Examination of Karagöz and puppet masters in the context of human treasures living within the scope of intangible cultural heritage: The example of Istanbul

Unesco aims to transfer cultural accumulation from generation to generation with the convention "protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage " signed in 2003. For this purpose, it has developed the National System of living human treasures in order to protect the tradition bearers and their knowledge and skills that reveal the object that is cultural heritage. In our study, the suitability of puppet and Karagoz Masters in Istanbul to the criteria of living human treasures was examined. In this field researchbased study, information was compiled from Karagöz and puppet masters using the interview method, and audio and video recordings were taken. 29 interviews were conducted with the master. The ideas of puppet and Karagoz Masters about the beginning of art, the methods of making, displaying and playing their art, SOKÜM and YIH are given. As a result of the study, it was determined that 11 Masters out of 29 masters met all the criteria for living human treasures. Having trained apprentices in the living human treasure system has not been met by many masters, it has been concluded that in order for masters who produce art to transfer their art to future generations, studies should be carried out in the areas of Education/ transfer and sustainability.