The engaged factors in the portability of cultural memory: Example of sazander among Tahtacı Türkmen in Çanakkale

In this study, the roles of sazande (zakirlik) tradition in Tahtacı Turkmen Alevis in Çanakkale province are discussed in cultural memory and verbal transfer. The methodology of the study consists of a field study on sazandes living in different regions within the borders of Çanakkale province. The study, which was formed by using qualitative research methods in the theoretical framework, was reinforced with the literature review on Tahtacı Turkmens. In this context, dynamic communicative processes such as cultural memory, oral transmission of tradition, reading performance through cultural codes and performance theory were evaluated in theoretical context and inferences were made. In accordance with the tradition of sazander, Victor Turner's theories of "liminal" and "communitas" were referred with qualitative transition phase in a religious context. At the same time, theoretical approaches such as "cultural memory" of Jann Assman and the reconstruction of tradition through verbal transmissions are emphasized. In this context, different identity definitions of Tahtacı Turkmen Alevis were discussed in detail and tried to be explained. In addition, the performance of the sazanders based on verbal and musical culture elements, "nefes", as the Tahtacı Turkmen Alevis call it is also included. A few different "nefes" samples were compiled and transferred to the notation according to the types sung in the region. That saz lovers,who are known as "zakirlik" in the Anatolian Alevism, and are also called as sazander or as sazandar in Tahtacı Turkmen, have significant respectability in terms of belief practices is one of the data obtained in the field study. It was observed that the sazander tradition had an important role in the formation of a "collective memory", especially in the ceremonies of the Ayin-i Cem, in the Tahtacı Turkmens, the rituals, the days considered sacred, and the transfer of certain daily practices to other generations.