Philosophical dimensions of pilgrimage: ziyarat in the context of Central Asian culture

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the philosophical exploration of the practice of ziyarat, or pilgrimage to holy sites (mazars) in Central Asia. The discussion encompasses the concept of ziyarat as a multifaceted cultural and religious phenomenon that embodies profound philosophical ideas concerning humanity, the cosmos, and the transcendent. The analysis is grounded in systemic, phenomenological, comparative, historical-cultural, and ethnographic methodologies. The article scrutinizes the ontological, epistemological, and axiological dimensions of ziyarat, as well as its significance in the development of worldview, value systems, and cultural identities. Furthermore, mazars are examined with regard to their religious, cultural, social, and natural attributes. The authors emphasize the Sufi interpretation of the mazar as a maqam — a locus of spiritual engagement and communion with the saint. Contemporary philosophical perspectives on ziyarat are also considered, particularly in relation to globalization and intercultural dialogue. The article concludes that mazars in Central Asia and Kazakhstan represent a distinctive phenomenon wherein formidable cultural and social elements coalesce. These sacred sites of ziyarat serve not solely as expressions of religious obligation, but also as avenues for philosophical inquiry into existence, linked to the pursuit of truth and spiritual fulfillment.