Building Names Related to Animal Husbandry in Turkish

Abstract

The relationship between the Turks and animal husbandry throughout history has been the subject of numerous academic studies. For centuries, animal husbandry has not only been a primary means of livelihood for the Turks, shaped by the opportunities offered by the regions they inhabited, but it has also provided strategic advantages in battlefields. In this context, animal husbandry has transcended its economic and military roles, becoming a source of spiritual value and contributing to the creation of a unique cultural structure within Turkish society. For instance, the Twelve Animal Calendar, the Legend of the Origin from the Wolf, the use of certain animals as state symbols, and the acceptance of animals as totems are indications of the significant place animals hold in Turkish culture. However, until now, the majority of philological studies related to animals and animal husbandry have focused mainly on the identification of animal names, which are directly related to specific animal species. This study, however, aims to identify the names of structures built by Turkish communities engaged in animal husbandry for their animals, rather than focusing solely on animal names and species. Through a review of various written sources and dialect studies from the beginning of history to the late 19th century, this study discusses the identified terms. By doing so, it seeks to offer a new perspective on architecture, specifically on the architecture related to animal husbandry.