear as an ordinary horse. Legends describe the breeding of the Heavenly Horse in the picturesque Eurasian steppes, where a divine horse mated with local mares. The resulting offspring were large, beautifully built stallions known for their speed and endurance.

Cultural significance

Cult of Heavenly horse bronze horse ancient finial Bucephalus Ancient Akhal Teke

The horse occupies a special place in the oral literature of the Kazakh people. Tulpar is a winged horse, one of the main motifs of Kazakh folklore. In the minds of the Turks, the cosmos was inhabited by mythical creatures, one of which was Tulpar. Tulpar is a collective image of a heavenly horse. Like a bird, it had wings and could be transported to any other place in an instant. Winged horses, depicted in the art of ancient nomads, on metal jewelry of the Altai Sakas, on the famous Kargaly diadem, on the headdress of the Golden Man from the Issyk Mound, and on Scythian dishes, are now a distinctive sign of the coat of arms of the Republic of Kazakhstan. A notable artifact, a ceremonial gilt bronze finial depicting a standing horse, exemplifies Saka culture. This artifact displays the exquisite features of the Heavenly Horse, a Tulpar highlighting the cultural syncretism of that era. The mythical Tulpar symbolizes the ideals of speed, elegance, and cultural depth. It represents not just physical prowess but also the rich tapestry of human imagination and cultural heritage that has shaped history. Tulpar embodies the attributes of swiftness, strength, and a profound cultural connection to its respective traditions. The enduring impact of these "heavenly" horses continues to be celebrated, reflecting their profound influence on history and culture.

Bibliography

* Rémy Dor, Contes Kirghiz de la steppe et de la montagne, Publications orientalistes de France, 1983, 166 p. () * Gilles Veinstein, Les Ottomans et la mort, vol. 9 de Ottoman Empire and its heritage, BRILL, 1996, 324 p. () * Hervé Beaumont, Asie centrale: Le guide des civilisations de la route de la soie, Éditions Marcus, 2008, 634 p. ()

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