Some folk beliefs in relation to daily life of Meskhetian Turks (the example of Denizli)

Abstract

As known, the Ahiska Turks are one of Turkish people that located in the Ahiska region on the borders of the present Georgia in X-XI centuries. The Ahiska Turks were known as Meskhetian Turks or Ahiska Turks, with the name of the region they settled over time. Ahiska Turks always proudly stated that they are Turks and announced this to the public. But they are paid a heavy price in the future and they continues to pay. The Ahiska Turks, after a thousand years of residence in these regions, were subjected to exile after the Second World War on the order of Stalin. The life of exiled Ahiska Turks has been continued in exile. Despite all the difficulties, the Ahiska Turks possessed religion, customs, culture and language and tried to protect their identity. One of the less well-known aspects of them in public are the folk beliefs of Ahiska Turks. In this study, we will give brief information about the history of the Ahiska Turks. Then we will try to examine some folk beliefs in relation to daily life of the Ahiska Turks. Finally, we will make a brief assessment of the folk beliefs and practices in terms of the history of religions.