Spells

Spells

The spell can briefly be defined as the belief that nature may be affected by using supernatural powers. The first human communities took their conceptions of supernatural power from nature itself. Man possessed little infornmed knowledge of nature, even as regards the simplest subjects, and considered nature a terrifying power, which people could experience in every field of life. Eventually that power became isolated from the concept of nature itself and took on an entirely different identity. The first human beings believed that protection from this power and all its manifestations was necessary, and began conceiving of these matters as taboos. It was believed that if a person broke a taboo, the only way he could survive was be employing a magical spell. In the first examples of spells, we find ourselves dealing with the concept of using supernatural forces to get rid of other supernatural forces. In this framework of thinking, the parts all add up to a whole, and things done to the whole also affect the component parts. This understanding is the source of the analogical spell. That is why people believe if they cast a spell on an object that belongs to someone else, that person will also be affected by the spell, or they believe that if they pour water on the ground, it will rain. Some people believe that if an effigy is made of the person whose death is desired is made and that effigy is tortured, that will affect the person it represents in exactly the same way. This idea eventually leads to the individual being identified with the symbol. That is why the ancient Turks never referred to the wolf by its proper name, “kurt,” but used other names such as “böcü”, “börü”, “canavar”. Similar to this belief, in some parts of Anatolia people still draw circles around the places they live and accompany this with prayers, in the belief that the circle will act as a wall to protect them from wild animals. There are different kinds of spell, which are generally divided into black and white. While white spells aim to produce beneficial results, black spells are used for evil purposes. In Turkey, spells are generally used to make a man more attached to his family or to moderate his behaviour in some way, to make someone love , to find an object which has been lost, to defeat the enemy, to create better fortune or to create a misunderstanding between two people. For instance, in order to cast a love spell, three peppers are taken, the sura Tebbet of the Koran is read out for the each seed of the peppers, although these are kept separate from one another. After the readings have been made, the seeds are put back inside the peppers and buried in ashes. The person casting the spell hits the right wall of the house and says: I hit my hand on the wall The wall shattered into three Brainy came out from the first And Ismail the fairy from the other I sent Brainy to the cave I sent Ismail fairy to....... (The name of a person whose love is desired) Who comes to me without stopping or resting? Although many spells involve reading extracts from the Koran, magic is actually definitively prohibited in Islam. Spells generally frighten people, no matter whether used good or bad purposes. For this reason there are a number of means by which one can protect oneself from spells cast by someone else. These include performing ritual ablutions with water from a mill, jumping over rivers, or casting a counter-spell.

Spells

Spells

The spell can briefly be defined as the belief that nature may be affected by using supernatural powers. The first human communities took their conceptions of supernatural power from nature itself. Man possessed little infornmed knowledge of nature, even as regards the simplest subjects, and considered nature a terrifying power, which people could experience in every field of life. Eventually that power became isolated from the concept of nature itself and took on an entirely different identity. The first human beings believed that protection from this power and all its manifestations was necessary, and began conceiving of these matters as taboos. It was believed that if a person broke a taboo, the only way he could survive was be employing a magical spell. In the first examples of spells, we find ourselves dealing with the concept of using supernatural forces to get rid of other supernatural forces. In this framework of thinking, the parts all add up to a whole, and things done to the whole also affect the component parts. This understanding is the source of the analogical spell. That is why people believe if they cast a spell on an object that belongs to someone else, that person will also be affected by the spell, or they believe that if they pour water on the ground, it will rain. Some people believe that if an effigy is made of the person whose death is desired is made and that effigy is tortured, that will affect the person it represents in exactly the same way. This idea eventually leads to the individual being identified with the symbol. That is why the ancient Turks never referred to the wolf by its proper name, “kurt,” but used other names such as “böcü”, “börü”, “canavar”. Similar to this belief, in some parts of Anatolia people still draw circles around the places they live and accompany this with prayers, in the belief that the circle will act as a wall to protect them from wild animals. There are different kinds of spell, which are generally divided into black and white. While white spells aim to produce beneficial results, black spells are used for evil purposes. In Turkey, spells are generally used to make a man more attached to his family or to moderate his behaviour in some way, to make someone love , to find an object which has been lost, to defeat the enemy, to create better fortune or to create a misunderstanding between two people. For instance, in order to cast a love spell, three peppers are taken, the sura Tebbet of the Koran is read out for the each seed of the peppers, although these are kept separate from one another. After the readings have been made, the seeds are put back inside the peppers and buried in ashes. The person casting the spell hits the right wall of the house and says: I hit my hand on the wall The wall shattered into three Brainy came out from the first And Ismail the fairy from the other I sent Brainy to the cave I sent Ismail fairy to....... (The name of a person whose love is desired) Who comes to me without stopping or resting? Although many spells involve reading extracts from the Koran, magic is actually definitively prohibited in Islam. Spells generally frighten people, no matter whether used good or bad purposes. For this reason there are a number of means by which one can protect oneself from spells cast by someone else. These include performing ritual ablutions with water from a mill, jumping over rivers, or casting a counter-spell.

