Scopus
🔓 Açık Erişim
From Turkish Mythology to Alevi–Bektashi Sacred Narratives: A Phenomenological Analysis of Animal Imagery
Religions · Şubat 2026
Makale Bilgileri
DergiReligions
Yayın TarihiŞubat 2026
Cilt / Sayfa17
Scopus ID2-s2.0-105031078165
Erişim🔓 Açık Erişim
Özet
In this study, which focuses on animal symbolism in Alevi–Bektashi menakıpnames (hagiographies), the objective was to investigate animal symbolism, which is not unfamiliar but not fully understood. In this context, the study examined Abdal Musa Velayetnamesi, Menakıbu’l Kudsiyye, Demir Baba Velayetname, Hacı Bektaş Veli Velayetname, Hacım Sultan Menakıpname, Koyun Baba Velayetname, Otman Baba Velayetname, Saltıkname, Seyyid Ali Sultan Velayetname, Şuaceddin Veli Velayetname, and Veli Baba Menakıpname. This study, which aims to reveal the animals featured in Alevi–Bektashi menakıpnames and the symbolic perceptions attributed to them, uses phenomenology (the study of phenomena) from qualitative research designs. Within the scope of the research, data was collected through secondary sources, and elements considered meaningful and thought to contain animal symbolism were identified and presented in the findings section through direct and indirect transfers. The analysis revealed that the following animals are used as symbolic animals in the aforementioned menakıpnames and menkıbes: horse, deer, sheep, ram, lion, wolf, dog, pig, crane, pigeon, rooster, snake/dragon, salamander, crocodile, fish, and ox. Although animals such as wolves and sheep have taken on different functions and symbolic meanings under the influence of Islamic tradition, all other animals have retained their symbolic meanings in Turkish mythology in Alevi–Bektashi legends.
Yazarlar (1)
1
Haktan Kaplan
ORCID: 0000-0001-6693-6766
Anahtar Kelimeler
Alevi–Bektashi
animals
faith
legends
symbolism
Turkish culture
Kurumlar
Selçuk Üniversitesi
Selçuklu Turkey