The place and importance of seymenli̇k in Ankara region's culture and music

The Seymenlik tradition is thought to have reached to the Central Asian Turkic traditions. It can be said that after the immigration to Anatolia, between 1290 and 1354, due to the strong administration they formed with Ahi community in Ankara, Seymenlik had earnt its role in determining the respectable position in the society. In this study, the importance of Seymenlik in Ankara in terms of Ankara culture and its contribution to culture, music and social life is explained. For this purpose, besides the literature review, personal interviews with Seymen leaders were also used. Cultural formations and similarities that can be associated with Seymen culture such as Alplik, Alperenlik, Gazilik and Ahilik have been revealed. A descriptive analysis of the characteristic structures of Ankara songs and dances has been made, and Ankara Ferfene Night and Cümbüş have been handled within the framework of conversations that have been going on for centuries. In addition, the relationship between folk songs and body movements in the dances was searched and an inference was obtained. It is aimed to contribute to the inclusion of traditions that have been forgotten, by giving information about Seymenlik and Ankara culture to the literature. In this context, with the light of the obtained findings as a result of the research, we can say that the rules and norms of Seymen community coincide with Alplik, Ahilik, Alperenlik and Gazilik. With its strong organizational structure, disciplined and conservative attitude, Seymenlik has been a carrier and determinant factor especially in Ankara music and dances. In Ankara music, it is said that "divan, bozlak, zeybek, düz oyun, muhabbet havaları" have been played mostly. In addition to music, dance also plays an important role in Ankara Seymen community and culture. The most important of the music assemblies, where music and dances are performed together, are "Ferfene, Cümbüş, muhabbet geceleri". The Ankara instrument playing manners and Ankara attitude in baglama have survived to this day by living in these assemblies. Keywords: Ankara, ahilik, alplik, alperenlik, gazilik, seymenlik, Ankara folk music, Ankara attitude.