Good Luck- Bad Luck

Good Luck- Bad Luck

Certain beliefs among the members of a society sometimes arise out of fear, sometimes from helplessness and sometimes by chance. These are generally referred to as “superstitions.” These beliefs have existed since the earliest days of mankind. Many of them have no scientific basis and are not linked to any particular religious faith. Although they often appear illogical or unreasonable, they are still an integral part of peoples’ hearts, brains and minds. In the emergence of such beliefs, peoples’ psychological make-up, the words of the, often illiterate, elderly as well as those of religious officials have all played a role. These beliefs have even revealed differences between individuals, yet they all have certain aspects in common. Popular Beliefs Related to Spirits, Graveyards, Holy Tombs and Visits:  - Anyone who cuts down trees near visiting places will be paralyzed. - Anyone who takes anything from a holy tomb will be paralyzed. - It is not good to point out the grave. The fingers of anyone who does so will grow weak and thin. - If an animal puts out its tongue when being sacrificed, it is believed that the owner of the animal will die within the year. - If a child constantly cries, it is believed that someone will die in that house. -When a bunch of flowers is placed on a grave, the spirit of that person returns. He knocks his head on the wood when trying to get up and says, “My God, I am dead”. - The flesh and the bones separate 40-52 days after death. People gather in the dead person’s house and pray together for the flesh and the bones to separate easily. - The spirit of the dead person visits his house seven days following death. - If a show turns upside down when being taken off, it is believed that the owner of the shoe will die in the near future. - Seeing dead people in dreams is regarded as an omen for the living. It is believed that a guest will come if a dead person is seen in a dream. - It is not good to put one’s socks near the head end of the bed, it is believed that the owner of those socks will soon pass away. - Bringing a dead body inside a house is considered unlucky. If that happens, it is believed that three people from that house will die. - Painting is considered a sin, it is believed that on doomsday the painter will have to give his spirit to the things he painted. - Angels will fly away from places that house paintings. - Trees in graveyards may not be cut down, it is believed that genies live among such trees. - It is forbidden to sleep in a graveyard. - If someone dies at night, a knife is placed on the body until morning. - In order to make sweet yogurt, bushes from a grave are picked and thrown in the fire over which the milk is heated. - It is considered bad luck to break a mirror. - The lights are not turned off for three days in a house in which a dead body has been washed. - The shoes of people who come to offer their condolences are not turned around. - It is believed that, if the gravedigger is not given a tip the deas will not rest easy. - One may not sit cross-legged when the call to prayer is recited. - It is forbidden to take stones or soil from graveyards. - The howling of a dog is considered a sign of approaching death. - The house is not cleaned, clothes are not washed and water is not taken from outside until the dead person has been buried. - Graveyards are never enlarged, since it is believed that this will increase the number of dead people. - Those who wear dead peoples’ clothes will live a long time. - The shroud may not be cut with knife or scissors. - If a cat jumps over a dead body before it is taken out of the house, it is believed that the body will become a fearsome ghost. - If an animal walks in front of someone who is performing ritual prayers in a house, the prayer is invalidated. - While performing ritual prayers in rural areas, stones or sticks are piled up to prevent animals approaching. - Smoking is not permitted in graveyards. - If someone becomes infested with lice, it is believed that he will die soon. - The neighbors of a dead person pour all the water out of their houses, since it is believed that they will die if they do not. - Beds are repaired starting from the head end. Only the beds of dead people are repaired starting from the foot end. Popular Beliefs Related to Animals:  - A snake in a house, guards it. - If a snake is killed, thrown in water and disappears, it is believed that there will be continuous rain and floods. - When a wolf howls, the weather will be very cold, or there will be snow. - If an owl hoots in front of a house, either a member of the house will or there will be a disaster in that house. - When a cow gives birth, heavy things are not carried into the house, since it is believed that if heavy things are carried in, the cow will not have enough milk. - When a cow gives birth, its first milk is not taken outside the house for fear the cow will lose its all milk. Coal is mixed with the first milk of animal. - It is not good to milk an animal onto the soil, or the animal may fall ill. - If a stranger walks among a herd on its way to the high plateaus, it is believed that the animals will not become pregnant that year. - A black cat passing in front of a person and the hooting of an owl are both considered bad luck. A burning wooden stick has to be thrown at the owl. - If a person comes across a rabbit on his path, he may have bad luck. He should turn around and walk back by the same road he came. - The howling of a jackal is considered bad luck. The man who hears it must spit on the ground; otherwise he may face a disaster. - When a jackal starts to howl, it is a sign of sunny weather. (According to another belief, it is a sign of rain) - If a person steps on a cat by mistake before entering his wedding chamber, he will not succeed in his duties. - If a snake is thrown into the fire alive, it will rain. -If a crow comes near a house and caws, that house will receive news from abroad. - It is good to see scorpions in one’s dreams. - Sleeping in the same room as a cat is considered bad. The cat will steal the person’s soul and shortens his life. - When a crow caws, snow is on the way. - Dogs barking late at night, a cock crowing at an unexpected time and the bellowing of an ox in the night are all considered signs of bad things to come. (Such as an enemy attack, earthquake, catastrophe etc) - If a dog looks at the sky and barks, it is a sign of blood. - It is sin to kill a pigeon, dove, martin or stork. - Lambs are not shown to foreigners unless they buy them. - The flesh of hunted animals is not given to others. If it is given, coins have to be taken in return. - Seeing a snake is considered good luck. - Seeing a partridge is considered bad luck. - When the cock crows, it will rain. - If an owl lands on a house, it is believed that the house will have bad luck. - A chicken crowing like a cock is a sign of bad luck. That chicken must be killed immediately. - Cats never fall on their back because one was touched by Ali. - The bones of a sacrificed animal may not be broken. - The blood and the bones of a sacrificed animal must be buried. Beliefs Related to the Stove and Fire: - Spitting on fire, cursing or throwing water and nails on it will bring bad luck. - If someone gives fire from his stove to somebody else in the morning, it is believed that his own stove will go out. - Genies cannot avoid places where a fire is burning. - Leaving the stove empty will bring bad luck. - If a trivet falls down suddenly for no reason, that house will suffer a catastrophe. - If a trivet is left empty, it is believed that the devil will use it for cooking. - If a trivet is left empty, the water for a dead person will soon be boiled on that trivet. - If water boils on the trivet for no reason, it means one’s enemies are increasing. - Fire is not taken out of the house in the evening. - If there is not enough light in the house, the stove will go out. The grave of the householder will also be dark. - If sick animals jump over the fire, they may recover. - Water is not used to die down the fire, it is covered with soil. - Even if the fire went out long ago, it is not good to sleep near the ashes. People believe that the devil and genies romp in the ashes. - Throwing water or urinating on the ashes are not considered good. - To stop it raining, a trivet with a knife on the middle is put in the garden. - It is a sin to sleep near a stove which has gone out. - One cannot walk on or jump over ashes at night, since it is believed that the devil will comes. - If the fire makes too much noise, it is a sign that there is gossip about the person who lit the fire. Popular Beliefs Related to Agriculture and Plants: - If someone falls from an elm tree, he won’t live long. - Elm wood must not be used for cradles or chests. - The devil will take away anyone who sleeps under a fig tree. - People living under walnut trees are taken away by the devil. - Having sexual intercourse in the fields damages their fertility. - Anyone who eats a single grape or the stem side of a melon will be orphaned. - The olive is regarded as sacred. - Sleeping alone under a large, old tree is not good for the future. - It is not permitted to have sexual intercourse or urinate in a field full of crops. - Walking in fields where crops are being harvested reduces the yield. - Anyone who goes to the fields for harvesting has to take a bath and perform a ritual ablution for good luck first. - Anyone who lies under the shade of a walnut tree becomes unsuccessful and incompetent. It is thought that everything that happens around it is recorded by the walnut tree, and when it is cut down all secrets comes to light from the middle of the tree. - If the clothes of a baby are hung on a wild tree, the baby will become wild, too. - It is a sin to spill the seeds of the pomegranate because the pomegranate is regarded as the fruit of heaven. - When taking milk or yogurt out of the house, coal or a green leaf is put on top, otherwise it is believed that the cow will become paralyzed. - Anyone who sits or lies under a mulberry tree will be paralyzed by a demon. - If dough leaps out of the pot while being kneaded, a visitor will come. - Any house which has many water vessels will see many deaths. - Death rarely comes to a house which is full of wheat. - Anyone who sleeps by the edge of a field will be paralyzed. - Anyone who sleeps under an olive tree will be overcome by sleepiness. - Anyone who sleeps under a fig tree will be overcome by sleepiness. Beliefs Related to Parts of the Body: - When a tooth is extracted, it either has to be buried or hideden in a place that nobody can find. - Joining one’s hands on one’s knees and crossing the fingers of one’s hands are considered signs of bad fortune, so one must try not to do so. - Cracking one’s knuckles is a sign of good health. - When washing one’s hands, one must start with the right hand, otherwise he may have bad luck. - When shaking hands or giving something to someone, the right hand must be used. The left hand is considered a sign of bad luck. - One must not face in the direction of Mecca when putting one’s socks on. - One must start with the right foot when putting on one’s socks. - When someone has an itchy nose, it means people are gossiping about him. - If one’s right hand itches, it is a sign that money is on the way. If the left hand itches, it is believed that money will be spent. - The nails are not cut at night. - Chewing gum is not allowed at night. People think it is not gum but the flesh of a dead body that is being chewed. - It is believed that anyone who has an itch on his feet will go on holiday. - Agate stops bleeding and brings good fortune. - If an infant walks between two people who have not performed a ritual ablution, it is believed that the child will have open sores on his body. - Hearing echoes in the left ear is a sign of prosperity. - Hearing echoes in the right ear is a sign of good health. - A twitch in the eye is considered a bad sign, as people believe that it is the messenger of death. - When someone has echoes in the ear, it is believed that he or she has been remembered by a person living abroad. - Putting one leg over the other when sitting is viewed as sinful. - If a person loses a tooth from the upper side of the jaw, it is believed that he or she will lose one of his parents. - If a person loses his top-right molar, it is believed that he will lose either his older brother or his uncle. - If a person loses his top-left molar, it is believed that he will lose either his brother or his child. - An itch in the hand means money is on the way. - If someone steps on hair that has been cut, the owner of the hair will have a headache. - If birds take the hair away, the owner of the hair will have a headache. Beliefs Related to Celestial Bodies: - People, who bath under the moonlight and in shadow, will shine as bright as the moon. - Water on which the moonlight has been reflected may not br drunk, since it is believed that anyone who drinks that water have bad luck. - Someone dies when a shooting star is seen. - Babies born on the full moon are considered lucky, and it is believed that these babies will have a bright destiny. - Girls born on the full moon are very beautiful with shining skin when they grow up. - Cursing and spitting at the moon are considered unlucky. - Sleeping while sun is going down may shorten one's life span. - Working in the fields during the solstice is not allowed. - Animals sense the coming of a solar eclipse and express it with fear and screaming. - The sun shines on the beautiful. - Fruits that have been seeded during the old moon, bring abundance to the fields. - When the moon is in crescent position, if it points to the earth, the month will be rainy, if they point to the sky, the month will be be dry. - If someone loses his child as the sun goes down, he must not drink water. - Sowing and harvesting activities are not allowed before the new moon. - Trees are not cut down when there is no moon. - Teeth are not extracted on days when there is no moon. - It is not permitteded to go to or come back from the high plateaus or to go to the forest when there is no moon. - Anyone who eats as the sun goes down will have bad luck. - It is believed that all the saints come together when there is a shooting star. Beliefs Related to Birth and Forty Days: - A woman may not go far from her house until 40 days after childbirth. - She may not go out of her house at night. - Koran, amulets, knives and black cumin are placed by the head of a baby for 40 days. - Matches and brooms are placed in the room where a woman who has had a baby within the last 40 days sleeps. - Such a woman is not left alone in the house at night. - After the 40th day, the woman visits her three neighbors first before going any distance away from her house. - Women and their babies are not allowed to see each other for 40 days. - Visitors to women within 40 days of childbirth give coins or money in order to protect baby. - Cats and dogs are not allowed inside the room where there is a baby younger than 40 days; otherwise the skin of the baby turns red. - Menstruating women are not allowed to see a deer in menstruation, as deer give birth once in seven years, it is assumed that the woman, too, will not have a child for seven years. - If a baby younger than 40 days has to be left alone in the house, a knife, onion and garlic are put near him. - People carrying gold or money are not allowed to see such a baby. If they do, gold and money are placed near the baby for a while. - When a woman visits a house within 40 days of giving birth, she pours out water with myrtle leaves before entering the house. - If a bridal procession passes in front of the house of such a woman, it is believed that that bride will not have a baby. - Flour from the mill is not brought to the house of such a woman. - Lambs are not shown to anyone unless aged over 40 days. - A candle is lit at the head end of the bed of a woman who gave birth less than 40 days ago. - Two such women exchange needles in order to bring the period to an end. Popular Beliefs Related to Special Days:  - Sewing, cutting down trees and plants or killing animals are not allowed on Hidirellez day. - A person who lost a relative on arefe (the day before a religious festival) never sews. - Working is not allowed on arefe. - Trees are not cut down on arefe or during festivals. - Closed flour sacks are opened on arefe. - Bringing firewood to the house on arefe is considered bad luck, as the belief is that a snake will come to the house with it. - Soap may not be used on arefe. - On Hidirellez, yogurt can be made with water brought to the house early in the morning. The use of yeast is not necessary. - Anyone who takes bath in the river before the sun rises will be healthy. - A jug of water should be taken inside the house before the sun rises on Hidirellez. This water is supposed to bring good health to the house. - On aşure (pudding made with cereals, sugar and raisins) month (during fasting) young trees are not allowed to be cut down. - Lambs are not counted until hidirellez. Popular Beliefs Related to Stone and Water: - It is unwise to enter a lake at night. It is believed that genies and pixies bathe in lakes at night and may people’s steal souls. - Anyone urinating outside at night will be paralyzed by pixies. - Knives are not put into boiling water. - Spitting on water brings bad luck. - Sleeping near fountains attracts the devil. - Sleeping on a big stone with deep roots is not advised, since it is believed that the devil will come. - Jumping over water in which clothes are washed is ill advised since it is believed that the devil lives in it. Popular Beliefs Related to Darkness and Light  - If an onion is eaten in the evening, angels will not visit the place where it happened. - Looking in the mirror in the evening shortens one’s life. - Peppery things like pepper, onion or garlic are not given out of the house at night. - Milk, yogurt and cheese are not given away at night, if necessary, these are covered or coal and green leaves are put on them. - It ıs a sin to whistle at night. - Salt is not given out of the house at night. - The front door is not cleaned at night. - Bread baskets are not given from one house to another. - If children play knucklebones it is believed that an enemy will come. Popular Beliefs Related to Abundance: - A man who eats the first bread made from the first flour from the mill will lose his wife. - A house wıll suffer a declıne in prosperity if yeast is given to other houses. - The house will suffer a decline in prosperity if someone steps on or drops breadcrumbs. - A piece of bread is taken out of the mouth of anyone going abroad. - Sewing things while people are still wearing them brings bad luck. - Cutting bread with a knife damages the prosperity of the house. - If someone starts eating without calling on God, he will still be hungry after the meal because he has shared his food with the devil. - When knitting socks, one must start from the top, otherwise they will not last long. - If someone breaks his scapula, it is believed that he will have good fortune. Popular Beliefs Related to the House: - It is considered inappropriate to put black stone on the groundwork of the house. - Anyone who sits by the front door will be slandered. - It is not good to sleep near the wall, as the person who does so may end up paralyzed. - The devil visits a dirty house, so that house will be full of discord instead of happiness. - If a member of the household goes abroad, either the house is not cleaned, or else no visitors are received on that day. - People do not visit their neighbors with the rope that helps carry goods, since it is believed that this rope may bring bad luck to the house visited. - People are advised not to sit by their front door, lest they give the impression they are poor. - One should not enter one’s neighbor’s house carrying a rope because this may disturb the prosperity of the house. - One should not sit at the threshold of one’s house, as that is where the devil sits. - It’s a sin to sit at one’s threshold when it is raining. Popular Beliefs Related to Events in the Atmosphere:  - People throw a knife into the garden to stop it hailing. - When a skull is taken out of the grave and boiled in water, it rains. - During the devil’s wedding ceremony (rain in April) anyone standing in the rain will be taken away by genies. - Rain in April is something like holy water, it is lucky. Getting wet in the April rain brings good health. - Biting iron while there’s thunder brings good luck. - Female creatures turns into male and male into female if they walk under a rainbow. - Eating a few haildrops at the first hailstorm of the year is considered good for the health. - A knife is thrown onto the roof of the house when there is thunder. - It is believed that putting a trivet in the garden may stop hail. - A knife is thrust into the ground when lightning flashes in the sky. Popular Beliefs Related to Seasons, Months and Days: - No one is allowed enter a house except for the residents on the first day of March. It is imagined that lambs and fawns will die otherwise. - If the first people seen on the first day of January look well and healthy, the year will be a healthy one, if they do not look well, someone may fall ill during the year. - On Tuesdays, washing clothes is not allowed. It is believed that anyone who wears clean clothes washed on Tuesday will die soon. - Babies born on Tuesdays will become killers. - No wedding ceremonies are held on Tuesdays. - Both throwing dust and working are forbidden on Fridays. - The baby conceived on Friday becomes wise. - Washing clothes is not allowed on Saturdays. - If a baby is born late in Friday night, it will grow rich. - If a person knits on Fridays, she will lose her good luck. - If a person cuts his nails on Friday night, he will fall out of favor. - Anyone who enters a field on 7th August will be paralyzed. - Quilts are not covered with sheets on Saturdays, as it is believed that quilts which are covered on Saturdays are waiting for dead bodies. - Fields are not sowed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. - On Fridays, trees are not cut down until Friday prayers - No sowing is done on Fridays. - Any job started on Monday goes slowly. Popular Beliefs Related to the Sexes:  - If a man turns the lights on in a room, that household will enjoy plenty. - If a woman slows a man down on the road, it is assumed that bad luck will ensue. - If a woman passes through between two men, it is believed that she will never have a baby. - If a man passes through between two women, his words will not be listened to. - If a man passes through between two girls, he will have a very sparse beard. - If a woman drinks half glass of tea, she will lose her husband. - If a woman passes in front of a huntsman on the road, the hunt will not be successful. - If the first hair of a baby girl is cut by her uncle (mother’s brother), her hair will be abundant. - The first hair of a baby boy must be cut by his uncle. - Girls who marry and go to their new houses leave their parents’ houses on Thursday or Sunday. - During the ram mating ceremony, if a girl is put on the ram, it is believed that the lambs born of it will be female, if a boy is put on, the lambs will be male. Popular Beliefs Related to Roads and Travelling:  - Anyone who spits while taking a trip will meet with a catastrophe. - Turning and looking back on the road is considered unlucky. - It is unlucky to sleep where three roads meet. - If someone drops a spoon from his or her hand, it is believed that a visitor may come. - If someone drops food in his house, it is believed that a hungry visitor will come. - If a man goes hunting, his wife throws a broom after him. - A man going hunting is never asked where he is going. If anyone does ask him, he has to give up the hunting trip. - If one shoe ends up standing on the other, it is believed that the owner of the shoes will take a vacation. - Sleeping near the roads is not approved. Such people are told “You will fly with the wind” (meaning, you will be paralyzed by the devil). - In order not to damage the prospects of the hunt, people do not talk with huntsmen while they are getting ready. - Before going to hunting, a rifle is put on the ground. A boy or a girl who is at least three or four years old jumps over it. Popular Beliefs Related to Belongings:  - If a shoe turns upside down, it is believed that bad health will result. - Soap is not passed to somebody else by hand, since it is believed that these two people will end up arguing. The back of the hand is used when passing the soap. - After eating, the spoon is left with the bowl facing upwards. Any other position results in bad luck. - If anyone drinks water out of a lid he will have bad fortune.

