The continuity of Turkish culture in the Balkans: The cases of Greece, Bulgaria and Kosovo

In this study conducted within the framework of Intangible Cultural Heritage, products of the oral tradition of the Turks of Greece, Bulgaria and Kosovo: rites of passage (birth, marriage, and death); feast days, holy days, fertility rites and village shows; folk medicine; the folk calendar; folk tales; riddles; folk poems; folk songs; nursery rhymes and traditional children's games are identified and evaluated in the context of the current situation regarding the preservation and continuity of Turkish culture in the Balkan region. In the introduction section of the study, theoretical information about the purpose and importance of the research, the research model and the limitations is given in line with the research framework. In the first part, identity information about Greece, Bulgaria and Kosovo, which are the countries where Turks live in our study areas, is given and their historical and demographic structure is discussed specifically for the Turkish community. The second part explains the concepts of culture and cultural heritage and includes opinions in the literature that focus on ethnic identity as the creator of culture. Definitions of tangible and intangible cultural heritage are given, and the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its benefits are explained with examples from experiences in Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria, which are contracting countries to the convention. In the third part, beliefs and practices related to birth, marriage and death that have become traditions, identified as rites of passage, are presented in detail under subheadings. In the fourth part, beliefs and practices identified in the field, under the headings of religious and spring festivals, holy days, fertility and healing rituals and village shows, are conveyed. In the fifth part, healing methods grouped under the term folk medicine are included, while in the sixth part, special and specific days, meteorological events and folk sayings and beliefs about these are included under the heading of the folk calendar. In the seventh and last part, folk tales, riddles, folk songs, nursery rhymes and traditional children's games, compiled in the field as products of oral tradition, are presented. The findings are classified under appropriate subheadings in each section and evaluated comparatively both among Turkish communities in the three countries comprising our study areas and among Turkish communities in other regions, and their similarities, differences and distinctive features are highlighted. In the concluding part, in the light of the findings made in our study areas, it is emphasised that the preservation and continuity of Turkish culture in Turkish communities in this region is encouraging in terms of transmission to future generations, and recommendations are listed for taking the necessary measures to preserve the intangible cultural heritage of the Turks, especially of those living under different sovereignties. Keywords: Intangible Cultural Heritage, Turkish Culture, Greece, Bulgaria, Kosovo.