Analysis of the traditional Horon Dances of Tuzcuoğlu, Hasbal, Sıksara, Fadimem, and Dik in Görele district of Giresun

This thesis aims to comprehensively analyze the traditional Horon dances named after Tuzcuoğlu, Hasbal, Sıksara, Fadimem, and Dik Horon that performed in the Görele district of Giresun province. In the introduction section of the study, the importance of Turkish folk dances as a means of cultural transmission and the strong preservation of the Horon tradition, especially in the Black Sea Region, are emphasized. It is stated that the different types of Horon in the Görele district reflect the rich folkloric heritage of the region, and these dances are not merely a form of entertainment but also a means of communication that brings together the traditions, beliefs, history, and social structure of the people. The main objective of the thesis is to analyze the movement patterns and rhythmic structures of these five Horon dances to reveal their unique characteristic features. In the conceptual framework section of the study, the concepts of "folk" and "dance" are primarily examined in detail. It is stated that folk refers to a community of people living in a specific geographical area, sharing common characteristics, and acting as the conservator of cultural heritage. Dance is defined as an activity where emotions and thoughts are expressed through movements, intended for entertainment, governed by specific rules, and enhancing physical and mental skills. This section further discusses the social, sociological, and cultural functions of Turkish folk dances, emphasizing that they are not just a form of entertainment but also an art form that strengthens social bonds, shapes cultural identity, and keeps historical memory alive. Additionally, general information about Turkish folk dance types such as Zeybek, Halay, Bar, Karşılama, Kaşık Dances, Teke, and Caucasian dances is presented, with a detailed focus on the place and importance of Horon in the Black Sea Region. In the subsequent analysis section, the movement analysis methods used in Turkish folk dances and the basic terms involved in these analyses are explained. Physical terms such as stepping and touching, walking and running, bending and stretching, pushing (throwing & swinging), and pulling movements are defined, along with structural analysis terms like figure, movement, movement cluster, movement phrase, segment, section, and dance. These terms were utilized to analyze the structural characteristics of the dances using a scientific approach. In the final section of the thesis, detailed movement analyses of Tuzcuoğlu, Hasbal, Sıksara, Fadimem, and Dik Horon dances performed in Giresun's Görele district are presented. For each dance, its identification details, video footage, and musical notation are provided, along with detailed analyses based on movement phrases and movement clusters. In the conclusion and recommendations section of the study, it is highlighted that this work fills a gap in the Turkish folk dance literature and facilitates the learning and teaching of these dances. Suggestions for future studies include more comprehensive regional research, multidisciplinary approaches, visual and digital archiving, educational and promotional activities, comparative studies, and research on health/physical effects.