Ceremonies - Celebrations

Ceremonies - Celebrations There are some small ceremonies realized by people during plowing, seeding, harvesting and collecting. But only a few of them can be accepted as festival. However, in places focusing on vineyard and gardening business or in places working on high plateau business, we observe that some festivals are celebrated. We can give cherry festival in the Kemalpasa district of Izmir, nut festival of Giresun or apricot festival of Mut as examples to this kind of festivals. These ceremonies have turned into festivals as a result of efforts aiming to survive old festivals with new purposes and in order to live in harmony with the changing conditions. Various ceremonies held in southeast Anatolia can be included in this group of festivals. The “pancarci şenlikleri” (festivals of beet workers) in villages in the Savsat district of Artvin, the “seyran senlik” held in the villages of Pasaf, and the “at gocu” (migration of horses) which last three days in the villages of Giresun are the best examples. The common characteristics of these ceremonies is that they are all held a few months after some of the vıllagers have migrated to the high plateaus. They are held at a time when all the work in the villages is finished, and when they have time to join the people on the high plateaus for a few days before coming down back to the villages for harvesting. In Erzurum, although the ceremony is held again on a day at the end of June or in the beginning of July before harvesting, moving the to high plateaus is not necessary. People go to picnic areas or thermal springs. These are all celebrated as festivals with drums, zurna or other musical instruments, with dances, plays, various games and contests such as race or javelin throwing, with meals eaten communally. The southern Yuruks (a nomadic shepherd people of Anatolia) also stage ceremonies resembling festivals while leaving their winter places and moving to the high plateaus: these include visits to holy people’s graves, communal feasting, shooting competitions, wrestling and music.

