Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3. ULUSLARARASI BİLİMSEL DERLEME ÇALIŞMALARI KONGRESİ 12-13 Şubat 2025, Ankara, Ankara, Türkiye, 12 Şubat 2025, ss.69-71, (Özet Bildiri)
Culture consists of elements such as behaviors, values, traditions, and beliefs that determine the lifestyle of a society and are passed down from generation to generation. These elements are generally passed down orally from society to society. Oral culture and folk beliefs are important elements that shape the history, identity, and worldviews of societies. These concepts include information and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation rather than written sources. Oral culture is of great importance in Turkish culture. Especially in ancient Turkish communities that lived nomadic lives, since written sources were not abundant, information transfer was mainly carried out through oral sources. Folk beliefs belonging to oral culture, which is a legacy of the past, reflect the relationship of societies with basic concepts such as nature, life, and death. For example, in Turkish Folk Beliefs, figures such as “Al Karısı” or “Çarşamba karsı” are based on protecting women and children during birth or putting them in danger. Certain beliefs are used to protect the mother and baby who have just given birth from evil spirits. Certain objects such as pieces of iron and evil eye beads are frequently used during and after birth. According to popular belief, it is a common belief that evil spirits can harm the baby and the mother. There are traces of ancient Turkish Shamanism in such beliefs. In addition, the protection of the baby and the mother can be ensured by wearing amulets and reading prayers to protect the pregnant woman during birth. Such beliefs express social fears and desires in symbolic language and continue to exist today. Rituals have an important place in these beliefs that reflect tradition. These rituals, which have an important place for both the individual and the society, stand out as a determining factor in the formation of culture and take place at important turning points such as birth, marriage and death. These special moments are commemorated in accordance with the traditions and beliefs of the society. Birth-related beliefs, which mark the beginning of the transitional period rituals that reinforce the continuity and unity of the society, constitute an indispensable part of the culture. Birth has an important place in Turkish culture as in many cultures. During this period, there is both social and biological change. In Turkish culture, rituals and beliefs related to birth are generally applied for the purpose of protecting the baby and the mother and ensuring that they are accepted by the society. Birth-related transitional rituals are among the important practices that celebrate the birth of a new creature and give it an identity. There are many traditions, customs and beliefs from before to after birth. Although the beliefs have undergone some changes at different times, they still continue today. Many rituals are practiced for the health of the mother and the baby. As a result of the rituals practiced, the individual gains a new social status. This study aims to determine the customs, traditions and beliefs that have been practiced in the past and still continue today in Erzincan province, which has a deep-rooted history in the Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, regarding birth, which is the expression of the beginning for humanity. The birth event has not only been seen as a biological event but has also gained a sacred meaning. The people's beliefs about birth have been enriched with protective and lucky rituals. It is thought that the social structure and cultural values of Erzincan will be better understood with the study.The rituals and beliefs of the province are also important in terms of providing important clues about Turkish culture both regionally and in general. These rituals provide important data to understand the values, social structure and beliefs of the society in the region. In the face of the risk of traditional rituals being lost and forgotten over time, the protection of culture, its survival and transfer to future generations are also among the aims. Keywords: Belief, Transition Periods, Birth, Tradition, Erzincan, Oral Culture.