Kirghis, Central Asian People with Magical Traditions

The Kyrgyz people (formerly known as Kirghis) are a Turkic ethnic group native to Central Asia, primarily Kyrgyzstan. They are predominantly Muslim and have a rich tradition of folklore and magic. They have a hierarchical structure of religious leaders, with the Achoun (Aqun) being the highest-ranking religious figure. Kyrgyz magic includes divination using books, scapulamancy (divination with sheep shoulder blades), animal sacrifice, and pyromancy (divination with fire). They also believe in sorcerers who can cast spells, particularly on slaves to prevent them from escaping. Peter Simon Pallas, an 18th-century naturalist and explorer, documented Kyrgyz culture and magical practices.