`turkish-culture` Related Article Results

The horse, for the Turks, is not merely a riding animal; it is a cultural symbol deeply interwoven with social structure, belief systems, art, literature, military tradition, and daily life. The Turks, believed to be the first to domesticate the horse, also viewed it as a way of life, a loyal friend, and a trusted companion. Throughout their history, the Turks, who lived a nomadic lifestyle, relied on the horse in every aspect of existence. Turkic peoples living on the steppes constantly moved i

Reconciling from Degeneration is an essay and analytical work by Professor Dr. Hüsrev Hatemi (b. 1938), one of today’s leading Turkish thinkers, published by Dergâh Yayınları as part of its “Contemporary Turkish Thought” series. The book examines the fundamental debates of Turkish culture through the lenses of modernization and identity. It approaches the persistent question among intellectuals—“What should Turkish culture be?”—in light of Westernization with a reconciliatory and holistic perspe

In Turkish culture, light, shadow and dream carry symbolic meanings in both art and daily life. These themes play a significant role in shaping social structures and individual consciousness by reflecting the depths of the human soul, societal beliefs and cultural values. Light, the relationship between shadow and dream, has been shaped by both historical and psychological dimensions.Light and Shadow: Contrasts and BalanceIn Turkish culture, light is generally regarded as a positive, illuminatin

Lokman Hekim is described in Islamic tradition as a wise individual, deriving his name from the 31st chapter of the Qur’an, known as “Surah Luqman.” This chapter states that wisdom was granted to Lokman and records the advice he gave to his son. The Qur’an does not explicitly state whether Lokman was a prophet; however, many commentators and Islamic scholars hold the view that he was not a prophet but a righteous and wise servant of God. The admonitions in this chapter emphasize monotheism, resp

Çelik çomak is a traditional children’s game played in various regions of Türkiye. In the game, a short stick is called the çelik, and a longer stick is referred to as the çomak. The main objective is to use the çomak to strike the çelik, launching it into the air and sending it as far as possible, followed by different scoring methods to determine the winner. Players can compete individually or in teams. This game helps children develop social skills such as strategic thinking, cooperation, and

The Metin Yurdanur Open-Air Sculpture Museum is an art space located in the Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir, Turkey. It holds the distinction of being the first open-air sculpture museum in Turkey. The museum consists of approximately 100 works created by sculptor Metin Yurdanur and was opened to visitors in 2011. These works feature figures reflecting Turkish culture and history, including prominent figures such as Atatürk, Kazım Karabekir, Nasrettin Hoca, and Yunus Emre, as well as social sym

People games are anonymous dance forms that embody social and cultural values and traditional music through dance styles, shaped by regional differences. These games involve people gathering and performing specific figures, typically containing rhythmic movements that reinforce social bonds, symbolize unity and solidarity, and carry emotional and dramatic elements. Folk games occupy a central place among the community’s traditional festivities and are sometimes shaped by religious beliefs, natur

At the heart of the old Turkic belief system lies a concept that is both mysterious and profoundly central: Kut. This concept is more than just a word; it is a divine energy, fortune, vital force, and above all, the source of legitimacy for the right to rule, believed to be bestowed by the Sky God. Kut is an ancient mystery that installs rulers on thrones, empowers heroes, and inspires sages.What Exactly Is Kut?The concept of Kut is rich and multi-layered, too complex to be captured by a single

Nazar is a belief system with deep roots in Turkish culture, transmitted across generations. Known among the people as "göz değmesi", this belief holds that a person or object can be negatively affected by the envious or admiring glances of others. It is believed that this influence manifests as illness, misfortune, or bad luck. The belief in nazar is not unique to the Anatolian region but has a broad cultural spread extending from Central Asia to the present day.Historical and Cultural OriginsT

The Bride Ram Tradition is a ritual unique to Turkish folk culture, in which the groom’s family sends a decorated ram to the bride’s home as part of the wedding process. This ram is typically sent before Eid al-Adha, and is presented ceremonially with gold, money, or various jewelry adorned upon it.The Tradition of Sending a Ram to Bride Candidates Continues in Beypazarı (İhlas News Agency - YouTube)" youtube-video-element-format="right">HistoryThe bride ram tradition is linked to the sacrifi