Examination of the beliefs of Qashqai Turks in terms of folklore

The Qashqai who are ethnic groups living in and around the southern region of Iran, are among the peoples who are important carriers of Turkish identity and culture. The Qashqais, who lead a nomadic and semi-nomadic life, still have not given up on living like their ancestors, and continue their highland and winter life today. They are considered to be the bearers of the old steppe culture, both in terms of their lifestyle and customs. Although they live in a mixed geography and do not receive education in their own language, Qashqai Turks continue to see themselves as Turks and keep their Turkishness alive. The regions where they live frequently are big cities such as Şiraz, Ardakan, Kazerun, Buşehir, Firuzabad, İsfahan, Şahreza, Semirom etc. This nomadic society, which belongs to the Shiite sect of Islam, has preserved its cultural identities, languages and beliefs until today. Qashqai Turks, who lived in interaction with different religions and cultures in historical periods, maintain their old shamanic beliefs in different ways, together with the Shiite belief. The subject of our study is "Examination of the beliefs of Qashqai Turks in terms of folklore". This study has been handled through the beliefs, customs and traditions of the Qashqai Turks. Beliefs that form the basic structure of traditional culture are the most important determinants of the existence of society. Because Qashqai Turks still keep the old Turkish religion and beliefs alive in every aspect of their lives. Our study is based on data obtained from written and oral sources. Compilation studies using observation and interview techniques were also examined using hermeneutic and functionalist approaches. While researching and examining the belief world of the Qashqais, it is necessary to take into account the beliefs of other Turkish communities and the cults and rituals that emerged in connection with them. Such an approach is necessary for the identification and interpretation of their beliefs, as well as the identification of the cultural world to which the Qashqais belong. With the study, it has been seen that the Qashqai Turks living in Iran are in a struggle to maintain their identity and existence. For the Kaşkays, who live under the same roof with different cultures and beliefs, the protection of national values and language is among the most fundamental problems of the society. It is observed that cultural values weaken among Qashqais who have become urbanized with local and global changes, while these values are preserved in rural areas. Keywords: Culture, Folklore, Iranian Turks, Qashqai Turks, Beliefs