A Study of Turkoman folklore in the Çanakkale region

Shiite Turkeomen, so called "Tahtacı", are continuing their established existence in the southern, central and western Anatolian. Forest regions and the Mount Kaz evirons. Within the limited scope of our study, we were able to record a history of rich folklore pertaining to the shiite Turkeomen living in the Çanakkale environs. Numerous beliefs and behaviour patterns seen in the Turkeomen are extended to the period of Turkish Shamanists. These elements are more or less visible in all forms of Turkish society. We observe that the Shiite Turkeomen society was subsisting under the veneer of Islamic ethics. Turkeomen' s "Dede" is a religiouns leader, a spiritual guide. It can be said that in the past, the Shaman lived in the capacity of "Dede". They lived in a society of autonomous rule, and until recent times lived in harmony, having had no encounters with Courts of law. They live a life-style based on honesty, honor, friendship, love and respect, based along the lines of The Bektash Dervish philosolphy "Be master of your hand, your tongue, your back bone." In different chapters, our study deals with customs from the periods of birth and childhoud, youth, death and funeral burial; human relationships; religious life; treatment and beliefs of various illnesses and mode of dress. Appropriate examples have been supplied with the relevant topics. In our study, we have made an effort with scientific methods, to bring to light and remember a section of our national culture in our environs. If our contribution is seen as contribution to our national culture, we will consider ourselves very happy.