Pre-Islamic Turks, who had nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyles on the steppes from east to west and north to south of Central Asia, lived in tribes and thus created a unique culture. Among the works that significantly reflect cultural values in a society, the pieces of clothing are at the forefront. The belts, which are among the material cultural elements, convey important information about Turkish culture throughout the history. It is thought that belts established an important bond among Turkish communities with its common and special artistic understanding. In this study, the types, functions, construction materials, ornaments, workmanship of belts and belt buckles as well as the various expressions related to wearing of belts in pre-Islamic Turks were examined. In addition, the usage habits, features and contributions to social status of the belt in Scythians, Göktürks, Huns, Avars and Uighurs which are among the pre-Islamic Old Turkic communities were investigated. In the study, secondary sources in the related literature were studied, historical documents and visuals related to the belt were examined and the related information of the works belonging to that period was gathered and evaluated.

Keywords: Pre-Islamic Turks, belt, strap, girdle, clothing, clothing culture