ADİGE-ÇERKES KÜLTÜRÜNDE ŞARKI SÖYLEME SANATI
THE ART OF SINGING IN ADYGHE-CIRCASSIANS

Summary/Abstract: The immigrants from Caucasia, known as Adyghe in the North Caucasus but referred to as Circassian during the Ottoman period, were known as Circassians both in the official records of the time and in the language of the Anatolian people who welcomed them. Circassians, who share several common characteristics with the multilingual peoples living in the North Caucasus, have always tried to preserve their oral literature and singing traditions, which are very similar in terms of content and form. Circassian is a rich language, too. So, the music structures of Adyghe and Circassian peoples, which have different linguistic properties although they have similar traditions and were both referred to as Circassian during the Ottoman period, as well as information about their singing traditions, have been put forward in this study. In this study, the characteristics, and classifications of Adyghe-Circassian songs were discussed by explaining the changes in the musical structure at the language and word levels and the reasons for these changes. It has been observed that in order not to lose their identity, the Adyghe, who stood out in social life with their special musical structures, managed to preserve their dances, traditional instruments, and singing styles, which are unique to their music culture. The epics of Nart heroes, the first ancestors of Circassians, are very prominent in Circassian songs. The traditions of the North Caucasian people had come from the teachings of the Nart Epics and the rituals of these teachings. Bards told the Nart Epics in a melodious way, making them more interesting, and helped them reach today after centuries. In this study, the importance of the Nart Epics of the Adyghe-Circassian society was emphasized, and it was seen that the songs about the Nart Epics were very important in the basis of Circassian classical music.

• Details
• Contents