Yakut Temple of Aiy Tangara (Tengri) and Chinese Temple of Heaven


World Heritage Site: Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

Publication Year: 2026

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHEE5B7A6E6A0

Summary

A comparative analysis of the Yakut Temple of Aiy Tangara (Tengri) and the Chinese Temple of Heaven in Beijing reveals striking conceptual and architectural similarities rooted in shared ancestral beliefs. Both structures, serving as ceremonial spaces for reverence to the sky, exhibit parallel elements in their design and symbolic significance, tracing back to the nomadic traditions of the Huns. The study highlights how these temples, despite cultural differences, share a common spiritual lineage, offering insights into the enduring influence of ancient cosmological beliefs on religious architecture. By examining historical records, structural features, and ritual functions, the research underscores the potential for cross-cultural dialogue through shared heritage.

Citation

Fedorova, L. V. (2026). Yakut Temple of Aiy Tangara (Tengri) and Chinese Temple of Heaven. The Bulletin of Irkutsk State University. Series Political Science and Religion Studies, 56, 99–114. https://doi.org/10.26516/2073-3380.2026.56.99

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