Alkarısı and Albastı: Figures of Fear in Turkish Mythology

Alkarısı / Albastı is a terrifying figure in Turkish folklore, believed to target postpartum women and horses. Unlike other spirits, it is not seductive but is described as tall, with long fingers, a hideous face, an oily body, and messy black hair, dressed in red and residing near water or woods. This belief, rooted in pre-Islamic Shamanistic practices among Central Asian Turkish peoples, is known by various names, including Alkarısı and Albastı.

In Kyrgyz and Kazakh traditions, there are two types: the Black Albastı, a serious spirit, and the more dangerous Yellow Albastı, known for ripping out livers and discarding them in water. To protect against Alkarısı, various methods are employed across regions, such as charms, red fabrics, or protective items like onions and iron rods. In Çukurova, black clothing placed under pillows is said to attract Albastı, while single men may be seduced by a deadly blonde woman.

Legends tell that capturing an Alkarısı and inserting a needle into its chest forces it to serve a household until the needle is removed, after which it often curses the family and returns to its kin. Alkarısı can also appear as a goat, fox, or bird, and male victims may experience visions of tiny men trying to take them away, known as "Kırkbasması."

These stories reflect deep cultural fears related to childbirth and vulnerability, with rituals evolving over centuries to provide protection against the unknown.

#Alkarısı #Albastı #TurkishFolklore #Mythology #FolkloreTales #DarkLegends #CulturalMyths #Supernatural #FolkloreFears #TurkishMyths #AncientLegends #GhostStories #CreepyCreatures #TurkishCulture #MysticalEntities #Shamanistic #Shamanism