The Familiar Spirit of Fire and Hearth in The Turkish Culture Cover Image

Türk Kültüründe Ateş ve Ocak İyeleri
The Familiar Spirit of Fire and Hearth in The Turkish Culture

Author(s): Satı Kumartaşlioğlu
Subject(s): Customs / Folklore, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
Published by: Karadeniz Araştırmaları Merkezi
Keywords: Fire; hearth; familiar spirit,; Turkish culture; “ot ana”;

Summary/Abstract: In Turkish culture "fire" and "hearth" has become a cult as a result formed around the various beliefs and practices. It is believed to be familiar spirit of fire and hearth and called “familiar spirit of fire and hearth” to this spirit in general. Because familiar spirit of fire and hearth is believed to be alive, it has been treated like a creature is treated this familiar spirit, insomuch that it was loaded with some human characteristics to this familiar spirit. But, it is called “ot ana” to the familiar spirit in the Turkish world in general and this familiar spirit is illustrated like a woman. In addition to these features, the familiar spirit of fire and hearth in the Turkish culture situated in a divine and in-between position. Some rules and taboos has been formed around the fire and hearth on account of this. In the article, the familiar spirit of fire and hearth will be evaluated in terms of antropomorphic aspect, female appearance, formed around the rules and taboos and its relationship with the harmful spirit.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 43
  • Page Range: 175-190
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Turkish