The traditional cemetery of the Nohur village in Turkmenistan. is famous for its distinct burial customs, which often include placing goat horns on top of the gravestones.
The use of goat horns forms part of ancient Turkic folklore, for centuries before the islamic hordes moved in to begin their quest for world domination.
These horns provide protection for the deceased, to ward off evil spirits and help the soul of the dead reach the afterlife. I wonder what happens to the beheaded animal on its journey through eternal blackness.
Nowadays the ancient folk refuse to give up their beliefs entirely, weirdly entwining them with islamic doctrines, often a crescent moon is also seen on the headstones and grave markers.
The grave markers are often engraved with horizontal markings symbolising "steps" or pathways to guide the soul of the deceased safely on its rise to heaven. Fucked if like me hell awaits as there is nothing going down.
These isolated mountain people have always celebrated mountain goats venerated for their strength and endurance in harsh environments.
Similar horns are often hung outside houses in the village for protection.
As well as the horns, a lot of the grave markers are wrapped with vibrantly coloured fabric, representing a sign of respect and honouring the tribe’s rich silk-weaving traditions.
Tourists are forbidden from entering into the walled grounds of the cemetery in order to protect its sacred burial traditions.
So it was a case of leaning over the wall, with my tackle fully extended, reaching the spots that smaller ones can't. Size really does matter.