Festivals

Festivals

In order to keep the rich Anatolian culture in Turkey alive and thriving, in every province, district and even in some villages there are various traditional festivals and gatherings. At the same time, some national and international festivals are held in order to support this purpose. Festivals which represent traditional Turkish culture not only aim to increase the spirit of unity in society, but also to present the cultural wealth of the places where these ceremonies are held. Some festivals aim to present a product and which have a strong economic element (the Apricot Festival in Malatya, Carpet Festival in Eşme, Cherry Festival in Aksu etc), and others aim to present culture alone are more widely held in Anatolia (the International Culture and Art Activities in the memory of Hacı Bektaş Veli, Abdal Musa gatherings, Galley Ceremonies etc). Another important contribution of these festivals, which eventually become traditions after long years of contribution to social life is that they create an appropriate atmosphere for people to come together and have fun. For example, the “Savşat sahra Pancarı Şenliği” which is held in the Black Sea region during 16-18th July is one of the most prestigious gatherings around, with particular contributions from women. Games are among the most important events on festival days. People who work all year long in order to enhance production also contribute  to the region’s economic development at these festivals. The main purpose of such festivals is to ensure the highest quality for the product involved, and all contests are arranged with this end in mind. Although gatherings are also arranged to present culture, not to promote a specific product, these have gradually moved away from their obstensible purpose and have become a part of cultural tourism. The common feature of festivals and celebrations is they both enhance cooperative efforts in society, and create a unity of ideas or of actions. The names, dates and locations of various festivals and ceremonies held in Turkey are given below: Name: Amasya Ataturk Culture and Art Ceremony Place: Amasya Date: 12-19th June Name: Golden Orange Festival  Place: Antalya  Date: 13th October Name: Aluçdağ Festival Place: Camlidere Date: 6th July Name: Alanya Tourism Ceremony Place: Alanya Date: 4-9th June Name: Golden Nut Ceremonies  Place: Ordu Date: 19-22nd September Name: Aksu Culture and Art Ceremonies Place: Giresun Date: 20-3rd May Name: Akşehir Hodja Nasrettin Hoca Ceremonies Place: Akşehir Date: 5-10th July Name: Ahi Evran Art and Folk Festival Place: Kırşehir Date: 5-8th September Name: 1st St. Nicholas Festival Place: Kaş- Demre Date: 24th December Name: Decorated Earthenware Festival Place: Kütahya Date: 12-15th July Name: Çanakkale Wooden Horse Children’s Festival Place: Çanakkale Date: June Name: Ertuğrul Gazi Festival Place: Söğüt Date: First Week of September Name: Eğirdir Golden Apple, Silver and Bronze Place: Isparta - Eğirdir Date: 2-7th September Name: Lobster Ceremonies Place: Date: Name: Pine Nut Festival Place: Gaziantep Date: 25th December Name: Foça Music and Folk Dance Festival Place: İzmir Date: 20-23rd August Name: Traditional Mesir Ceremonies Place: Manisa Date: 20-23th June Name: Rug and Rose Festival Place: Isparta Date: 1-7th June Name: Hacı Bektaş Veli Ceremonies Place: Hacibektaş Date: 13-18th July Name: Annexation of Hatay to the Motherland Place: Hatay Date: 5-7th July Name: Galley Ceremonies Place: Trabzon Date: Name: Kavgasor Ceremonies Place: Artvin Date: Name: Apricot Festival Place: 20-22nd July  Date: Name: Melon Festival  Place: Diyarbakir  Date: 22-24th September Name: Kırkpınar Wrestling  Place: Edirne  Date: Second Week of June Name: Karacaoğlan Festival  Place: Muş  Date: 10-12nd June Name: Pamukkale Festival  Place: Denizli  Date: 3-5th June Name: Selçuk Efes Culture and Art Festival  Place: İzmir  Date: 1-8th May Name: Seyit Battal Gazi Ceremonies  Place: Eskişehir  Date: 12-17th May Name: Tourism and Art Ceremonies  Place: Marmaris  Date: 9-17th June Name: International Silifke Music and Folk Dance Festival Place: Mersin  Date: 15th September – 5th October Name: International Marmara Music and Folk Dance Festival  Place: İstanbul  Date: 2-7th June Name: 3rd Hittite Festival  Place: Çorum – Sungurlu, Alacahöyük - Boğazkale  Date: 18-25th September Name: Van Tourism and Culture Festival  Place: Van  Date: 16-20th July Names: Yunus Emre Ceremonies  Place: Eskişehir  Date: 6-9th May Name: Abdal Musa Memorial Ceremonies  Place: Antalya  Date: 9-10th June

National Festivals

National Festivals

The only traditional element in the official ceremonies of these festivals (the 30th August Victory Festival, the Rebublic Festival, the Liberation Festival and so on) which are enthusiastically celebrated in cities and towns is the participation of seymens (heroes and dancers from central Anatolia) and zeybeks (the swashbuckling hero of southwestern Anatolian villages) in the celebrations with their special costumes. After the official ceremonies are over, however, in some places workers and artisans gather in the city or municipality hall and organize special entertainments until the late hours of the night, and these entertainments lend a special significance to the festivals. Drums and zurnas are played in these celebrations. Small towns in Anatolia have their own folk dances, but in big cities like Istanbul or Ankara these ceremonies turn into a festival of folk dancing. In many places on national holidays, wrestling matches or races are held after the official ceremonies. In recent years, political parties have organized many entertainments with music on national holidays in order to increase the excitement while competing with other parties. Thus, festival traditions are also subject to a process of change.

Animal Husbandry and Shepherding Festivals

Animal Husbandry and Shepherding Festivals

Some Examples of Animal Husbandry and Shepherding Festivals: RAM MATING CEREMONIES  In Anatolia, ram mating ceremonies take place between 1st –20th October. One or two months beforehand, rams are removed from the herds. The first day of the ram increase ceremonies is celebrated as a festival almost in everywhere. Village residents gather in the village square with their drums and zurna (a reed instrument somewhat resembling an oboe). Shepherds allow the rams, which are dressed up and decorated with henna, to join the females. In some places, imams read out prayers at the same time. Ram mating has an exclusive importance, with its own customs, beliefs and magical practices. It is believed that if a boy sit on a ram before it joins the ewes then the first lamb to be born will be male, and if a girl is placed on the ram then the first lamb will be female. If the shepherd encounters a man on his way to the ceremony, it is believed that the lambs that are born will be male, whereas if he encounters a woman from the village, the lambs will be female. It is also believed that if the ram mates with a black ewe, the winter will be warm, whereas if he chooses a white one, the winter will be harsh, although in some places the belief is the exact opposite. After the rams have mated with the ewes, the shepherd has to perform his ritual ablutions. If he enters the herd without doing so, it is believed that all the herd’s lambs will born disabled. If the shepherd rejoins the herd with an empty pot in his hand, it is believed that the sheep will have insufficient milk. THE SAYA FESTIVAL  The festival known as saya, the face of the sheep or goat, is celebrated 100 days after the ram mating festival. The gestation period in sheep lasts 150 days. It is believed that the foetus comes alive and its hair begins to grow longer inside its mother on the 100th day. That is why the day is known as the face of the sheep. The Saya festival is celebrated with even more excitement than the ram mating festival. Three kinds of activity go on during the night: 1- Shepherds, children and young people wear unusual clothes and visit each others house in turn. They engage in repartee known as the “words of sayaci” and collect cash and food. 2- In some places, people play games in front of the houses. In one of these, an old person and a dark-skinned resident of the village pretend to fight, and the older resident feigns death. He is then restored to life by putting food on his mouth. 3- After visiting houses, a meal is prepared with the collected food, and the sayaci eat this meal communally. They enjoy themselves until the morning, playing musical instruments and singing songs. LAMBING CEREMONIES  These are celebrated 50 days after the saya, when sheep begin to give birth, and are the last part of the shepherd festivals which last five months. In Anatolia, the birth of new lambs is celebrated with various traditional ceremonies, although it would not be correct to regard that occasion as a festival. According to information from Malatya, Kars, Erzincan and their surroundings, shepherds visit flock owners’ houses and collect gifts from them when their sheep give birth. The shepherd is given tips when he takes the first lamb from the mountain to the village. In some places, when lambing time approaches, the shepherd takes the flock to green areas near the village. When the lambs are born, he sends a messenger to the village to inform the owners. These then send small gifts and appetizers called “dolcek” to the shepherd with the messanger. After all the lambs are born and the amount of “dolcek” has gone up, the shepherd comes to the village and shares his appetizers with the children there. There are some beliefs and prohibitions related to lambing time. On that day, people do not give salt or fire to their neighbours. It is believed that animals will suffer harm if salt, fire, yeast or wool combs are given to neighbours.

