Explanation examples of Elazığ region

The folk songs and sayings of Elazığ have been maintained through the âşıklık (minstrelsy) tradition, which has existed for centuries. This tradition, notably initiated by Teslim Abdal from the Sheik Ahmed Dede lineage, has continued to develop around this lineage. Prominent figures such as Teslim Abdal, Derviş Ali, Derviş Muhammed, Kul Mustafa, Nimri Dede, Kul Mansur (Mansur Çiftçi), Ahmet Fethi Erdoğan, Hüseyin Altun (Yaşar Dede), Miktat Güler, and Sezai Pehlivan (Pir Perişah) have preserved the âşıklık tradition to the present day. The âşıklık tradition, observed in the Baskil and Keban regions of Elazığ, is also found in the central villages of Elazığ, where Alevi-Bektashi minstrels are present. During the research process, interviews were conducted with Ahmet Fethi Erdoğan, Hüseyin Altun (Yaşar Dede), Miktat Güler, Kul Mansur (Mansur Çiftçi), and Pir Perişah (Sezai Pehlivan) to gather information about their life stories and listen to and record examples of their sayings. Face-to-face interviews were held with Ahmet Fethi Erdoğan, Hüseyin Altun (Yaşar Dede), and Miktat Güler, while an online video interview was conducted with Pir Perişah (Sezai Pehlivan) due to his residence in Germany. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted with Mansur Çiftçi (Kul Mansur), who often serves as a zakir in religious gatherings. The thesis also provides information on Harput music and the instruments used in the region. Numerous literary sources were utilized to examine whether the musical culture of the city interacts with neighboring provinces and to identify similar or differing aspects. Some of the sayings were also listened to online. The research concludes that, within the framework of Alevi-Bektashi beliefs, the content of sayings in Elazığ does not differ significantly, although there are regional variations in their performance. Keywords: Elazığ, Music Culture, Region, Musical Practices.