Thematic study on Bitlis manies

This study aimed to compile, classify, and examine the manis of the Bitlis region within a cultural context. Manis, a form of oral narrative in Turkish folk literature, are important folk products that shed light on the emotions, thoughts, values, and daily life of society. With its rich historical past, multilayered cultural structure, and geographical location, Bitlis is one of the regions where folk literature is intensely preserved. In this context, this thesis focuses on the thematic structure, structural characteristics, functions, and intergenerational transmission of Bitlis manis. First, field research was conducted in Bitlis city center and its surrounding districts, and manis were compiled from oral and written sources. These manis were then classified around themes such as love, women, and faith. The introductory section of the study explores the historical, cultural, and geographical characteristics of Bitlis, one of the ancient cities of Eastern Anatolia. The first section examines the manis genre and the tradition of manis recitation in Bitlis. The second section examines Bitlis manis from a thematic perspective. The third section examines Bitlis manis from a symbolic perspective. During the study, the manis were examined both thematically and in terms of their symbolic value.