Nevruz

Nevruz

The word Nevruz is of Persian origin and is a combination of the words “nev” (new) and “ruz” (day), meaning new day. According to the old Persian calendar, it is the first day of the year and regarded as the start of spring, when the sun enters the house of Aries. The sun gives more light and heat to the southern hemisphere until March 21, after which this applies to the northern hemisphere instead. That is why March 21 is a day to celebrate for people living in the northern hemisphere as the symbol of awakening and creation. According to Persian mythology, God created the world, man and the sun on this day. Kiyumers, the legendary Persian ruler, declared this day to be a festival when he ascends the throne. Jemshid, the symbol of magnificence in Persia, also ascended the throne on this day. In addition, Jem, the seventh grandson of the Prophet Adam, came to Azerbaijan on March 21 and declared it to be a day of celebration. Nevruz, which goes by various names such as Nevruz-i Sultan, Sultan Nevruz, Navrız and Mart dokuzu in Anatolia, is celebrated differently in different regions. It is also a ceremony for abundance in regions where people generally work in agriculture. It also has a faith-related significance in Alawite-Bektashi communities. In Alawite-Bektashi communities, Nevruz is the birthday of Ali, and also the day of Ali and Fatma got married. In addition, it is the day the Prophet Mohammad designated Ali as his caliph after his return from the Farewell Hadj. On the morning of this day, people drink milk after the guide has read prayers. They read poems called Nevruziye, nefes (a poem read by dervishes) and Mevlit (a religious poem and prayer chanted either in memory of a dead person or to mark a special religious occasion) in memory of Ali. They visit graves with pastries that have been prepared earlier and eat these there. Ottoman sultans paid special attention to Nevruz Day. Poems in the form of the “gazel” and “kasida”, called “Nevruziye”, were presented to them on that day. In these kasidas, the main theme was trees, which put forth leaves, opening flowers, the warming of the weather and similar. It was then related for Adam was created on Nevruz Day, Noah’s Ark reached land and Ali was born and became a caliph. It was said that all creatures prostrated themselves to God on Nevruz night, and that wishes came true. Again on Nevruz Day, the chief astrologer used to present the new calendar to the sultan and receive alms. This tip was called “nevruziye baksheesh”. Pastes called nevruziye, prepared with various spices by the chief physicians of the palace, were offered to the family of the sultan and other dignitaries. The pastes prepared for this day were presented in bowls with porcelain lids, and a note stating at which the hours of the day they should be consumed was also attached. The origin of the Nevruziye paste has been traced back to the Persians by some researchers. In the time of Persians, physicians and pharmacists would gather together to prepare this special mixture. It was believed that those who ate it would be protected against all illnesses throughout the whole year. In time, this custom changed and Nevruziye became the name of a special sweet eaten on Nevruz days. Recently, as an extension of this custom, “mesir” pastes are distributed to people in Manisa on March 21. Not only Nevruz Day, but also Nevruz Night has a heavenly significance for the people of Eastern Anatolia. It is believed that all creatures and things prostrate themselves before God on this night. That day, every individual’s fortune and future for the next year is set out. People prepare for the new year by wearing new and beautiful clothes. Meals are cooked in the home, and mutual visits take place. Another custom seen in some regions of Anatolia in March is “Black Wednesday.” Various ceremonies are performed at this time, and meals prepared and eaten communally on this day, the first Wednesday in March. The young make wishes and listen at their neighbors’ doors. Another of the traditions related to Nevruz is “March thread”. Pieces of cloth are tied to trees to protect them from the sun as the weather begins to warm up from March 21. The custom called “Mart bozumu” (breaking March) in Giresun is another of the significant traditions related to Nevruz. At this time, water from a stream is fetched and sprinkled through the local houses. A guest who brings good luck is expected to visit and say “I am breaking your March”. In the Central Anatolian region, Nevruz is called “Mart dokuzu” (nine of March). On March 21, people get up early, pay visits to graves and make wishes. The person who intends to make a wish collects forty stones from the graves and puts them into a sack. He then hangs the sack on the wall of his home, and meanwhile, makes a wish. One year later, he looks inside the sack. If the number of stones has risen to 41, he believes that his wish will come true. On the next nine of March, the stones are put back where they were taken from. On Nevruz Day, people lay their tables with an assortment of foodstuffs, play games, hold festivities, eat painted eggs and prepare large fires. Nevruz, which every society celebrates in forms peculiar to itself, still exists with traditional celebrations in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tatarstan, the Uygur region, Anatolia and the Balkans.

Hidrellez Traditions

Hidrellez Traditions

Hıdrellez, is one of the seasonal festivals of all Turkish world. Hıdrellez Day, which is known as Ruz-ı Hızır (day of Hızır), is celebrated as the day on which Prophets Hızır and Ilyas met with each other on the earth. The words Hızır and İlyas have since fused together pronounced as Hıdrellez. Hıdrellez Day falls on May 6 in the Gregorian calendar and April 23 in the Julian calendar, also known as the “Rumi” calendar. In the folk calendar used by the people, the year used to be divided into two: The period between May 6 and November 8 was summer, called the “Days of Hızır”, and the period between November 8 and May 6 was winter, called the “Days of Kasım”. May 6 thus represents the end of winter and the start of the warm days of summer, a cause for celebration. There are various theories about the origin of Hızır and Hıdrellez. Some of these suggest that Hıdrellez belongs to Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, and others that they belong to pre-Islamic Central Asian Turkish culture and beliefs. However, it is impossible to ascribe the Hıdrellez festival and beliefs surrounding Hızır to a single culture. Various ceremonies and rituals have been performed for various gods with the arrival of spring or summer in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Iran, Greece and in fact all eastern Mediterranean countries since ancient times. One widespread belief suggests that Hızır is a prophet who has attained immortality by drinking the water of life (ab-ı hayat), and who has reached God, and wanders around among people from time to time, especially in the spring, and helps people in difficulty and distributes plenty and health. The identity of Hızır, the place and the time he lives are not certain. Hızır is the symbol of spring, and the new life which emerges with it. In Turkey, where belief in Hızır is widespread, the characteristics attributed to him are as follows: 1. Hızır rushes to the aid of people, whose in difficulty and grants peoples’ wishes. 2. He always helps well-meaning, benevolent people. 3. He brings plenty and wealth wherever he stops. 4. He brings remedies to those who are troubled and health to the sick. 5. He helps plants to grow, animals to reproduce, and human beings to grow strong 6. He helps improve peoples’ fortune. 7. He is the symbol of good omens and good fortune. 8. He has the God-given power of working miracles. With these characteristics attributed to him, Hızır brings to mind the gods, who are ascribed superior powers in mythology. Hıdrellez Festival is celebrated on May 6 in Turkey. This date is regarded as the first day of spring, when nature stirs again, by Christians as well. The Orthodox celebrate this date as Hagia Georgi, and Catholics as St. George’s Day. Hdırellez, one of Turkey’s seasonal festivals, is actively celebrated in the country. People prepare beforehand for Hıdrellez celebrations in villages and small towns, although rather less now in the big cities. These preparations concern house-cleaning, clean clothing, and food and drink. Before Hıdrellez Day, houses are cleaned from top to bottom, since people think that Hızır will not visit houses that are not clean. New cloths and shoes are purchased to wear on Hıdrellez Day. Giving alms, fasting and offering animals as a sacrifice are traditions in some parts of Anatolia to make prayers and wishes come true. Sacrifices and votive offerings should be for “the sake of Hızır”. Hıdrellez celebrations are always performed in green, wooded places, near sources of water, or near a tomb or shrine. Eating fresh spring plants, lamb’s meat or lamb’s liver is another custom in Hıdrellez. It is believed that eating the first lamb of spring will bring health and cure the sick. It is also believed that picking flowers or plants in the countryside, boiling them and drinking the water will cure all illnesses, and that the water thus obtained rejuvenates and beautifies anyone who washes with it for forty days. Various practices are performed on Hıdrellez night in the belief that Hızır will bring blessing and abundance to the places he visits and the things he touches. Food bowls, pantries and purses are left open. Those who want a house, vineyard or garden believe that Hızır will help them obtain such things if they make a small model of what they want. Ceremonies to improve peoples’ luck are also widespread at this time. This ceremony is called “baht açma” in Istanbul and its surroundings, “bahtiyar” in Denizli and surroundings, “mantıfar” by the Yörüks and Turkmens, “dağlara yüzük atma” in Balıkesir and the neighboring area, “niyet çıkarma” in Edirne and its vicinity and “mani çekme” in Erzurum and the surrounding area. People test their luck in these ceremonies, in the belief that peoples’ fortunes will also take a turn for the better with the awakening of nature and all living creatures in the spring. The night before Hıdrellez, young girls who want to test their fortune and improve their luck gather in a green place or near water. They place some of their belongings, such as a ring, earring or bracelet in an earthenware jar and close the jar with fine muslin. They then they put the jar at the bottom of a rose tree. Early in the morning, they approach the jar and drink coffee with milk and pray for their peace and tranquility not to be spoiled. They then open the fortune jar. As they remove the objects from the jar, they recite verses or quatrains, and comments are made regarding the owner of the object that is taken out. This practice, peculiar to Hıdrellez, may differ slightly in procedure in different regions of the country. Recently, this ceremony has tended to be performed only to bring a change in fortune for spinsters. Finally, Hıdrellez Festival, that is still celebrated with grand ceremonies in Anatolia, has been celebrated since ancient times. Although it is celebrated under different names and in different times, it is possible to see the motifs of Hıdrellez in many places. The arrival of spring and awakening of nature have been perceived man as a phenomenon to be celebrated. Thus, Hıdrellez, a spring festival, has gained a universal character.

