Sheep-Goats and Shepherds Relationship in Anatolia in Respective to Magic, Mysticism and Festive
Sheep-Goats and Shepherds Relationship in Anatolia in Respective to Magic, Mysticism and Festive

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on the relationship between shepherds and sheep-goats in Anatolia. Archaeological findings ratify the existence of goats and sheep in Anatolian geography for centuries. Throughout centuries brought many various shepherding types and practices into existence, despite its unknown starting date. The paper intends to shed some light on this relationship within magic, mysticism, and festive context. The mysticism part of the relationship touches more on the shepherd’s quest to answer ‘the riddle of life’ question and his spiritual self-improvement rather than the verbal / non-verbal communication with an animal. The magic section observes daily life practices to protect animals from sickness and avoid the ‘evil eye’, which might cause misfortune and hardship while raising them. The rituals and habits include pinning ornaments on animals, using amulets and protective objects such as the Paliurus Spina-Christi plant. While the Festive section highlights the events where shepherds exhibit their skills and the bond they establish with their animals. The data used in the article is based on the personal anthropological fieldwork and analysis of the respective literature. In light of the information collected, the paper aims to bring a new approach toward the human-animal mutual relations while placing shepherd activities to its core. In contemplating forming a base for future studies might compare these practices with other parts of the world and gain brand new perspectives on the human-animal connection.

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