Abdals and the Maqam Structure of the Bozlaks Performed: The case of Kırşehir and Kırıkkale

Abstract

The geography of Turkey, also known as Anatolia, is home to a rich folklore tradition, particularly given that different civilizations have chosen it as their home. As a result, it is a unique region in terms of cultural richness. Amongst this cultural richness and folkloric structure, the regions where the Abdal tradition is kept alive occupy a different cultural place and importance. This region, which encompasses the Southern Toros Mountains and particularly Central Anatolia, has a markedly distinct and profound history with regard to music and folklore, as is the case in nearly every region of Anatolia. This society, which is designated as the Yörük Türkmen Abdal in numerous historical documents, has been the subject of numerous studies as an essential cultural mediator between generations while maintaining a distinctive lifestyle encompassing their religious, social, and cultural lives. The Bozlaks have a particular significance in relation to the expression of historical events, including migration, suffering, separation, and death, as experienced by Abdals in a multitude of geographical locations.

Long airs have a significant role in the Turkish folk music tradition. The most proficient performers of these melodies, which have different names depending on the region in which they are found, are the Abdals. Bozlaks, which are performed by Abdals, especially in Central Anatolia and Southern Anatolia, have perhaps the most distinctive position among them. Bozlaks, which are widely performed by Abdals in the Keskin district of Kırıkkale and Kırşehir, has been a deeply rooted tradition that has been passed down among some Turkish tribes, including the Turkmens, Avşars, Baraks, Beğdili, and Cerites. The research findings indicate that the Abdals' relationship with music and their skillful performance of Bozlak, which is generally considered to be one of the long-air genres, is noteworthy. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the Abdals typically perform Bozlak in Muhayyer, Muhayyer Kurdi, Acem Kurdi, Muhayyer Sunbüle, and Karciğar Makams with a descending course feature.