Folk beliefs and their samples in Sandikli

iiiABSTRACTFOLK BELİEFS AND THEİR SAMPLES İN SANDIKLITuğrul BALABANDepartment of Turkish Language and LiteratureAfyon Kocatepe University, The Institute of Social SiencesJune 2006Advisor: Asist. Prof. Dr. Adile YILMAZ ANILIn this study, belief values of geography of Sandıklı, which is one of the ancientTurkish settelements succeeding in preserving past culture elements to date aredetermined. Folk?s beliefs living in the region and practices associated with thesebeliefs are investigated and, these elements? origins are mentioned.Studies on religions history started at 19th century in Europe. Beginning ofstudies on ancient Turkish religion coincided with influence of Turkism trend, interestin past components of Turkish culture increased and first steps towards the subjectstarted being made.By finding obtained especially from archeological excavations, as from theearliest periods of the history it is determined that Turks had interaction with othernations. In spite of influences of conversions arising as a natural result of thisinteraction, Turks succeeded in keeping cultures and old beliefs alive. Importantevidence is indications of ancient Turkish beliefs encountered even today despitecurrent influence of ?Islam? lasting for over one thousand years.This research is an attemp to put forward continuing effects of Turkish beliefs?past dating back to thousands of years ago on geography of Sandıklı.