Monography of Acısu village in Tokat Zile

Since this research discussing folk culture and folk life in Acısu village is not a "Alevism" study but a village monograph, it consists of components of folklore that shapes the folk life of Anşabacı People. Folkloric components of Anşabacı People identified in the sample of Acısu village under the study have been sorted out in the light of elements composing the village monograph of Turkish Folklore and are categorized into Folkloric Cuisine, Folkloric Beliefs, Folkloric Architecture, Folkloric Economy, Rites of Passage, Folkloric Medicine, Folklore, and Folkloric Clothing. Each one of the said titles also constitutes an individual part of the study.The term "Anşabacı People" corresponds to the concept of Closed Folkloric Areas as suggested by Tahir Alangu both as a collective name and folklore. Since Anşabaci Villages has a traditional surrounding shaped by strict secrecy and distance around Zile, the resistance they show to prevent any change in their life style has led these villages to be self-enclosed and distant. Acısu village being discussed in our research is the center of the said resistance points. This study is intended to identify such ongoing resistance and transformation areas in terms of folkloric elements of Anşabacı People under the example of Acısu Village. Built with two significant dynamics including strict secrecy and distance to prevent their long-existing folkloric elements from being forgotten and vanishing instead of being transferred to future generations, elements of the folkloric life – folklore maintained in a traditional environment have been compiled, identified and recorded by Acısu Village monograph. It is also important for being the first monograph study discussing folkloric life and folklore of Anşabacı villages.Key words: Anşabacı People, Acısu Village, Village Monograph, Folk Culture, Folklore