Folk dances played in Gümüşhane region and the traditional structure of knee break game

Individuals living in different geographies of the world have developed their own cultural phenomena in their places. As a result of the changes they have undergone over time, these phenomena have turned into various norms, values, entertainment and games. With this transformation, today's folk dances emerged as a result of people starting to express their feelings and thoughts, lifestyles, joys and sorrows through movements, melodies and imitations, which we call games. The traditional folk dance tradition of Anatolia has shown itself in Gümüşhane region, as in many other regions. In the said research, the traditional structure of the folk dances played in Gümüşhane region and the knee-breaking game were examined. Regarding the folk dances, which are considered to be one of the most important parts of traditional folk culture in the region, the folk dances performed in a central district of Gümüşhane and five affiliated districts have been tried to be revealed by various academic publications, field surveys and one-on-one interviews. In the study, within the framework of a holistic understanding, information is given about the historical structure, geographical location and socioeconomic structure of the Gümüşhane region, while descriptive information about the customs, traditions and customs of the region in terms of its cultural development is included. First of all, the historical development of Turkish folk dances, grouping and naming according to regions, and then the folk dances and folklore elements performed in the Gümüşhane region are included. In the last part of the study, the traditional structure of the knee-breaking game, which is widely performed in the region, its effects on the local people, and the folklore elements it contains are analyzed.