Seasonal Festivals

Seasonal Festivals

The times of seasonal festival celebrations may differ in accordance with the prevailiong conditions in nature, the climate and the environment. For example, the rise in the numbers of rams is celebrated at the beginning of autumn in regions where winter is short and spring comes early, and celebrated in the end of autumn in regions where spring comes late. On the other hand, festivals such as hidirellez and Nevruz are celebrated at the same time in all regions. Some festival dates are connected to domestic production conditions, and the dates of some others are decided by calendar tradition. These seasonal festivals are: Spring Festivals  - Spring festivals; Nevruz, crocus, betnem (red egg), hidirellez. - Summer, solstice - Half of Winter, New Year Special Seasonal Festivals  - Chain of Shepherd Festivals; multiplication of the ram or sheep, seedling - Festivals of corp grower, fruit grower and grape grower - Migration festivals

Religious Festivals

Religious Festivals

The main reason why religious festivals are not celebrated on the same days every year is because they are calculated according to the lunar calendar called “kameri takvim”. Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice are celebrated ten days earlier each year than the year before, so religious festivals may come to be celebrated in every season. According to the Kameri calendar, Ramadan is celebrated on the first three days of the month Sevval, and the Feast of the Sacrifice is celebrated in four days following the tenth day of the month Zilhicce. These festivals continue to exist in popular tradition, although their effects are not what they once were. The main characteristics of Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice are that people, neighbours, relatives and friends pay visits and go to see each other. Young people kiss their parents’ hands and receive best wishes and blessings from them. It is a tradition to give money or little gifts to those childreen who kiss one’s hands. Candies are served to visitors during Ramadan. That is why Ramadan is also called the “Sugar Festival”. During the Feast of the Sacrifice, not only candies but also the meat of sacrificial animal are served to guests. According to Biruni of Harezm who lived in 10th century, the reason why people serve candies during these festivals is that Cem had discovered the sweet juice inside sugar cane on a Nevruz day. In the beginning, sweet foods were only served on Nevruz, but this gradually became a general tradition which spread to all other festivals and festival days. The Feast of the Sacrifice is celebrated with less excitement than Ramadan in Turkey. This festival takes place in Islam as a memory of the story in which a ram fell from the sky just at the moment when the Prophet Abraham was about to sacrifice his son to God. The period between the month Sevval, in which Ramadan is celebrated, and the month Zilhicce, in which the Feast of the Sacrifice takes place lasts exactly one month and is called Aralik (meaning interval). Marrying between these two festivals is considered to be unlucky. On the first day of the Feast of the Sacrifice, hadjis sacrifice rams in Mina in Mecca. If a Muslum has the money, sacrificing is a religious obligation. Rams, camels or cattle may be sacrificed. The sacrificial animal must be healthy and if it is female, it must not be pregnant. A number of traditions surround animal sacrificing. Some of these come from Islamic rules, while others vary from region to region and nation to nation. For example, in some regions of Turkey rams are washed, painted with henna and are dressed up with bridal ribbons. This tradition of painting rams with henna is also a very old tradition among the Jewish comunity. Dressing the animal up with different ribbons is a tradition commonly seen in some parts of Central Asia. One-third of the meat from the sacrificed animals is left in the house. The other parts are given to relatives, neighbors and the poor. Both during Ramadan and the Feast of the Sacrifice people come together, celebrate and entertain each other. In cities and villages, children and young people in particular meet each other at festival places and have fun. Festival areas resemble fairs in these days. The Ramadan festival comes after one month of fasting. There are also many traditions regarding the fasting month, which is known as Ramadan Month. In former times in particular, and in summer when nights are shorter, people who fasted did not sleep after dinner but waited until sahur (a meal taken just before dawn during Ramadan). In this period, people orgainised many different forms of entertainments. Karagöz and ortaoyun were examples of Ramadan shows. In rural areas, people gathered in houses and in coffee houses where wandering minstrels used to play instruments and sing. Added to these wandering minstrel songs, folk stories that could last up to a few days were recounted.

Folk Economy

Folk Economy

Folk economy is one of the main components of popular culture, and also plays a major role in cultural structure. In rural parts of Anatolia, economic life mostly depends on agriculture and livestock raising. The term of folk economy refers to the all various ways in which people try to make a living. Altough popularly regarded as a single factor, in fact, it covers the whole of social life, including even folk architecture or beliefs, and directly shapes social structure. Beekeeping, activities in mountain pastures, migration, hunting and handicrafts are supplementary parts of the folk economy. The folk economy also influences popular beliefs, as in the examples below: - Seed sowing must be carried out in April. Approximately one month before sowing, the different seeds are taken from the house and placed in the garden. (In order for the crop to be plentiful) - People do not give seeds to their neighbours before they sow their own gardens. (It is believed that this will protect the prosperity of the household) - The seeds of sweet-tasting foods are put in the garden first, and hot and bitter-tasting food seeds are put in after. (in order to make the year sweet and peaceful) - Woman do not sow seeds or plant young trees if they are menstruating. (In order for the crop to be plentiful) - Ribbons of different colors are tied to cows’ tails. (In order to masintain the cow’s milk output) - Old people go outside their houses when it is hailing, shake to the noise of the thunder and shout: “Let my churn be speedy” - During, and three days before religious festivals, people do not cut branches off trees, since they believe that the branches are performing their ritual prayers. - People let their oxen enter the house on New Year’s Eve. If the ox enters the house with its right hoof first, it is believed that whole year will be plentiful. - On New Year’s Eve, women throw beans at the walls. (In order to live in prosperity) - People come together and pray for rain. If there is too much rain, however, then they pray together for it to stop. - Anyone who draws water from a fountain on New Year’s morning is believed to become rich. -A few days before the New Year, mills are prepared and all flour pots are filled. It is believed that if the pots are full on New Year’s Day they will remain full for the rest of the year.

Folk Calendar And Meteorology

Folk Calendar And Meteorology

We may define the Folk Calendar as a systematic arrangement of time and life, assuming the task of remembering religious, historical, traditional, educational, religious, legal, agricultural, political and economic ties established by relationships based on long-term experiences between natural events, social institutions and events inherited by the people of a particular region; in essence as a cultural inheritance. Apart from the popularly used calendars, folk calendars, also known as local calendars, give different names to the parts and divisions of the year, and sometimes ascribe positive or negative features to them and to various natural events. According to widespread belief, not complying with the folk calendar and ignoring its stipulations leads to significant losses, since the folk calendars are products of the natural and cultural environment in which they form. In local calendars, while some divisions of times are explained by natural events which happen on a regular, cyclical basis, these divisions may also be accounted for by social events within a community, such as religious ceremonies, relationships with other communities that affect that society, a novelty introduced to the society, a change in forms of production, the death of an esteemed person etc. We can define the majority of principal factors that go to make up folk calendars as type of production, and related elements and institutions of the social structure; the economic occupations concerned, practices accumulated around emphasized elements of production in the society, related occurrences and the belief system. In principle, it is observed that the economic structure of the society and the occupations in it, which determine its economy, appear most influential in the formation of folk calendars. In Turkey, where the great majority of the population is Muslim, people use two different calendars today: 1. The “kameri calendar” that divides the year into 12 parts in the light of the changing phases of the moon every 29/30 days. This calendar regards the year as consisting of 354/355 days. 2. The “semsi calendar”, the solar calendar which is generally used all over the world and which is based on the movement of the earth around the sun that lasts 365/366 days. People use both these two calendars when referring to special traditional days. They use the lunar calendar for religious festivals, and the solar calendar, which indicates the seasons, for other rites and activities. We can observe differences due to various causes in the naming and division of the months. In some regions, February is called “Gücük (küçük)” (small) because it is shorter than the other months. Planting, livestock raising and fruit growing also lend their names to various months in popular calendars, such as Koç Ayi (the month of the ram), Orakayi (the month of the scythe) or Kiraz ayi (the month of the cherry). The year is divided into two parts, Kasim and Hidrellez, in most folk calendars. Kasim begins with the month of November as per official calendar and lasts until May 6. This period is the winter. Hidrellez begins on May 6 and ends in November, representing the summer. The winter period is divided into three main parts, each of which has 45 days: Kasım, Zemheri, and Hamsin. The first 135 days of the winter period, that is regarded as consisting of 180 days, are called “numbered” or “counted”. This is the period when the winter is harshest. There is another 45-day period, which completes the winter, starts on March 21 and ends on May 6. This period is called “dokuzun dokuzu” (nine of nine), “april beşi” (fifth of april), “leylek kışı”, (winter of the stork), or “oğlak kışı” (winter of the baby-goat), etc. This calendar is of vital importance for those sections of society dealing with agriculture and livestock raising. They need to know the “counted” days to protect their animals and plants from severe cold. Low levels of technology leads some societies to use experiences and observations going back to hundreds of years in order to predict atmospheric events, and a high success rate can attract considerable attention. In traditional communities, in which the most important element affecting life is nature, information regarding weather forecasting assume an important place within the cultural whole. Determining weather conditions before setting out to fish or on migration becomes a precondition for the proper fulfillment of the activity. In societies dealing with agriculture, information related to the phases of the moon is of great importance. For example, if the moon is in crescent form and its open end is pointing up, this is interpreted to mean that it will soon rain. The time for sowing seeds in the field is also determined by looking at the phases of moon. The first phase of the new moon is called “ayın aydını” (moon bright), and the form it takes after a while is called “ayın garangısı” (half moon). People avoid sowing in the first days of the new moon and wait for a while. Observing the activities of human beings, animals and plants is effective in weather forecasting, which is of vital importance for people in rural areas. For instance, if poplar trees start to shed their leaves from the top, this means it will be a harsh winter. In the same way, if pine trees a great many cones, it means the winter will be long and difficult. Animal behavior also gives clues about the weather. Rain is to be expected if sheep lie down facing the qibla (the point toward which Muslims turn to pray, esp. the Ka‘ba, or House of God, in Mecca). Since lack of rain in the rainy season caries with it serious consequences, people tend to think that they should do something about it. Ceremonies held to encourage rain are among the elements of Turkey’s rich folk culture heritage. These come under two main aspects: a. “Rain prayers” which adults attend, b. Game-like ceremonies in which children also participate. The rain prayers in which grown-up people attend are usually performed in open air where there is a grave or shrine and it is led by an imam. The imam prays and the people attending the ceremony joins the prayers; and then an animal is offered as a sacrifice; and then a meal is given to the attendees. A specific number of stones are collected and people pray over these stones. Then, the stones are thrown into water. If it rains sufficiently, these stones are taken out of water. In the rain prayers which children attend, the youngsters usually gather together and visit all the houses in the vicinity, collecting cooking oil, flour, sugar, etc. Food is then prepared with what they have collected. Meanwhile, they also play and arrange festivities among themselves.

