Ancestor Cult as an Ideological Foundation of Statehood and National Identity in the Oghuz Epic Tradition

This article examines the ancestor cult in the Oghuz epic tradition as a fundamental ideological system that unites the historical memory, national-spiritual values, and statehood traditions of the Azerbaijani people. The study argues that the ancestor concept in Oghuz society was not limited to mythological beliefs but served as a key mechanism for legitimizing political power, organizing social structure, and preserving ethnic identity. Through the analysis of Oghuz Khan, Dede Qorqud, Bayandur Khan, and other figures, the article demonstrates how the ancestor cult functioned as a sacred mediator between the divine and the social, between the past and the present. The article concludes that the ancestor cult reflects the ancient roots of the Azerbaijanism ideology and plays a crucial role in maintaining national unity, spiritual integrity, and identity consciousness.