|
THE LIFESTYLE OF "YAGCI BEDIR" NOMADSSince nomads live very close to nature, they have reflected their lifestyle of the rugs they make. The animal figures are the result of the nomads' close relationship with the herd animals.
My grandfather used to tell this story : " One day, he wanted to buy an animal from a neighboring village peasant, and offered to trade the animal with a piece of land. The peasant told him "What am I to do with this land? It's good enough for me to have my animal wag his tail happily in the pasture" . Of course as time goes by, the value of a piece of land is more appreciated, but by then it was too late. Unfortunately, as a result of the faulty politics in our country, animal-herding business has been replaced by farming. In our region, tobacco is the dominant produce. Other popular produces are tomatoes, wheat, corn, cucumbers and peppers. In my village, tobacco and rugs are the main sources of income. Farming is done in summer and rugs are made by the women in winter to make use of their spare time. The men either take care of their herding business if they have animals or work with their wives on the the rugs. So, the traditions are still being practiced and followed. Our weddings are celebrated with traditional music and they usually start on a friday night and end on sunday night with the bride moving to the grooms house after the night prayer on sunday night. During these 3 days, food is served to the guests and the entire village is invited to the wedding unconditionally. Even than, they are sent candy and a handkerchief, which are considered as an invitation to the wedding. Neighbors offer their hospitality to the guests from outside the village. The host pays attention to the guests to make sure their every need is taken care of. "Keskek" ( A traditional Yörük dish ) is usually the main course served in the weddings. Other dishes like "Tirit" ( A traditional Yörük meat dish ), rice, chick-peas and compote are also served on the side. The color red has a special meaning for "Yagci Bedir" nomads and the Star figure is included in every design. On the way to the groom's house, the bride is covered with a tulle called "Yörük Al'i" ( Yörük's Red ). Before the bride gets off the car, as tradition, she asks for a present ( farm, land, house, sheep, car etc.) from her father in law. He answers "I gave you my son", but he gives something symbolic to her. The bride is sat on a sheep skin and the wedding ceremony is performed. Two witnesses are called from among the bride and the groom's friends. In the presence of the witnesses, the presents are documented. This concludes the wedding ceremony. I have told you about the "Yagci Bedir" rugs produced in the Sindirgi area of the Aegean region of Anatolia. I have gathered this information from the elderly people of my neighboring villages.
Sincerely yours, |