Folk Medicine

Folk Medicine

Folk or traditional medicine originated from primitive man’s reactions or attitudes to natural events. Magic and witchcraft played an important role here. In these societies, where witchcraft and religious beliefs were of great importance, disease and health were explained by external factors penetrating and harming the body. People’s efforts to find solutions to these diseases set up the basis of folk medicine. Consequently, in traditional societies opinions on disease and health were born as a part of folk culture. For this reason, practices related to this issue are the realm of anthropology, ethnology and sociology, while technical analysis falls under the disciplines of medicine and pharmacology. Folk medicine is different rather then to modern medicine. Traditional medicine lives among the people as a part of their culture. In traditional societies, any information about a disease is shared by others. This information is passed through the generations. People learn popular medicine in the same way and they learn other cultural components. Popular medicine perfectly harmonizes with cultural components. In most cases, the patient either recovers or dies. If he gets well, it is believed that the method of treatment used was a valid one, and this method becomes permanent. However, the death of the patient does not mean that the method of treatment method was unsuitable, only that the patient was beyond its scope. The main difference between modern medicine and traditional medicine is the causes of disease. While modern medicine tries to explain the causes of disease by germ theory, traditional medicine, which also accepts the existence of germs, explains disease by magical and supernatural events. The traditional medicine still present today is the sum of diagnosis and treatment which people have recourse to in underdeveloped or developing countries where modern medical facilities do not exist or because of their religious beliefs. The main reason for traditional medicine's acceptability can be explained by the fact that beliefs change very slowly. In Turkey, especially in conservative communities, we still can see examples of traditional medicine, although fewer than formerly. People who have methods of treatment of their own are known as ''old women'' in Turkey, and are in fact traditional physicians. Their medicines (known as old woman's medicine) sometimes have a positive efffect on disease and sometimes don't. These experienced people learn treatment methods from their parents, and try to cure diseases by using their own drugs based on animal, vegetable and mineral products. Most of them apply treatment in their own homes, while others treat patients in laces which can be considered ''folk hospitals.'' Folk physicians use plants for their drugs. These medicinal plants and herbs are commonly used in Turkey. Some of these are very popular among people and are often used in homes, while others can only be recognized and used by folk physicians. There has been considerable research into these medicianal plants and drugs, and large numbers of publications about them issued by faculties of pharmacology. Forms and lengths of treatment in folk and modern medicine are sometimes quite similar. For example asprin used as a painkiller appeared as a development of quinine and cocaine, which had been used by folk medicine for a long time. In the same way, research has proved that some herbs used in folk medicine were really effective in curing disease. In general, we can say that modern and folk medicine interact with each other. While focusing on the causes of disease, modern medicine benefits from folk medicine in order to improve the range of treatments available. Also, folk medicine uses every opportunity to benefit from developments in modern medicine. Within this framework, in some cases folk medicine has given way to pharmacological drugs. However, some people do not trust modern medicine in cases like the evil eye or when someone is under the influence of an evil spirit. Both folk and modern medicine are used in some diseases, like asthma or to deal with heart problems. Cancer and other diseases which requires a surgeon are totally left to modern medicine. As a result, in conservative regions, the attitudes of residents towards disease are shaped by cultural factors. Research shows that not only educational levels but also peoples’ economic situation influences this attitude. Contacts with big cities, and the availability of transport also enhance the tendency towards modern medicine. This tendency is most commonly seen in the young. Whether educated or not, rich or poor, some people still use folk medicine for specific diseases, and visits to shrines and folk methods of dealing with fractures or dislocations can still be observed. In spite of this, researchers point out that there is a general movement in the direction of modern medicine, and this tendency may be slow or fast depending on the region’s socio-cultural and economic profile. FOLK TREATMENTS  Bee Stings a) Ice is put on the sting. If ice is not available, the wound is washed with cold water or mud is smeared on it. b) A bunch of parsley is wrapped around the affected area. c) The victim rubs garlic on the sting. High Temperatures  a) A towel is moistened with vinegar and pressed onto the brow, neck, hands, feet and the whole body. This operation is repeated untill the patient’s temperature gone down. b) An aspirin is dissolved in lemon juice and rubbed on the patient’s body, beginning with the forehead. c) A mixture of grain alcohol, aspirin and few drops of olive oil is rubbed on the articular parts of the body. Asthma  A pigeon egg is consumed every morning for 40 days as the first meal of the day. Aches a) The leaf of a black cabbage is heated and placed on the affected area. This operation is repeated frequently. b) A mixture of boiled and mashed linen seeds, henna and naphtha oil is rubbed on aching parts of the body. This operation continues a few times a day. c) A cream is made from dry tobacco and raki. The affected areas covered with this cream. d) Thin sand is roasted, a few olives are added and the affected areas are covered with this mixture while it is still warm or hot. This operation goes on for three or four days. Sore Feet  Unrefined salt is dissolved in hot water, and the feet are washed in this solution for ten minutes. Sprains  An onion is mashed with either salt or olives and placed on the sprained area. Headaches  a) A potato is cut into slices and coffee sprinkled on them. These slices are placed on the forehead. b) Round lemon slices are placed on the forehead. c) The patient covers his head with the gall of an animal, mixed with henna, for a few hours. Bronchitis  a) Linen seeds are mashed with sugar and eaten. b) A piece of bread is roasted, moistened with vinegar and placed on the chest. Tonsilitis  The throat is covered with a piece of cotton with pepper and grain alcohol. Kidney Stones a) Medlar leaves are boiled and drunk as tea. This continues until the stone is ejected. b) Water with parsley or yogurt is drunk every morning. Nosebleeds  The shell of an egg is burned till it becomes ash. The victims breaths in this ash when his or her nose starts to bleed. Haemorrhoids a) Garlic is rubbed on every morning. b) The middle parts of wild roses are boiled and drunk as tea. Dolman  Okra is cooked in milk and placed on the finger. Flu  Mint and dried linden flowers are boiled with lemon and drunk as tea. Sty  Garlic is rubbed on the sty. Diarrhea  a) Diarrhea will end if a glass of soda pop with an asprin inside is drunk. b) A spoonful of coffee is mixed with lemon juice and eaten. c) A small cup of yogurt is mixed with a similar cup of baking soda and eaten. Cancer  In summer fresh and in winter dry stinging nettles are boiled and drunk as tea every morning before breakfast. Parotitis  The patient eats red halvah (a sweet prepared with sesame oil, various cereals and syrup) and fat is rubbed on the ears. Swollen stomach  A mixture of vinegar and bran is heated, and the stomach covered with the mixture. Calcification  The patient uses fish oil for calcified areas. Earache  A little leek water is poured into the ear. Dog Bites  The bite is covered with a bread poultice. Stomachache  a) The patient drinks milk with honey. b) Inula is boiled and drunk as tea. c) The patient eats sesame oil as the first meal of the day. d) Verruca flower leaves are chewed and swallowed. Eczema  a) Eggplant is cooked in hot ashes and mixed with powdered henna. The ointment is placed on the affected area and covered with a clean towel. b) Peach leaves are boiled and drunk as tea for ten days. c) The patient eats hedgehog meat. d) The patient swallows the seeds of the elderberry plant. Shortness of Breath  a) Stingling nettle tea is drunk every day. b) Black radish is hollowed out and filled with honey. A small hole is opened in the radish and a cup put under it. The patient eats the honey that flows out after waiting for a night. c) Cones are boiled and drunk as tea. Coughs  a) The patient drinks a spoonful of honey mixed with a spoonful of lemon juice every morning for a few days. b) Apple and lemon peel and linden flowers are together boiled and drunk every morning. c) The patient eats raw parsley. Heat Rash  Dry cat tail is heated and the ashes rubbed onto the affected parts of the body. Rheumatism  a) The patient eats a mixture of mashed chestnuts and sugar. b) A pot of barley is boiled in a large cauldron of water. Once the temparature of the water has gone down to an appropriate level, the patient climbs inside the cauldron and waits for an hour. This application is repeated for a few days. c) A bunch of the herb sultan is put in a cauldron full of water and boiled. The patient climbs inside the cauldron and remains in it for an hour. He repeats this procedure for a few days. d) The patient is buried up to his neck in animal faeces and stays there for an hour. e) The patient drinks one cup of grated celery root. Hair  For healthy hair and to avoid baldness, vine stems are chopped in the spring time. The liquid that drips from these stems is collected in a bottle and the hair washed with it. Jaundice  The patient's forehead or chest is scratched with a razor blade. Backache  a) A strong massage is applied using a cup. b) Honey and pepper are rubbed on the affected areas. This is covered with a perforated newspaper and a towel, and the patient spends the night like this. The operation is frequently repeated. Malaria  A small herb with pink flowers known as "malaria weed" is boiled and drunk as tea. Cuts and Boils  a) The wound or boil is covered with poaceae, if this is not not available, cabbage leaves or tomatoes may also be used. b) Soap and a small pinch of salammoniac (ammonia) are together cooked with an onion and applied to the boil when the ointment is warm. Bites by Poisonous Animals The head of a match is scraped and this is rubbed on the affected part.

