Erzurum Pehlivanlı village folklore

This research is a study on the folklore of Pehlivanlı village in the Tortum district of Erzurum province, located in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Pehlivanlı village draws attention with its rich cultural values and unique natural beauties. This study aimed to understand and document the folk culture that conveys the lifestyle, values, beliefs, and traditions of the village people from generation to generation. In the research, special attention was paid to events such as birth, death, marriage, circumcision, and military service, which are transitional periods that have an important place in folk culture. The practices, ceremonies, and celebrations during these periods reflect the way of life of the village people in unity and solidarity. Likewise, elements such as beliefs, children's games, treatment methods applied to diseases, handicrafts, hospitality customs, unique food and beverage culture of the people, folk calendar, and folk meteorology, which are within the scope of folklore, also feed the rich folk culture of the village. The compilation method was used in the research process, and data were collected through interviews with village people and participant observation techniques. In the interviews with the source persons, direct questions obtained information in detail. The data obtained were supported and analyzed with written sources, and a comprehensive analysis was made of the folk culture of Pehlivanlı village. According to the research results, the folk culture of Pehlivanlı village represents a deep-rooted heritage from the past to the present. However, factors such as the decrease in population and the migration of the young population to urban centers have led to a decrease in traditional livelihoods such as agriculture and animal husbandry. This situation has affected the economic structure of the village and created new problems in transferring cultural values to future generations. This research aims to contribute to the efforts to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Pehlivanlı village and to raise awareness for future generations to assimilate these values. It also aims to help other communities in the region to understand the importance of cultural diversity and to keep their traditions and values alive.