Spirituality and the Digital Age: Representations of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in New Media

Abstract

In the digital age, the preservation and dissemination of spiritual heritage are closely linked to the opportunities provided by new media. The purpose of this study is to analyze the representation of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s heritage in the contemporary digital sphere, to identify its spiritual significance for young people, and to explore the ways in which his wisdom is transformed into media content. Furthermore, the study considers Yasawi’s teaching as a symbol of spiritual integrity and as a phenomenon of intercultural communication in the context of the information society.

The research addresses the issues of preserving, transmitting, and reinterpreting spiritual heritage through the use of new media tools. Its findings make it possible to identify spiritual imagery within media content, bring Yasawi’s legacy closer to younger generations, and strengthen ethical principles within digital culture.

The study employed methods of content analysis, comparative analysis, and media observation. The representation of Yasawi’s image was examined across diverse media formats, including short social media videos, animation projects, audio adaptations of wisdom, visual storytelling, and documentary films.

The results demonstrate the variety of digital forms through which Yasawi’s heritage is presented, as well as their influence on the youth’s worldview and spiritual orientation. Yasawi’s teaching proves to be relevant in the digital era as a symbol of spiritual integrity and inner perfection, gaining renewed meaning in media spaces.

This research contributes to academic discourse at the intersection of digital culture and spiritual heritage, enriching the fields of media culture, spiritual pedagogy, and digital ethics. Its practical significance lies in the applicability of the findings to education, media production, and cultural policy. Proper representation of Yasawi’s legacy in new media provides new avenues for the spiritual education of young generations.