Geographical Symbols in Beliefs of the Tahtacı Turkomans Around Kaz Mountain, W Turkey

Abstract

Kaz Mountain is culturally very important mountain mass located in the northwest of the Anatolian Peninsula. It is physically and culturally significant among Turkmens. High mountains were considered sacred since they were close to Tengri and regarded as its place or home. Geographical motifs and their origins in the belief system of Turkmen communities around Kaz Mountain (i.e Tahtacı Turkomans) were examined in this study. In the preparation phase of the study, previously conducted research on this topic and the area was reviewed, and scientific data that would lay the basis for this research were compiled. Turkmen communities living around Kaz Mountain and their cultural features were observed on site in various time periods. People who are knowledgeable on this topic were interviewed many times. In the last phase, data provided by fieldwork, interviews, and literature reviews were compiled, and a final text was composed. It was established in the study that Tahtacı Turkomans who live around Kaz Mountain maintain their old beliefs and their culture. Tahtacı people consider Kaz Mountain, geese, and some trees sacred, and they continue rituals related to them. Both physical geographical evidence and legends pertaining to this mountain suggest that the name of this magnificent mountain is related to the animal “goose”.