MUSIC CULTURE IN BOZDOĞAN YORUKS OF MERSIN REGION

Abstract

Nomadic Turkmen groups migrated from Central Asia to Anatolia over time. These communities, called Yoruks, settled in different parts of Anatolia and some of them continued their lives until today. Due to the policy of the Ottoman state, many of the nomadic communities changed their living habits. An important aspect of the nomadic culture is music. Music is part of the culture. Therefore, although the music belonging to the Yoruks has been forgotten or is on the verge of being forgotten, it is still in question that it is filtered from the traditions. In the research, Bozdoğan Yoruks from Mersin region were preferred among the nomads who settled in various regions of Anatolia.

           The aim of this research is to reveal the musical culture of Bozdoğan Yoruks in Mersin region. Qualitative method was used in the research and literature review technique was used in data collection. As a result of the research, in the social lives of Bozdoğan Yoruks; It is seen that women take on great roles and transmit their culture from generation to generation by singing folk songs, laments and lullabies specific to their own culture at weddings, funerals and various entertainments. Although they live collectively, it has been concluded that they have adopted an individual musical style because they mostly deal with animal breeding. It is seen that they prefer easily transportable instruments due to their lifestyles, and they are influenced by their geographical location in their music. Due to their nomadic lifestyle, it is observed that separation and longing are often the subject of their songs. Looking at today, it is seen that they are still trying to preserve their own identities and try to keep their culture alive.

Keywords

Bozdoğan, Yoruk, Culture, Music Culture.