Traditional Institutions - Dervish Orders

Traditional Institutions - Dervish Orders

Khorasan holy men, including Haji Bektashi Veli, united the Christian residents of Anatolia and Turkoman migrants with their educational and developmental activities and played an important role in the formation of cultural unity and central authority in Anatolia. Some holy men migrated in to Anatolia, settled on mountains and empty crossroads and opened dervish lodges there. These institutions settled on empty land gradually became centers for culture, development and religious thought. In this manner, religious congregations spread everywhere, rules of morals, good breeding, attitudes and beliefs reached a high standard, knowledge and science were both produced and spread in these centers. The administration encouraged such holy men to settle in villages, and their educational activities gave them some privileges. As a result, even in the most desolate places in Anatolia, dervish lodges emerged, and with the effect of the education they provided, a common cultural structure began to form. Haji Bektashi Veli was one of those figures who came to Anatolia from Khorasan with this purpose in mind. He was born in Nishabur, Khorasan in 1248, spent his childhood in Khorasan, and was trained in philosophy and social and positive sciences at Hodja Ahmed Yesevi’s school. After traveling to Iran, Iraq and Arabia, Haji Bektash settled in Sulucukarahoyuk in 1275/80. At that time, Anatolia was under Mongol occupation, there was a severe social and economic crisis and fighting for political power. In that difficult climate, Haji Bektashi Veli settled in Sulucakarahoyuk, developed his philosophy and began to teach his students. His tolerance and human love based philosophy reached many people, and were taken up by them in the important center of Christianity of Cappadocia. • Any road that doesn’t follow science, ends in darkness, • Give education to women, • Control on your tongue, hands and waist, • The greatest book to read is man himself, • Honesty is the door of a friend, • Being a teacher is to give, not to take, • The universe is for man, and man for the universe, • Science illuminates the paths of truth, • We travel in the way of science, comprehension and human love, • Clean where you’ve settled and deserve the money you’ve made, • Let’s be one, be big and energetic, • Don’t hurt anyone, even though you’ve been hurt, • Don’t ask anyone for anything that would be difficult for you to do, • Don’t blame any nation or individual, • Blessed are those who illuminate the darkness of thought, • Keep on searching, and you’ll find, • The beauty of the face consists of the words you speak, • Don’t forget that even your enemy is human, • The biggest God-given miracle is work, • In the language of friendly conversation, you can’t discriminate between man and woman, • Everything God has created is in order, • To us, there’s no difference between man and woman, • If you think there is, you’re mistaken. His thoughts are based on human love and human existence. This vision is similar to the 1948 Charter on Human Rights. His thoughts were also shared by M. Kemal Atatürk 600 years later, and the Turkish Republic was built on the principles of secularism, democracy and respect for human rights. His thoughts are still alive and still lighten the way for many people. It’s not the trivet but the fire gives the heat, The miracle is not in the crown but in the khirkah (woolen garment worn by a dervish) Whatever you’re searching for, search in yourself, It’s neither in Jerusalem, Mecca nor in the Hadj. “ There is no need to discriminate between religions. Religions cause disputes among people. In fact, all religions aim to provide peace and brotherhood on earth” says Bektashi Veli in his opus “Velayetname”. Bektashism, which originates from Haji Bektashi Veli’s ideas, aims to comprehend the unity of “Universe,God and Man” based on human love. Man is ornamented with divine characteristics. The first step to success is to know yourself and love yourself because man harbours divine qualities within himself, and the man who loves himself also loves God. This quatrain explains Bektashism’s understanding of  love in the clearest way: Students hew stone, They hew and present it to their master, In every inch of the stone, They call God to mind. Man is independent. His duty is to behave modestly and to feed, refine, mature and fill his spirit with love of God. Bodies are only tools for the main purpose. So discriminating between men and women or classifying people according to their social status or race is a huge mistake. Man or woman, all of mankind are equal. Haji Bektashi Veli’s views are still alive today and celebrated with excitement every year on the 15-17th August in the Haji Bektash region of the province of Nevsehir. Another institution that contributes to Anatolian culture unity is ahilik. (rules, manners, attitudes of people sharing same profession) Ahi, who came to Anatolia with the Yesevi dervishes, preferred cities to rural areas because they had professions. Ahilik (being an Ahi), is not only a professional organization but also a sacred institution with its own rules, traditions, conformities and secrets. Ahi Evran Veli was a holy man from Khorasan, like Haji Bektashi Veli, who united Anatolian Ahis and made them an organized force. Ahi Evran’s wife, Sister Fatima (known as Woman Mother) set up the first woman’s organization in the world, “Baciyan-i Rum”. Ahis gathered in Ankara and Kirsehir under the sheik of Evran in the 13th century and spread to all Seljuk cities. Ahis played an important role in the formation of the Ottoman state, and to some researchers they even counted Osman Gazi, who founded the Ottoman state, his son Orhan Gazi and Sultan Murad and among their followers. Equality between members is the first Ahi rule. All members are brothers. On the other hand, the institution has many internal rules, and beginners have a great respect for their elders. To become a member, one must be invited by an Ahi, and people with bad reputations or who have dubious jobs would never being accepted. For example, murderers, people who kill animals (butchers) or people who have committed adultery are not allowed to be members. As with Bektashism, becoming a member is celebrated with a special ritual. In this ritual, the Ahi candidate wears a special belt (Sed) and members instruct him, to treat everyone equally and honestly. Absolute affiliation and eternal obedience is expected from all members. Atheists and religious fanatics are not allowed to join. As with Bektashism, the Ahi goes through many stages in which he learns patience, purification of the soul, loyalty, friendship and tolerance. In addition to these qualifications mentioned above, there are six important principles: 1. Open your hand (be generous to everyone), 2. Share your food, 3. Open the door of your house when somebody needs shelter, 4. Close your eyes (don’t be led astray by the artificial beauties of the world), 5. Control your waist (Don’t be a victim of your sexual impulses), 6. Control your tongue. He who comes with patience and God, Stands by our side. He who works with morality and wisdom and passes us, And stands our side. There are many degrees in Ahism. In these, the student learns professional skills, sufism and religion, reading and writing, Turkish, Arabic, Persian, music, mathematics and the Constitution of Ahi “Futuvvetname” The nine degrees of the Ahi are: • Young fellow • Assistant • Apprentice • Experienced Apprentice • Master • Ahi • Caliph • Sheik • Grand Sheik Although the Ahi institution has now weakend, it is still officially celebrated every year on the second Monday in October. Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi is another Anatolian holy man who gave hope and inspiration to humanity. Mevlana was born in 1207 in Khorasan, and died in 1273 in Konya. He took his first lessons from his father Bahaeddin Veled, who was known as “sultan of scholars”. While he was studying Sufism he met Ahi Sems Tebrizi, and after this meeting his own ideas began to emerge. It is his poems about Sufism, however, for which he is chiefly remembered, respected and admired today. The branch of love comes from ancient times, and its root from immortality, That greatness is too much for this mind and morals, Fade away, pass through your existence. Your existence is murder. Love is nothing other than finding the truth. According to Mevlana, love is the only thing necessary to attain God. A plant or an animal may also love, but it is only man who has the capacity to love with his body, mind, thoughts and memory. Mevlana exalts the state of being in love with a woman because if someone loves someone else, he also loves himself, humanity, the universe and God. The most beautiful love, “Love of Truth,” begins when someone reaches this level of wisdom. Followers of Mevlana (Mevlevi) spin around and around in a ritual called “sema.” This ritual symbolizes a world united in love and keeping step with the world’s universal rotation. While one of their hands points to the sky, the other hand points to the ground meaning “ Love from God spreads to the earth”. The spirit bursts forth from God and is immortal. The sound of the nay (a reed flute) tells of man’s longing to return to his initial source. He means that the universe is an endless place within the existence of God, and as a small part of the whole, man keeps that divine essence inside him by saying, “You who search for God, it’s you that you’re searching for....” Come, no matter what you are, Whether atheist or sun worshipper. Whether you’ve backslid a thousand times, Come, no matter what you are. As we see, all mankind are brothers, and differences between religions do not square well with the divine presence. Mevlana attaches great importance to women and maintains that men and women are equal, saying, “The more you insist women should cover themselves up, the more you incite people’s desire to see them. Like a man, if a woman’s heart is good, she will chose the path of goodness independent of your prohibitory actions. If her heart is bad, you can’t influence whatever you do.” Mevlana’s students were called Kitap-el Esrar (Clerks of the Secret). There were Muslims, Christians, Jews, Iranians, Armenians, Rums and Turks among them. His students from different cultures and religions collected his poems and gave them as a gift to later generations.