The war against Buddhist, shamanist, and Manichaean Uyghurs was considered a jihad by the Kara-Khanids. Her people followed a shamanist religion and were considered pagans by contemporary Christians of Europe. Their belief or practice is similar to Shamanist or animist beliefs and rituals. The highest peaks are also home to Cheonjedan, a series of ancient Shamanist altars. However they had retained many Shamanist and Animist customs. Various Mongol tribes were Shamanist, Buddhist or Christian. Buddhist and Shamanist sculptures can be found in the cave. The facts of his reign remain relatively unclear, but it appears he was a shamanist. Although he was Shamanist, he was interested in Buddhism. Mary's mother followed the Shamanist religion, like other Cumans.