Tradition, interaction and education in minstrel branches and the development of Pir Sultan Abdal branch

The present article investigates the tradition, interaction and educational elements in minstrel (bard) branches, which assumably emerged as a result of the minstrels? traditions in the 16th century and the Pir Sultan Abdal branch was formed in addition to the previous ones.In the current research, preliminary information as to the concept of `minstrel?, general characteristics of minstrels, Minstrel Literature, tradition in Minstrel Literature and minstrel branches is presented, and the minstrel?s branches that have been discovered so far are schematized. The elements of tradition in minstrel branches are handled in detail and it is exemplified through the Emrah Branch, as the practice of tradition is the same in each branch per se. The interactional and educational factors prompting the emergence of minstrel branches are thus emphasized.Education, which is one of the most significant functions of Folk Literature, stands out in minstrel branches as well. By means of the minstrels in Emrah Branch, specific examples are provided for the minstrel?s poems bearing an important position in the education of folks.In the last section of the article, the rationale for the addition of the Pir Sultan Abdal Branch to the previously studied minstrel branches is put forward in light of minstrel traditions, education and interaction.Keywords: Minstrel branches, The Pir Sultan Abdal Branch, Turkish, Education.