Iron and blacksmithing in Turkish culture (XI-XII. centuries)

Blacksmithing, is far from being simply an economic deal in Turkish history and culture. Blacksmithing is almost a tradition for the Turks, who process iron for the first time, giving it a form and started the Iron Age. Turks are gave the iron an exceptional value, because they achieved their ideals of world domination by the force of iron. Therefore, iron has spread to the old Turkish religion and it has become an indispensable element of religious ceremonies. Also, variety of applications related to iron in Turkish traditions has been seen. Turks have sworn on iron, they saw it as a superior force to kept their swore. Blacksmithing of Turk's is stated in many epic, especially Ergenekon Epic. Turkish art of ironwork that still fascinates the art historian. Because of all these features of iron, it is drawing attention as one of the most used elements for the Turks, in their names, proverbs and expressions. Addition to all these moral values, iron has become a very important source of revenue for the Turkish economy. The Turks, one of the world's most important iron merchants, made the iron trade vast lands extending from China to Rome, paid and collected their taxes with iron. Key Words: Turkish Culture, Iron, Blacksmithing, Iron Age, Shamanism.