Alanya Halk Kültüründe Deve

Abstract

Camel is one of sacred animals that has existed in the lives of the Turks since before Islam and has a mythological property. Being a significant means in the Arabic life tradition, camels have become even more important among the Turks after the acceptance of Islam. Intercultural interaction, verses related to camels in the Koran, active use of camels during the period of Mohammed and going on pilgrimage on camels for a certain period of time have increased the importance of camels among the Turks. Additionally, camels playing a key role in transportation and facilitating people’s work have made them more privileged than other animals. Today, camels are also precious for the people of Alanya who maintain the Yuruks tradition. During the times when the means of transport were nonexistent, Yuruks used to provide transportation through camels. Migrations and commercial journeys that took days were made on camels. Active role of camels in the lives of nomads have made camels special and meaningful. People have felt a deep respect and fondness for camels that are qualified as sacred animals. Camels have been considered protective animals and imagined as saints and angels. People have produced different words according to a camel’s age and sex. Camels have been included in folk literature products ranging from Turkish poems to myths. Hair, meat, milk, urine, stool, saliva and bones of camels have been considered valuable and these things have been used in the treatment of a variety of illnesses. In this study, the place of camels in Alanya folk culture was discussed in general. Matters related to camels in folk literature products, folk medicine and folk beliefs were also discussed. In addition to written sources, information obtained from the source people were revealed as a result of the compilation study.

Keywords
Alanya, camel folk culture, Yuruks.
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