Square as a Symbol in Dede Korkut Stories


Cetinkaya G.

MILLI FOLKLOR, no.98, pp.73-86, 2013 (AHCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: Issue: 98
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Journal Name: MILLI FOLKLOR
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.73-86
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Symbols are used in very different fields of life with functions such as presenting a certain element, indicating its features, exerting and conveying the general framework of creation and execution as a cultural formula. These non-verbal signs existing within the cultural structure with multiple meaning functions have a semantic infrastructure in time with social utilization and are included within the social life with functions very different for users and bearers. Every cultural element creates a symbolic communication hidden within the socio-cultural medium in which it is included. Symbols are analyzed and become meaningful by having a common semantic structure. This common semantic structure consists of culture, language, belief, geographical features. In this sense, not only colors, figures, clothes, but also the locations which provide the establishment of common semantic structure within the society gain symbolic meaning. The locations which are natural and cultural indicators form the media which provide the creation and transfer of symbols, as well as undertake important functions in the social life by gaining a symbolic meaning. Learning, entertainment, establishment and transfer of group identity, socialization, information transfer etc. are some of the important functions of locations within the social life. Subject of this study is an endeavor for analyzing the semantic structure of the functions and features of the symbols, and the "square" which is a locational symbol in the Stories as elements which transfer and keep alive the hidden meanings of social life and culture in "Dede Korkut Stories" which include information concerning the life style, traditions and customs, philosophy of life and structure of belief of that period.