Eagle in Turkic Culture: Falconry Tradition As an ICH Element of Kazakhstan
Project no. 23974 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2022
Summary
<p>The eagle holds a significant place in Turkish culture. Known by names such as "Karakuş," "Bürküt," and "Kıran," the eagle was considered a messenger of the Sky God in ancient Turkish beliefs. Shamans believed that illnesses originated from evil spirits attacking the soul of the sick person, so they attempted to treat them with eagles. In the Book of Dede Korkut, one of the most important sources of Turkish culture, great warriors are likened to "eagles flying close to God." In the Oçı Bala Epic of the Altai Turks, where elements of shamanistic beliefs are more prevalent, the hero transforms into an eagle to fight against underground spirits. Historically, Turks viewed the eagle as a symbol of their independent character and included the eagle motif on their flags. Today, a golden eagle appears on the Kazakhstan flag. Another element of Kazakhstan's intangible cultural heritage is "Bürkütçülük," or the tradition of hunting with eagles. It is crucial that the Kazakh Turks have recorded this tradition within the definition of intangible cultural heritage, which encompasses the practices, representations, narratives, knowledge, skills, and related tools, equipment, and cultural spaces that communities, groups, and, in some cases, individuals define as part of their cultural heritage. This tradition, recorded by the Kazakh Turks as an element of SOKÜM (Intangible Cultural Heritage), demonstrates the relationship and perspective of the Turks with nature throughout history, from the past to the present, and also sheds light on the future.</p><p>Based on the data obtained in the study, the following will be achieved:</p><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Examine the place of the eagle in Turkish culture.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Through fieldwork, identify and examine the knowledge, skills, and practices related to the bürkütçülük (hunting with eagles) tradition, including rituals, cult beliefs, folk veterinary practices, and similar practices, which are still in existence today and passed down between generations.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Record the elements related to the bürkütçülük (hunting with eagles) tradition obtained during fieldwork, collect and publish visuals related to relevant topics, and then promote them.</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Compare and examine the bürkütçülük (hunting with eagles) tradition and the eagle as they appear in Turkish cultural sources with their current form, revealing any changes.</li></ol>