An example of intangible cultural heritage: The relationship between dengbêjlik and tourism

It is known that dêngbejs, one of the critical cornerstones of oral culture in Mesopotamia, have significantly contributed to the transfer of cultural heritage to the present day. This research has been written in order to contribute to the necessity of evaluating the tradition of dengbêjlik as an intangible cultural heritage element, what can be done to protect this cultural richness element, what can be done to ensure its sustainability and its integration into tourism. Within the scope of the subject, eighteen dengbêjs who continue the tradition of dengbêjing were interviewed, covering the South Eastern Anatolia Region and the Eastern Anatolia Region. Qualitative research method was used in the study because it provides the opportunity for in-depth analysis with small groups. The data collected through semi-structured interview forms were evaluated according to the thematic analysis approach. The data obtained were transferred to the qualitative data analysis program MAXQDA, a qualitative research program, and the patterns of the data with each other were examined. As a result of detailed examinations, the data were transferred to tables as three categories, twenty themes and eighty-seven sub-themes, and the findings obtained in these tables were interpreted in the conclusion section. Theoretical and practical suggestions are presented for these findings. Although there is a social interest in the tradition of dengbêjlik, the number of dengbêj is gradually decreasing. Despite many negative factors, it is seen that the individual efforts of dengbêjs are not sufficient for the sustainability of the culture. It emerges that studies should be carried out in the context of its recognition and protection as an element of intangible cultural heritage. It is reflected in the results that the tourism factor should be used as an important element in this process.