THE FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ASHIQ TRADITION

Abstract

The minstrel (Ashiq) tradition is one of the major fields of interest in Turkish Folkore. Folk culture is the most beautiful reflection of the tradition, the way of life, and the philosophy of the people who make up the nation. One of the most important agents who carry this culture from past to present is the ashiqs. Ashiqs, while referring to people's feelings, thoughts and lifestyles, also accompanied by their saz. Ashiqs have undertaken the mission to transmit the poems of whom lived before them from past to present as well as they improvised poetry. Thanks to the ashiq tradition, the poems that reflect the world of people's emotions and thoughts have come up to date. Ashiqs wrote their poetry of which influenced by the human being and played an important role in the formation of folk culture. The Ashiqs has been one of the decisive elements of folk culture, hoping to examine Turkish culture in every way by trying to interpret people's life and behavior styles in their poems.